Patients who choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery are invariably eager to show off their new figure to friends and family as soon as possible following surgery. However, they may not understand that, as with any surgical procedure, there is a recovery period and it takes time before the breasts settle into their final position and shape. Dr. John Griffin believes that it is important not only for patients to understand the final outcome of their procedure, but that they also understand the healing timeline necessary following a breast augmentation procedure.
One to Two Weeks after Surgery
During the first one to two weeks following surgery, patients will experience bruising and swelling of the breasts, as well as possible post-surgical pain. These are perfectly normal following any surgical procedure.
Dr. Griffin will provide patients with a special compression garment to wear for the first one to two weeks following surgery. This tight elastic garment will help reduce the amount of bruising and swelling following the procedure, as well as holding the breasts into the proper position as the breasts implants settle. Implants that are placed behind the pectoral muscles (subpectoral) may cause the breasts to swell more than those implants placed in front of the pectoral muscles (subglandular). Subpectoral implants will cause swelling for four to six weeks, while subglandular implants will cause swelling for three to four weeks after surgery.
Each patient will experience her own pain levels. In most cases, implants that are placed behind the pectoral muscle may cause more post-surgical pain than implants placed in front of the pectoral muscles. Implant size may also affect the amount of pain. Larger implants may cause more pain than smaller ones.
One Month after Surgery
By one month following surgery, the initial swelling, bruising, and pain should have subsided. The implants will have mostly settled into their final shape and size, although this may not be complete until several months after surgery. Dr. Griffin may give patients breast massage exercises to perform, starting anywhere from one week to a month after surgery, in order to keep the implants soft and mobile, as well as reducing any tight scar formation that may cause the implants to shift into an unnatural position.
Patients can also start treatment to reduce the appearance of scars at this time. Silicone sheeting and creams may be applied to scars starting about three weeks after the procedure. These should not be applied to any unhealed incisions that are still open.
More than One Month after Surgery
Nipple sensitivity or numbness will start to reduce during this time. Changes in nipple sensation will occur if the nerves are stretched during the surgical procedure. Nipple numbness is more likely to occur in patients with smaller frames who opt for larger implants. Nipple sensitivity will begin to subside anywhere from three weeks to three months following the procedure. Nipple numbness may take anywhere from six months to a year to subside.
Patients may have unrealistic expectations of their recovery time from a breast augmentation procedure. Dr. Griffin recommends giving the body the time it needs to heal in order to have the best results. To schedule a breast augmentation consultation, contact Dr. Griffin’s practice.
