Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

For patients who have made the decision to undergo breast augmentation, there is a lot of information that is needed for patients to be prepared, both physically and mentally, for the procedure. At her plastic surgery practice, Dr. Patricia Berbari ensures that her patients are informed on what to expect throughout each stage of breast augmentation. This includes having a good understanding of what can be expected after surgery is complete, during the patient’s recovery. While every patient will experience a unique recovery period with slight variations, the average timeline for our Gatineau patients’ breast augmentation recovery can be found below:

One Week after Surgery

The first week after surgery is likely to be the hardest for patients. It is common for patients to feel fatigued. It is important to allow for plenty of time to rest and recover. This is when the majority of side effects are experienced as well. It is common for patients to feel soreness and tenderness around the breasts and there will likely be significant bruising in this area. The muscles will also be tight during this phase of recovery so it is likely that the breasts will feel firm and the skin will be taut. Compression garments can ease swelling, which should also aid in reducing discomfort.

Two to Three Weeks after Surgery

Within two to three weeks after surgery, the majority of side effects will have dissipated and most patients begin to feel markedly better. Despite this return to comfort and energy, it is important to remember to continue to take it easy. The body will still be recovering. While it is okay to return to work and most routine activities at this point, physical activities and heavy lifting should still be avoided.

Four to Six Weeks after Surgery

Between four and six weeks after surgery, the incision site should be healed well enough that exercise and other physical activities can be resumed. The majority of swelling should also be gone by now, meaning that the results of surgery should now be apparent. This is also a good time to go shopping for bras to accommodate your new bust line. With the incision site closed, scar reducing products can be used to aid in the healing and fading of any surgical scars.

Six to 12 Months after Surgery

By six months after surgery the breasts should be settled and free of swelling. Patients can now begin to fully enjoy their new figure. The scar tissue that is left by the incision may continue to change and fade over the next several months. By 12 months after surgery, the incision should be completely healed. Although a scar will remain, it will have faded significantly by this point and should be well-hidden by the careful incision placement used by Dr. Berbari.

Schedule an Appointment

Breast augmentation offers women the opportunity to add volume to the breasts and create a shapelier and more proportionate figure. If you have considered the benefits of breast augmentation and would like to learn more about the procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patricial Berbari at your earliest convenience. We look forward to meeting you!