Breast augmentation recovery is a subject about which many patients have questions, and rightfully so! Breast augmentation surgery is commonly performed but is a complex procedure that is tailored to each individual patient.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2019 alone, nearly 8,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the UK. (1) But before undergoing any kind of surgery, it’s important that patients are fully educated about their decision and know what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. At Harley Surgery, we ensure that each of our breast augmentation patients is fully prepared to enjoy a brief recovery and delightful results.
Dr Riccardo Frati is always happy to answer his patients’ burning questions about breast augmentation. And, who better to ask?
Dr Frati is one of the premier cosmetic surgeons practising in London, Chelmsford, and Manchester. In fact, you’ve probably seen some of his work: he’s been featured on ITV’s This Morning, and in The Times, Daily Mail, The Independent, GMTV, and 10 Years Younger.
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Contents
Before and After Photos
All About Breast Augmentation
A breast augmentation recovery is a process, but the team at Harley Surgery will be with you every step of the way. Your recovery will depend on your body and whether you’ve chosen breast implants or opted for a natural breast augmentation.
Recovery From A Breast Augmentation With Implants
How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation with implants?
Dr Riccardo Frati performs Advanced Breast Augmentation.
This form of breast augmentation employs the smallest possible incisions and boasts a pleasantly short recovery period that allows you to get back to your life almost immediately.
Most Advanced Breast Augmentation patients return to their social lives after 72 hours! However, you’ll need to exercise good judgement, and as always, listen to your body. Trying to do too much too soon can lead to complications that can jeopardize your results. So, although you may be able to participate in more sedate social activities, like going to dinner, you’ll have to plan accordingly. No synchronized swimming, tap dancing, or Formula One racing! You won’t be able to drive if you’re taking pain medication, and lifting your arms to steer may be too uncomfortable for the first week anyway. Alcohol and painkillers can prove a dangerous combination. You’ll have to pass on baths, jacuzzis, and swimming to ensure that your incisions heal properly and avoid the risk of infection. You’ll be taking an antibiotic to ensure that this doesn’t occur, but make sure you’re aware of the interactions it can have with birth control or other medications. Most women make a full recovery in around six weeks.
Will I have scarring from my breast augmentation?
Every step of Dr Frati’s Advanced Augmentation is designed to give you the best experience and results possible.
The incisions for your breast implants will be hidden in the inframammary fold underneath your breast. Dr Frati uses “stealth scarring” techniques to make sure that the evidence of your tiny incision stays out of sight. Even the largest implants only require an incision five cms long! When performing Advanced Breast Augmentation, Dr Frati uses diathermy to make the incision. This technique uses an electrical current to cauterize the edges of the layers of tissue as he accesses the inner layers of your breast. This avoids the excessive bruising and bleeding that occurs from traditional surgery with a scalpel, dismayingly known as “blunt dissection.” After he’s inserted your implants, Dr Frati gingerly closes the incisions with three precise layers of sutures to minimise tension and scarring. Each layer of tissues and sutures must be closed as meticulously as possible to avoid gaps and uneven wound edges This ensures clean and invisible healing.
To learn more about breast augmentation procedures and techniques, follow Dr Frati’s blog!
What will my breasts look like after surgery?
In the first week, you probably won’t see much of them! You’ll be wearing a compression garment immediately after your surgery, and then a special supportive surgical bra around the clock to help with swelling and ensure that everything stays where it needs to be. Expect some swelling and bruising; this will also temporarily alter the appearance of your breasts. (2)
It’s going to take a few weeks until your new breasts drop into their natural position, and the skin and muscles relax. Until this happens, you may notice that your breasts appear high on your chest, and may have a conical shape. This may also result in your nipples pointing downward, but be assured that this is temporary. You may also notice that the skin has a reddish cast and feels sunburnt. This is because your skin has been stretched to accommodate your implants, and is adjusting to the changes. Other women notice unusually shiny skin, also the result of the skin being stretched. But, don’t fret. These are all normal rites of passage on your way to your beautiful new breasts.
When will my implants drop?
This will depend on the combination of variables that made your breast augmentation unique to you:
- Implant size
- Implant surface type
- Where the implant is placed, ie. under or over the muscle
- Tightness of your skin
- Your muscle tone
In some cases, one side will drop more slowly than the other. Patience, pet!
What’s going on with my nipples?
You may experience some changes in nipple sensation during your recovery. Many women report having increased sensitivity and erect nipples following the initial phase of their recovery. This is also usually temporary and is caused by interference with the nerves. Breasts are such sensitive, responsive parts of the body because they have so many nerves, and so it’s not uncommon for them to be affected by the stretching that the implant is causing. As the nerves repair themselves, you’ll notice that discomfort and sensitivity wanes, usually within 3-4 months. (3)
When can I have sex?
You probably won’t be feeling very sexy in the surgical bra that’s required for the first two weeks of your recovery. It’s generally advised not to undertake any vigorous activity during that time. If you do find yourself in the mood, make sure that things stay gentle, and opt for positions that avoid putting pressure on your newly healing chest. After all, you’ll have plenty to look forward to sharing once you’ve finished healing!
What’s Recovery Like If I Choose A Natural Breast Augmentation?
The recovery process after a natural breast augmentation is very different from recovering from an implant procedure.
A natural breast augmentation removes fat from other areas of the body and then injects that prepared fat into the breasts. So, recovering from a natural breast augmentation involves healing from both the liposuction portion of this procedure and from the fat transfer to your breasts. But, there are no major incisions required with this procedure, and unlike implants, you won’t have to endure another recovery from replacing or removing your implants when the time comes.
You’ll have bruising and swelling in both your breasts and the fat donor site. Bruising related to liposuction will typically last only a few days, and the bruising on the breasts should subside within a couple of weeks. You’ll wear compression garments for the first week to ease swelling and to keep everything in place to heal.
Your new bustline may seem larger than you anticipated after your procedure. This is due to swelling caused by the fat transfer and will subside over the next few months. The swelling will also cause your breasts will also feel unusually firm, which is also temporary.
You’ll need to sleep on your back for the first month and avoid any vigorous activity, including sex, for two to three weeks. By the six-month mark, all of your swelling will have subsided, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new, natural results!
Still Have Questions?
Breast augmentation is a life-changing decision, so it’s vital to know exactly what to expect during your recovery. When you meet with Dr Frati to discuss your breast augmentation, he’ll take your lifestyle, medical history, and aesthetic desires into consideration to craft a safe surgical plan that will ensure a speedy recovery and gorgeous results. You’ll also be able to get a sneak peek of your lovely new chest via Harley Surgery’s 3D imaging technology. Keeping the end goal in sight is a great way to stay positive and patient as you begin your transformation!
If you’re ready to get started or still have questions, schedule an informative breast augmentation consultation today! There’s no reason to delay enjoying life with the beautiful body of your dreams.
References
- Armstrong M. Infographic: The UK’s most popular plastic surgery. Statista Infographics. Published May 21, 2019. https://www.statista.com/chart/18071/most-popular-plastic-surgery-uk/
- Coombs DM, Grover R, Prassinos A, Gurunluoglu R. Breast augmentation surgery: Clinical considerations. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2019;86(2):111-122. doi:10.3949/ccjm.86a.18017
- Lund HG, Turkle J, Jewell ML, Murphy DK. Low Risk of Skin and Nipple Sensitivity and Lactation Issues After Primary Breast Augmentation with Form-Stable Silicone Implants: Follow-Up in 4927 Subjects. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2016;36(6):672-680. doi:10.1093/asj/sjv266