What Breast Augmentation Looks Like

Most patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery are briefed by their plastic surgeon in depth and detail about what to expect after their surgery but some patients may be so focused on their new breast that they don’t really listen to the messy details and then are surprised later on.

So in order to avoid being surprised, here is a brief recap about what to expect your breast to look like in the days and months after your implant surgery.

After surgery your breast will be swollen and bruised but the swelling and bruising should go down within a few weeks and your doctor will advise you to use ice packs to help with the discomfort the first few weeks.

Your scars from the incisions will also be red and raised and although they are generally placed under the natural crease of the breast, out of sight, you will probably be aware of them. After a few months the scar should become flat and pale and barely noticeable, even by someone who knows where the scar is located.

One of the more disturbing side effects will be how your breasts sit for the first month or so. This may be a pleasant surprise or an annoyance depending on your perspective but your new implants will place your breast higher and firmer than what you are used to. They will soften and settle down to where they should sit within a month or less. In the meantime you can wear an elastic bandage around your arms and towards the top half of your breast to help the implants push down. It is also normal-if not disturbing –for the breast on the dominant side of your body to drop before the other breast does so you may be off centered for a bit. This is no reflection on your implants or surgeon it is just how your body is settling so they can adjust themselves accordingly and look stunning before you know it.

Finally you may experience a loss of sensation in the nipple area from temporary nerve damage. In some patients this damage can be permanent but this is rare. When the nerves begin to heal and regenerate you will likely experience some feeling of burning, itching or sharp pains in the area of your nipples. This is perfectly normal and will pass but make sure you let your plastic surgeon know what is going on so they can asses it for you.

Hopefully you will be prepared for how your breast will look after breast augmentation surgery beyond just your final goal of bigger breast and these tips will help remind you of the things your doctor discussed with you during your initial of follow up consultation so you won’t have any unexpected surprises.