What to Expect from Breast Augmentation after the Surgery

It's easy to focus more on than the results of plastic surgery than the process, but it is important to know just as much about the recovery process as it is to know about implants.

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries available and is considered safe; but there are possible risks and complications with any surgery. This surgery is no exception to the rule despite its safe track record. Plus patients who know what to expect after their surgery are generally happier with their surgical results than patients who are surprised by the pain, swelling, and bruising.

For starters, your pain level will be directly related to where your implant was placed in the course of your breast augmentation surgery. If your surgeon placed the implant above the muscle your level of pain is very low and could be classified as mild to moderate pain. If your doctor placed the implant under the muscle your implant will look more natural and will be less likely to encounter any outside forces to cause a leak but the short term pain for this decision is severe discomfort that will last for one to two weeks. Your doctor will keep you on a pain management regime while you recover to keep the pain level at a minimum.

Again, the placement of the implant during breast augmentation surgery will also dictate how much swelling and bruising you experience in healing. If your implant was placed above the muscle, your swelling will likely be short lived - around four days.

Under-the-muscle placement means more swelling because the surgery was more invasive. You will probably have swelling for a couple of weeks. Bruising may or may not occur despite placement options and will last approximately two weeks if present. Some patients don't experience any bruising.

You will probably experience some numbness in the area of your breast implant for a few weeks, but this is normal and temporary. Keep in mind your body has experienced some trauma, and surgery is an invasive procedure. So, its normal to expect some side effects while your body recovers.

Plan to miss at least two weeks of work if your implant was an under the muscle placement and at least one week for an above the muscle implant. If you can arrange for more time off than you anticipate needing, you won't feel compelled to rush your recovery and can heal at a relaxed pace, which will help your mind.

Finally, the result of your breast augmentation surgery can take a month to be seen with above muscle placement and up to four months with under muscle placement. Talk to your surgeon about which option is best for you, because at the end of the wait you want to have the breast augmentation results you anticipated.