While the idea of undergoing surgery can be intimidating, understanding the recovery journey helps ease your concerns so you can move forward with confidence. Below, we address healing after breast augmentation, including questions such as “How painful is breast augmentation recovery?” and topics related to driving, bathing, and traveling after surgery. Read on to learn more about the recovery process—and how our rapid recovery breast augmentation techniques can have you back to your routine within a day or two.
How Painful Is Breast Augmentation Recovery?
While pain thresholds vary, advancements in surgical techniques have significantly improved the recovery experience. A key part of our rapid recovery breast augmentation is the use of Exparel®. This long-lasting, FDA-approved local anesthetic minimizes (and often eliminates) the need for prescription medication or opioids after surgery. As a result, our patients enjoy a quick, comfortable recovery with minimal soreness and discomfort.
How Long Is Breast Augmentation Recovery?
In traditional breast augmentation, patients usually need 2 weeks to return to work and several more weeks to resume strenuous activities. With our rapid recovery procedure, patients are back at work within 24 to 48 hours and can exercise as usual within a month. I have dedicated myself to pioneering techniques that minimize trauma and allow patients to return to their busy, active lives as soon as possible. Learn more about our “24-Hour Recovery” process in our related blog post and see how it compares to traditional breast augmentation in the chart below.
If patients choose to combine their augmentation with a breast lift (known clinically as an augmentation mastopexy), their recovery time will increase due to the more extensive surgical intervention required.
When Can I Sleep on My Side After Breast Augmentation?
The ability to sleep comfortably is a major priority during recovery. While it’s important to avoid putting undue pressure on your new implants, our patients can typically sleep on their sides within a couple of days after surgery.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Drive?
Our advanced techniques and pain management protocol allow patients to have a full range of motion in their arms within 24 hours of surgery. As a result, driving and going out for errands or with friends is often possible after 1 to 2 days (as long as patients are not taking prescription pain medication).
When Can I Exercise After Breast Augmentation?
Our patients can resume most activities shortly after surgery. While more strenuous exercises should be avoided for a month, patients often find that they can engage in gentle activities like walking and light stretching within hours of their procedure.
Can You Fly After Breast Augmentation?
If travel plans are on your mind, we recommend waiting at least a week to fly after surgery, especially if you have heavy luggage. This allows ample time for initial healing and helps minimize the risk of complications during your journey. We can advise you on your specific case during your consultation.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Swim?
Although our breast augmentation patients can move their arms normally within a day of their operation, the incisions still need time to heal before swimming becomes feasible. Patients generally need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before engaging in strenuous exercise and submerging their incisions in water.
When Can I Shower After Breast Augmentation?
Our rapid recovery breast augmentation patients can usually shower within 24 hours of their operation. Take care not to get your incisions too wet, and avoid unnecessary bending and lifting.
When Can I Sleep Without a Bra After Breast Augmentation?
Unlike traditional breast augmentations, our rapid recovery procedure does not require patients to wear surgical compression garments during healing. Instead, patients can wear a comfortable bra within 24 hours and sleep bra-less soon after. We will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions and advise you on the specifics of your individual case.
Stoker Plastic Surgery: A Renowned Leader in Rapid Recovery Techniques
Training, experience, and exceptional credentials place Stoker Plastic Surgery at the forefront of the plastic surgery field. My deep commitment to patient care and well-being is especially evident in my rapid recovery techniques and my patients’ “L.A. Natural” results.
By minimizing tissue trauma, tailoring pain management, and providing comprehensive post-op guidance, we help patients achieve their desired results with enhanced comfort and a quicker return to their daily lives. Take a look at some of my patients’ results below:
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Getting Started
Breast augmentation recovery doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. With the guidance of an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, you can confidently navigate your surgical journey. Please request a consultation or call us at (310) 300-1779 to discover what rapid recovery breast augmentation can do for you.
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