How Long Do Breasts Stay Swollen After Augmentation
When it comes to swelling after breast augmentation surgery, a lot of the swelling you will experience is going to dissipate after the first three weeks, with the majority being gone within six weeks.
With that said, you may still have some residual swelling of the breasts up until around the six-month mark — when complete recovery should be achieved and you'll be able to see your full results.
Of course, it's also worth noting that every patient is different. And all surgeries are different. So, where one person may have significant swelling for just a few weeks, it may take someone else several months to see their swelling go down.
In the following article, we'll dig a little deeper into what you can expect in regards to swelling after surgery — including our best tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation in Portland. But first, let's give a quick summary of the breast augmentation recovery process overall.
What to Expect After Breast Augmentation
Most breast augmentation patients report feeling particularly tight around the chest area after surgery. This will be due to tension in the muscles and swelling of the breast tissue, which will begin right away.
Actually, some women really like the way their tighter breasts look right off the bat! Some women even wish this appearance would stick around.
However, as time goes on, the breast implants will settle, the swelling will go down, and that tightness will dissipate.
In terms of pain, most of your discomfort is going to be experienced during the first three days after surgery. General soreness is to be expected, but some patients also report feeling some shooting pains throughout the chest.
Dr. Aghayan will prescribe pain medications to keep you more comfortable, and there are other techniques you can use to mitigate discomfort in those first few days.
Finally, some bruising is also normal after breast augmentation. However, it's important to be aware that bruising is also a symptom of a hematoma. A hematoma occurs when blood collects in a concentrated area near an incision site.
Although rare, hematomas are one of the complications that may occur after breast augmentation, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms (discoloration near an incision site, a tender and hardened breast, blood blisters that appear raised).
It's important to contact your plastic surgeon right away if you think you may have a hematoma.
Limitations After Surgery
After breast surgery, it's important to follow Dr. Aghayan's post-surgical instructions. You will need to refrain from any strenuous activities, including exercise, lifting anything over around five pounds, and upper arm movements like stretching over your head or reaching.
You'll also need to refrain from driving for as long as you are taking pain medication.
In regards to sleeping, most breast augmentation patients will need to sleep at a slight incline on their backs. This sleeping position may need to be maintained for six weeks or more. In order to achieve an incline, most plastic surgeons will recommend that their patients purchase a wedge pillow, which will set their upper body up slightly higher than their lower body.
This position helps to keep you more stable and puts your breast implant into a neutral position. It can also help reduce swelling and may even make transitioning in and out of bed easier so that you don't have to strain any part of your upper body.
Swelling Day by Day After Breast Augmentation
Tips for swelling after breast augmentation surgery will help you better heal and will be quite noticeable right away. Remember that swelling is completely normal and to be expected. It is your body's reaction to surgery and is an integral part of the healing process.
Most swelling will accumulate over the first three days. As time goes on, you'll notice a steady decline in the amount of swelling you have.
By weeks two and three, you'll notice a marked difference. By week six, the majority of your swelling should be gone.
And finally, by the six-month mark, nearly all patients have breasts and implants that have settled into their natural positions, and all swelling has disappeared.
If you notice that your swelling is not going down or it's getting worse, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon right away.
Tips to Reduce Swelling Day by Day After Breast Augmentation
Swelling after breast augmentation is certainly a natural part of the healing process after breast augmentation surgery, but it can be uncomfortable as well. Most patients look forward to their swelling going down, so here are some tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation.
1. Wear your compression garment.
You will be put into a tight-fitting compression garment directly after surgery, which you will wear for several days. After this, Dr. Aghayan will ask that you wear a snug sports bra (without cups or wires) to hold your breasts in place.
Wear these garments regularly and according to Dr. Aghayan's directions as they will help reduce your swelling more quickly.
2. Sleep in an elevated position.
Sleeping with your chest and upper body slightly higher than your lower body can also help to reduce swelling. This position improves circulation and doesn't put any strain on your breasts.
3. Stay well hydrated.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, drinking plenty of water and other fluids during your recovery will help flush out your system, which will also reduce swelling.
4. Avoid strenuous activity.
In order to allow the swelling in and around your breasts to dissipate, it's important that you rest and avoid strain. Reaching, carrying heavy things, or moving around quickly can agitate your breast tissue and muscles and cause severe pain, which will only make the swelling worse.
Take it easy. Gentle walks around the house are okay for the first few days, but don't jump into physical activities too soon or you'll risk prolonging swelling and compromising your results.
Questions and Answers
How long does swelling last after breast implants?
Swelling after breast implant surgery is a normal part of the healing process and can vary in duration from person to person.
In general, most of the swelling will subside within the first few weeks after surgery, but some mild swelling may persist for several months.
During the first few days after surgery, the breasts will likely be quite swollen and may feel tight or uncomfortable. This is a normal part of the healing process and will gradually improve as the body adjusts to the implants.
Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to help manage swelling and discomfort, which may include wearing a compression garment or using ice packs.
How do you decrease swelling after breast augmentation?
There are several ways to help reduce swelling after breast augmentation . Here are some tips:
- Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to manage swelling after breast augmentation surgery. Follow these instructions carefully, including any recommendations for pain management, activity restrictions, and compression garments.
- Apply ice packs: Ice packs can help to reduce swelling and inflammation after breast augmentation surgery. Use ice packs for short periods of time (10-20 minutes at a time) several times a day for the first few days after surgery.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to flush excess fluids out of the body and reduce swelling.
- Avoid salt: Not maintaining a healthy diet and eating foods that are high in salt can contribute to fluid retention and swelling. Avoid processed and salty foods during the first few weeks during the recovery process.
- Elevate your upper body: Sleeping with your upper body elevated on pillows can help to reduce swelling overnight.
- Gentle massage: Your surgeon may recommend gentle breast massage after the first week to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully and avoid any vigorous rubbing or manipulation of the breasts.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Strenuous activities can increase swelling and delay healing. Avoid activities such as heavy lifting, running, and strenuous exercise for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Remember, swelling is a normal part of the healing process after breast augmentation, and it may take several weeks or even months for swelling to fully resolve.
Be patient, follow your surgeon's instructions, and take good care of yourself during the recovery period.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Aghayan Today
At Après Plastic Surgery in Portland, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan will give you instructions to try and reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery.
If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery, contact Après Plastic Surgery today to learn about your options and find out if you're a good candidate.
We look forward to hearing from you!
References
Swelling After Breast Augmentation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178
https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/surgery/plastic/breast/faqs
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178
https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/surgery/plastic/breast/faqs
