Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to augment the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. (1)

When researching this procedure, you must take the time to learn about the recovery process. With this guide, you will be able to gain a better understanding of what to expect so that you can approach your breast augmentation with greater confidence.

Dr. Michael Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience. Dr. Howard specializes in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery and has worked tirelessly to provide each of his patients with quality care, individualized attention, and seamless results that restore their sense of self-confidence and quality of life.

If you are ready to meet with Dr. Howard and start discussing your breast augmentation, please call (224) 271-4250 to reach our Lake Forest, Chicago, and Glenview offices.

About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that can elevate the shape, symmetry, fullness, and size of the breasts using implants. This procedure is one of the most commonly performed in the United States (1) and has continued to be since 2006. (2)

Types of Breast Implants

At MH Plastic Surgery, Dr. Howard can insert several different types of breast implants into the chest, including silicone and saline implants. Both offer unique benefits that you can enjoy for several years to come.

  • Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone breast implants encapsulate a cohesive silicone gel inside a silicone shell. These implants offer a softer touch that mimics the feel of organic breast tissue, and Dr. Howard offers them in both smooth and rough textures.
  • Saline Breast Implants: Saline breast implants are a silicone shell with a sterile saltwater filling. They can be placed through a smaller incision. (1)

Breast Augmentation Recovery: A Timeline

Before you undergo your procedure, Dr. Howard will provide you with a full set of written recovery instructions so you have a better understanding of what to expect ahead of time. Your exact recovery timeline may vary depending on the details of your procedure and how quickly you normally heal, but you can generally expect it to align with the following timeline.

Week One

During your initial week of healing, you will need to take a step back from your professional and personal responsibilities to focus on your recovery. Your breasts may initially appear high on the chest wall, and you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and tightness around the area. These effects will dissipate on their own as you continue recovering, but you may manage them with prescribed medications and by elevating your head while resting. You will also need to wear a supportive bra, which Dr. Howard will provide.

Weeks Two and Three

During your second and third weeks of recovery, many of your recovery symptoms will begin to decrease, although your breasts will still appear high on the chest. Dr. Howard may ask you to attend a follow-up appointment to remove any drains or stitches, as well as monitor your recovery progress and developing results.

You will be able to start returning to work and other light activities during this time, but you will need to continue refraining from anything physically demanding for another several weeks, or until Dr. Howard clears you to return.

Weeks Four and Five

When you reach weeks four and five, many of your side effects will have dissipated. However, you may still notice some lingering swelling, and your breasts may still appear high. Dr. Howard will continue to assess your recovery progress and provide any directions he feels are necessary.

Weeks Six and Seven

You will be able to begin resuming more strenuous and demanding activities during weeks six and seven. Any remaining swelling will also subside, accentuating your new contours. During this time, your breasts may also start to settle into a lower and more natural-looking placement on your chest wall. This phenomenon is known as the “drop and fluff.”

Long-Term Healing

With time, you will be able to notice improvements in your results as your breasts continue to settle. Any scars will continue to fade until they become barely perceptible, and if needed, Dr. Howard can provide you with scar-minimization options.

Results

Once you have recovered from your breast augmentation, you will be able to enjoy your refined results. Your breasts will be fuller, more rounded, more symmetrical, and more proportionately balanced with the rest of your body. These effects contribute to a more sculpted and alluring figure and may lead to a greater sense of overall self-esteem.

The results of your breast augmentation will be long-lasting, with effects you can enjoy for several years to come. However, breast implants are not lifetime devices, which means that you will eventually need to replace them. Dr. Howard recommends checking them regularly to ensure that no ruptures or leaks have occurred.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

You may be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation if you are interested in altering your breast size, shape, symmetry, or fullness to enhance your aesthetic appearance. You may also benefit from this procedure if you are interested in reconstructing your breasts after a mastectomy or sustaining trauma after an injury.

To qualify for this procedure, you should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect your recovery or results. You should lead a nicotine-free life or be willing to quit. It is also important that you hold realistic expectations regarding your results.

Personal Consultation

The initial consultation is your opportunity to learn more about your procedure. During this meeting, Dr. Howard will discuss your medical history, personal concerns, and desired results. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your breasts and overall figure, which will allow him to help you find your ideal pair of implants.

Throughout the consultation, he will also answer any questions you may have and help you through any concerns. By the end of this meeting, you will not only have a treatment plan that Dr. Howard has designed just for you, but also a full understanding of your procedure and subsequent recovery.

If you are ready to explore breast augmentation, please call (224) 271-4250. We have offices conveniently located in Lake Forest, Chicago, and Glenview, Illinois.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Howard will converse with you about the pricing of your breast augmentation once he has established each detail. He tailors each procedure according to your needs and anatomy, which means the cost of your breast augmentation will vary.

FAQ

Can I breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

You may breastfeed after recovering from your breast augmentation. However, we recommend waiting to undergo this procedure altogether until you have finished breastfeeding and no longer have any plans to expand your family.

When will I be able to return to work?

You will be able to return to work after resting for approximately one to two weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding anything strenuous until Dr. Howard approves of your return.

Will I lose sensation in my nipples?

Some patients temporarily lose their sensation as they recover, but it usually resolves on its own over the following weeks to months.

What type of breast implants does Dr. Howard offer?

Dr. Howard offers both silicone and saline breast implants in a range of different sizes. During your personal consultation, he will work with you to determine the best pair for your figure and goals.

Are my breast implants permanent?

No, breast implants are not permanent devices, and you will eventually need to replace them. We recommend checking them regularly to ensure no ruptures or leaks have occurred.

Will my breast augmentation leave scars?

Every surgical procedure will leave a degree of scarring, including breast augmentation. As you recover, your scars will continue to fade until they are barely perceptible. Dr. Howard will also take great care during the procedure itself to place each incision in an easily concealable area.

How will I know if breast augmentation is right for me?

Attending a personal consultation is the best way to determine if breast augmentation is right for you. During this consultation, Dr. Michaels will talk to you about your personal concerns and perform a physical examination. He will then either confirm your candidacy and help you select your implants or suggest another procedure that will help you better achieve your ideal results.

Can I undergo any other procedures during breast augmentation?

You can! Many patients will include a breast lift in their procedure. This combination raises the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall, addresses breast ptosis, and enhances volume, shape, and symmetry. During your consultation, Dr. Howard can help you explore which other treatments, if any, can enhance your results.

References

  1. Fardo D, Sequeira MB, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. Nih.gov. Published July 18, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/#article-18563.s4
  2. Shi H, Cao C, Li X, Chen L, Li S. A retrospective study of primary breast augmentation: recovery period, complications and patient satisfaction. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2015;8(10):18737. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4694389/