Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentation recovery generally depends on a number of factors, such as the breast augmentation procedure the cosmetic surgeon used, the type of breast implant incision, and breast implant placement. Many doctors, and quite a few women who have had the procedure, claim a woman can be back to work within a week. Chances are that while you would likely be able to work if you needed to, it would only be in a non-strenuous job and you would not have made anything like a full recovery.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

The approach greatly affects recovery time. One approach to breast augmentation involves the insertion of a silicone bag under the breast. This placement is called “submammary.” Another approach involves inserting the silicone bag under the chest muscle. This is called “subpectoral.” Next, the bag is filled with salt water, thereby expanding the breast area, and giving the patient a fuller bosom, increased cup size, better contour, and more cleavage.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

The easiest place for a plastic surgeon to place an implant is under the breast tissue, in the submammary position. The submuscular, or subpectoral, placement is slightly more difficult to perform but is associated with a lower incidence of capsule contracture and slightly lower incidence of rippling. There is typically more postoperative pain than with a submammary placement, however.

Breast Implant Incision

The choice of incision also impacts recovery time. The incision to insert the silicone bag can be made a number of ways. An incision can be made under the breast at the breast fold, at the edge of the areola (the brown area around the nipple), within the areola, in the armpit, or even in the umbilical area. The thinnest, least visible scar is usually a result of an incision in the areola. The umbilical incision involves using an endoscope (a tube with a light, a fiberoptic lens and tools for placing the implant).

For most people with an incision in the nipple or above the breast crease line, two weeks is probably more realistic before normal activities can be resumed because of concerns with the incision. It might well be three weeks before the doctor allows you to lift things above your head or perform any strenuous activity.

Breast Implant Placement

Placement of the implant over the muscle usually involves less recovery time than an implant placed under the muscle. Under the muscle surgery takes longer to recover from because of stretching of the pectoral muscle.

Request a free consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation.