How will I feel? When can I get back to work? When can I get back to my normal routine? Recovery time is individual, depending upon the patient, the placement and type of the implant, and the surgical technique.
However, here are some general guidelines:
- You’ll feel tired and tender for the first 24 to 48 hours. Plan to take it easy.
- You’ll probably be able to go back to work in several days if your job is not too physically demanding. If your work requires physical energy and stamina, you’ll need to allow more time for your recovery.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for six weeks.
- Your stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days. The incision scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks, and then will begin to fade. Your breasts will remain swollen for three to four weeks following surgery. They will be tender to touch and exercise.
- No lifting for two weeks and no heavy lifting for four weeks.
- Allow about two months for “complete” recovery from breast augmentation surgery.
Following surgery, your surgeon will apply gauze bandages to your incision sites and you will be placed in a surgical bra which you will wear for about two days. You will receive instructions about changing the gauze and keeping the incision clean; positions for sleep and rest; raising your arms, breathing exercises and breast massage.
Call your doctor if:
- There is an increase in pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area;
- You develop headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever, nausea or vomiting.
Usual follow up after surgery is at one week, one month, three and/or six months and thereafter at annual exams.
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