Recovery from breast augmentation surgery takes time. There is no getting around that fact. It is very important for you to allow yourself the time to heal. Most patients are able to return to their jobs within a few days after the procedure, but they are not fully healed at this time. You may have a significant amount of physical discomfort and sore breasts in the first 48 hours after the procedure. However, prescribed pain medications should help you deal with this discomfort.
Most breast augmentation patients will have surgical dressings or bandages applied after the surgery. These dressings will need to be removed within the first week, and patients may be advised by the surgeon to wear a surgical bra. This special bra helps you heal properly and will also keep you more comfortable. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how long you need to wear the surgical bra. You may need to wear a surgical bra to bed for a period of time.
Your breasts will probably be extremely tender post-operatively. You may be advised to avoid touching your breasts, or allowing anyone else to do so, for a while after surgery. However, once the pain begins to subside, your breasts should be less tender.
Stitches are usually removed about 10 days after surgery, but the swelling will likely remain longer than that. Swelling may persist for 3 to 5 weeks after surgery and may even last for a few months, but prolonged swelling is usually quite minor.
During the breast implant surgery recovery period, you should make sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid foods high in salt.
