Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries across the nation. This procedure will increase the size or fullness of the breasts to meet your aesthetic goals. Learn more about what to expect from your recovery process after your procedure with Dr. Bruce Kadz in Beverly Hills, CA.
How Long Is Recovery After a Breast Augmentation?
In general, most people recover from this procedure after six to eight weeks. The time frame for your recovery may depend on factors such as the augmentation procedure you had, your general health, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.
So, what can you expect from your recovery? From the first 24 hours to the last eight weeks post-op, here’s an overview of what you can expect after your augmentation procedure. Please be sure to ask Dr. Bruce Kadz any additional questions you may have about your procedure and aftercare during your consultation.
First 24 Hours
During the first 24 hours, you will need to completely avoid activity and hot water, which means you will not be able to shower. You will likely have prescription medications to manage your comfort after your procedure.
You should arrange for transportation on the day of your procedure and ask a relative or friend to help you around the house. Your diet may also be limited, but be sure to drink plenty of water and walk around the house every few hours.
First Week
The first week after your procedure, you will be able to slowly return to some normal activities. As a general rule, you should avoid lifting anything over one to two pounds, which means that you may not be able to turn to work right away.
You should try to sleep on your back as much as possible and avoid any pressure on your breasts. Furthermore, when you wash your incisions you should keep hygiene at the forefront, which means using sterile bandages. You should wash with gentle soap and warm water before applying any prescription medications to the incisions.
First Month
After the first month, you should be able to return to most duties at work. The exception is if you have a physically laborious job, in which case you may need to take more time off until you are more recovered. After the first four weeks, you can usually engage in many light activities and exercises, including walking or modified yoga.
First Two Months
After the first two months, you will generally be fully recovered and can resume most of your normal activities, including intense cardio. During this time, you may also have a post-op appointment to evaluate your recovery.
How Long Will You Need a Compression or Recovery Bra?
As a rule, you will need to wear a compression or recovery bra for six to eight weeks after your procedure. The recovery bra is designed to provide compression to your breasts to promote healing. You should wear your recovery bra for most of the day, including while you sleep. You should only remove the bra for bathing.
That said, the best time to purchase your recovery bra is before your surgery. You should have at least one surgical, compression, or recovery bra on hand so you can ease into your recovery period. Because you will need to wear these bras for most of the day for several weeks, you may need three or four sets.
When Can You Shop for Regular Bras?
Most people can shop for regular bras about two months after their procedure. At this time, your breasts will be recovered and any residual swelling from the surgery will have gone down. This makes it the perfect time to buy a bra that fits your new breasts.
Common Methods of Augmentation
When you have breast augmentation surgery, there are a couple of methods of augmentation you can consider. While breast implants are certainly the most popular, fat transfers are also becoming popular. The method of augmentation that is ideal for you will depend on how much you want to enhance the shape and volume of your breasts.
Breast Implants
If you want to have fuller breasts and increase your cup size, then breast implants are generally the way to go. Breast implants come in many shapes and sizes and are made with different materials to customize your results. While some breast implants can mimic natural-looking and natural-feeling results, the profile of the breast is usually more obviously augmented.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfers are another option you may want to discuss with Dr. Bruce Kadz. A fat transfer works by removing fat from another part of your body, such as the buttocks, stomach, or thighs. The fat is then purified and injected into the breast to increase the volume of the breasts. It’s important to note that augmentation with a fat transfer will only produce moderate results.
How to Choose the Best Implants
Most people who are considering augmentation tend to select breast implants. Breast implants have a long-standing reputation for producing desirable breast shapes and textures. Choosing the best implants for you will depend on what your aesthetic goals are. For example, people who want more natural results may use teardrop-shaped implants that are made with gummy-bear-like material.
Dr. Bruce Kadz will discuss the implant options that are most appropriate for your goals. That said, it’s important to remember that implants look best when they only increase your breasts by one to two cup sizes. Anything more extreme than this will produce unnatural-looking results that may cause stress to your neck, shoulders, and back.
How Long Do Implants Last?
For the most part, implants can usually last for 10 to 20 years. The longevity of your implants will depend on several factors, including how well you take care of your health and the material of the implants. Some implants can last for well over 20 years before they need to be replaced.
That said, women who have breast implants in their youth typically need revision surgery after menopause, since the natural breast tissue decreases with age. If you want to revise your breast implants, please speak with Dr. Bruce Kadz about your options.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Most people who want to augment the size or shape of their breasts are good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. There are medical restrictions because the surgery will require general anesthesia. For example, if you have a low platelet count, if you have a history of cardiac health concerns, or if you are currently pregnant, you are not eligible for surgery.
Some signs you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation include having goals such as:
Enhance Your Appearance
Enhancing the volume or fullness of your breasts can also enhance your appearance. If you want a more feminine silhouette or you simply want to balance the shape of your body, augmentation can be a good option for you.
Reconstruct the Breasts
Some women who have a single or double mastectomy after breast cancer may choose augmentation to restore or reconstruct the breasts. Reconstructing the breasts after breast cancer can help survivors feel more confident about their recovery.
Correct Uneven Breasts
Your body is not fully symmetrical, which means one of your breasts is probably slightly larger than the other. While this is completely natural, severely uneven breasts can make it difficult to shop for bras. If you want to correct uneven breasts, then augmentation can make breasts symmetrical.
Increase Breast Size After Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts of motherhood and allows women to bond with their infants. However, breastfeeding can also drastically change the volume of the breasts. Many mothers who are done breastfeeding choose augmentation surgery to restore their appearance.
Feel More Confident About Your Body With Breast Augmentation
If you want to feel more confident about your appearance or you want to start feeling like yourself, augmentation procedures for the breasts can help you have your dream appearance. The recovery time for the surgical procedure typically lasts six to eight weeks. Get in touch with Dr. Bruce Kadz in Beverly Hills, CA to schedule your consultation today.
