What to Expect in the Days and Weeks after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Updated on: August 31, 2018

Breast augmentation recovery is different for everyone. You may have a very easy time of it, while a friend may experience more difficulty. Below is a list of what to expect during recovery. Don't let anything on the list discourage you. Many of the experiences, such as tiredness, constipation and fluid retention can occur after any type of surgery. Talk to your doctor and share your personal medical history to find out what your individual recovery might include.

Chest pressure, spasms, and stiffness

If your implants were placed under the muscle, you will very likely experience chest pressure. Your pectoral muscles now have breast implants underneath them, and they need time to stretch out over the implants. As these muscles gradually stretch, the tightness will gradually dissipate. Give breast augmentation tightness about two weeks to subside. Some women and plastic surgeons describe this feeling like an elephant being on your chest. Others describe it as badly pulled muscles, or how it feels one day after doing a lot of push-ups.

Muscle spasms are also common in women with breast implants placed under the muscle. Some surgeons prescribe muscle relaxants to help with this.

Known as morning boob, you may notice that you feel extra stiff in the morning. This is normal, and it dissipates once you get up and start moving around. The morning stiffness can persist for several weeks, but it is increasingly manageable with each passing day.

Sharp, stabbing pains

These are sometimes known as "zingers," and are very common. These pains usually indicate nerve regeneration. So while they aren't the most pleasant things you'll experience, keep in mind that nerve regeneration is a good thing. Also remember that the further you are post-op, the less intense this feeling becomes. The pains are very short-lived. However, if you are worried about a particular type of pain you're having, consult with your surgeon. At the very least, they can offer you peace of mind; at the most, they can take care of any new issues.

Limited mobility

In the very early post-op stage, you may notice you can't perform certain tasks, or move in certain ways. For example, you may have trouble opening medications (depending on the type of cap they have on them), opening drinks, washing your hair, or driving a car. This is especially true for those with under-the-muscle implants than for women with over-the-muscle implants, which don’t involve stretching the muscle.

Breast swelling, bruising and soreness

After breast augmentation, your breast will feel engorged. If you have had children, you know exactly what engorgement feels like. You'll also feel great pressure on your breasts, and they may feel very heavy. Expect your breast augmentation swelling timeline to be one week. Your cleavage area will also swell, which will feel mushy or spongy.

Breast crease soreness is another common feeling after breast augmentation surgery. In many cases, your surgeon must lower the crease in order to center the breast implant behind the nipple and areola; this causes the breast crease to be tender and sore after surgery.

Bruising is also common after most major surgeries. Be aware: the bruising can also move downward instead of just disappearing.

Itching and dry/flaky skin on breasts

As your skin stretches, your breasts may feel itchy, dry, and flaky. Using lotion on your breasts helps make you more comfortable. Be very careful not to get any lotion on your incisions until you are sure that they are completely closed, or until your surgeon tells you that it’s okay to apply it to those areas.

Hard/lumpy incisions

It's not uncommon for your incision to feel hard or lumpy at some point during recovery. This is mainly because of scar tissue buildup. The best advice, (which usually works for everyone), is to massage the incision, which helps break up some of that scar tissue. However, make sure your incisions are completely closed before you put your fingers on them. You don't want to introduce any bacteria to the incision.

UBS ("ugly breasts syndrome")

You've finally had your surgery, and the results you're seeing aren't what you paid for. "Ugly Breast Syndrome" is a phenomenon that happens to many. Most women aren't going to have gorgeous breasts as soon as they roll out of the operating room. They may appear oblong in shape, or torpedo-like, or they may even look swollen, broad, and flat. The implants may ride high, and look like they are right up against your collarbone in the beginning. They may be bruised and swollen, or your nipples may be puffy and swollen. The good news is that things will get better, given some time and patience.

Extreme sensitivity and/or numbness

Your breasts will probably feel somewhat numb early on and, at the same time, they may be extremely sensitive. It sounds strange, but it happens. The good news is that it's temporary. This is also common after breast augmentation, and the sensitivity issues resolve on their own. Most plastic surgeons will tell you that it may be up to a year before normal sensitivity returns.

Back pain

After breast augmentation surgery, it's normal to walk with your shoulders hunched forward, as if you're trying to protect your chest. Bear in mind that maintaining improper posture causes backaches. Remember, you will most likely not sleep in your normal position, so this change can further aggravate you. Also, when you get up from bed or change positions, you will use other muscles to compensate for your chest muscles, which can make you sore.

Post-op depression or post-op “blues”

With any type of surgery, post-op depression is possible. Depression is attributable to pain, anesthesia, narcotics/pain medications, and various other things. Lack of sleep can exacerbate these emotions.

Many women who experience depression after breast augmentation say they question whether they made the right decision. Some of this doubt stems from not getting instant gratification. Sometimes the breast implants appear really high on the chest or have a torpedo-like look, which is alarming to those who aren't prepared for this. The good news is that your breasts will change; it just takes a little time and a lot of patience.

Bloating/fluid retention

Chances are you will bloat, especially in the stomach. This is normal and will dissipate on its own under normal circumstances, and usually doesn't require diuretics (do not take diuretics without your surgeon's approval).

Lack of energy

Surgery is a shock to the body, so it requires energy to heal. You will not have the endurance you normally have, at least not for a few weeks. You'll notice that you tire much quicker. Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest (most surgeons don't recommend complete bed rest, as you need to get up and move around to keep from becoming sore). Also, keep in mind that not moving around can cause blood clots, which can travel from the legs to the lungs or brain, and be fatal.

Side Effects from Medications

Nausea and/or vomiting

It's not uncommon to feel nauseous soon after waking up from surgery. Anesthesia can really wreak havoc on your stomach. Usually, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will give you anti-nausea drugs via IV drip during surgery. This helps to limit nausea and vomiting after surgery. If you wake up nauseous, tell your surgeon or nurse so that they can give you something to help alleviate it.

The pain medication you take after surgery can also upset your stomach. Avoid upset stomach by eating before you take your pain meds. Sometimes eating a cracker or two with your pain medications is not enough; some people require more sustenance, such as half a peanut butter sandwich.

Constipation

Constipation is usually caused by pain medications. If you experience constipation, you might want to try a mild laxative or drink prune juice for relief. Ask your plastic surgeon about this at your consult, just to make sure they have no objections.

Loss of appetite

Since pain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, it's no surprise that some women have a decreased appetite after surgery. Once the pain medications wear off, your appetite will return to normal.

Yeast infections

Most plastic surgeons prescribe antibiotics for post-op care. As most women know, antibiotics put you at a higher risk for yeast infection. You most likely won't get an infection, but know that any time you do take them, you're at a higher risk.

Want more tips? Head over to our forum!

Who better to hear from than women who've experienced the same thing. In our breast augmentation forum, seasoned JBI members are sharing what they wish they had known before breast augmentation. But now they've got the tips for you.

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