Your Complete Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

Published December 20, 2023 by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown

You will see fuller, more shapely breasts right after breast implants are placed, but several factors (like swelling and the drop and fluff process) mean that “final” results develop gradually, over time. It is essential to go into your surgery with realistic expectations for recovery, as a restful recovery following the guidelines we provide will support your body’s healing process and your final results.

Below, our Cincinnati cosmetic surgeons share what to expect in the days, weeks, and months after breast augmentation.

The days after surgery

Expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the first few days after surgery—this is completely normal. You will have prescription medications to help manage your pain during this time, and it is important to rest and let your body heal. 

Breast implants may appear to sit high on the chest at first, but will gradually settle into place—a process known as “drop and fluff.”

Sometimes our physicians provide you with a “Bra Strap” to help the implants drop faster.   Since most implants are placed under the muscle, the pectoralis muscle can spasm and push the implants upward. With some patients, the implants drop within a week, while other patients take a few more weeks. The “Bra Strap” helps place gentle pressure to help the implants drop. (Occasionally, we place you in a bra, but that is typically reserved for breast lift patients.)

We provide a muscle relaxant, antibiotic, mild pain pill, and stronger pain pill. The nursing staff and Dr. Mandell-Brown or Dr. Maccarone will review these medications with you. About 70% of our patients require pain medication for the first three days. About 10% of our patients never require a pain pill. The other 20% require pain medicine for the first week following surgery.

First few weeks

While discomfort is normal in the first few days, much of this will resolve within a week. Most patients return to work between 1-2 weeks after surgery. Your swelling and bruising will begin to subside, and you may get a first glimpse at what your healed results will look like. You will likely quickly begin to feel like yourself again, but, to ensure optimal results, it is key to avoid lifting anything heavy, performing strenuous activities, or working out until your plastic surgeon explicitly clears you to do so.

About 70% of our patients require only 3 days of prescription pain medication, and 10% require none at all.

Several months

During the first few months, the process known as “drop and fluff” begins: as the pectoralis muscle relaxes, the implants settle into their natural position, and you will have a good sense of your final outcome. You can expect to be cleared to resume your full exercise regimen in about 4-6 weeks. While most swelling resolves after just a few weeks, residual swelling clears up over the course of about 1-2 months.

1 year later

A year after breast augmentation, you can consider your results “final” with certainty: minor remaining swelling goes down, and any remaining “settling” of the breast implants has usually happened.

Silicone gel-filled implants should be checked with MRI or ultrasound 3 years after your surgery, if you are under age 40 and at low risk for breast issues. If you are over 40, a mammogram, ultrasound, or breast MRI should be performed yearly.  

Long-term breast implant maintenance

If anything changes with your breast implants, have them checked by your original cosmetic surgeon. At the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, we typically make follow-up appointments to see you:

• The day after surgery
• A week after surgery
• 6 to 8 weeks after surgery
• At one year intervals

Breast implants are not considered to be lifetime devices, so be aware that over time, they may need to be replaced, especially if there is a rupture or a capsule develops. 

However, they do not necessarily need to be replaced after a prescribed period of time. While you may read internet sources stating that implants have to be replaced every ten years, Dr. Mandell-Brown and Dr. Maccarone feel that “if it is not broken, don’t fix it.” If close follow-up and breast evaluations with MRI or mammograms don’t indicate any rupture or creases, then the implants do not need to be replaced. Some of our patients have implants for over 20 years!

If close follow-up and breast scans don’t indicate any rupture or creases, then the implants do not need to be replaced—even after 10 years or more.

In the case of a rupture, saline breast implants will visibly deflate, and the saline is safely absorbed by your body. If you have silicone gel-filled implants, however, a “silent” rupture is possible, so the FDA recommends scheduling a breast implant scan with MRI or ultrasound. You should also get mammograms on the recommended schedule (let your mammography technician know that you have implants beforehand).

Recovery tips to promote optimal healing & ideal results

Follow the post-operative guidance from your cosmetic surgery team, as all instructions are intended to promote a healthy, speedy healing process. Some of the post-op instructions you can expect to receive include:

• Maintain a healthy diet and hydrate to give your body the fuel it needs to heal
• Take your medications on schedule as prescribed
• Avoid strenuous activities until your surgeon gives the green light
• Limit sun exposure, as UV rays can darken fresh scars
• Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon so that we can confirm you are healing well and answer questions

It’s essential to be patient and give your body the time it needs to recover fully. Most patients find that their results are well worth the effort!

The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center is widely recognized in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton area. Year after year, our doctors have been rated the best in plastic surgery by CityBeat Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Most importantly, you will find both Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and Dr. Gina Maccarone to be approachable and easy to talk to.

To schedule your consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons today, call 513-984-4700 or contact our practice online.