How Do I Prepare for the Breast-Augmentation Recovery Process?

Published on May 18, 2020

Learning about the recovery involved after breast-augmentation is as important as the procedure itself. If you are about to receive breast-augmentation treatment or have already been through it and want to learn about the recovery process, read through the following lines.

The Day Following Surgery

  • On the first day after the surgery, you might experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort. While they fade away gradually within a few days, you can take over-the-counter medication to quickly alleviate these symptoms. Keep them handy.
  • You need to restrict your arm movements for a couple of days. Using button-down tops can be a good idea.

2-10 Days Post Breast-Augmentation

  • Avoid blood-thinning medication, alcohol, and nicotine during this period.
  • Have someone by your side to help you get dressed and move around.
  • Avoid driving and strenuous physical activity and check with your cosmetic surgeon before resuming any work.

10-14 Days Following Surgery

  • Meet your doctor as scheduled. You can resume your everyday activities if you are healing according to your doctor’s expectations.
  • Light exercises are okay, but avoid heavy lifting.

2-6 Weeks Following Surgery

  • Breasts begin to settle, and the augmentation results are visible.
  • You can stop wearing the surgical bra and get back to your regular bras during this time.

More Tips

  • Rest as much as possible. This will speed-up the healing process.
  • Do not open the bandages on your own. Follow your surgeon’s advice.
  • Do not sleep on your sides. Rest straight, in an elevated position.

Effective September 1, 2026, Dr. McKeown of Virginia Cosmetic will officially retire, and the practice will permanently close. We are grateful for the opportunity to have supported Dr. McKeown and his team over the years, and we wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement. We appreciate your understanding as we assist with this transition.

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