Breast augmentation is a major cosmetic surgery procedure involving a considerable recovery component. Patients should be committed to following the surgeon’s instructions for the post-operative recovery to achieve safe and desirable results.  

Successful and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities in this section of the state.

The Day after the Surgery

• The surgeon or their staff members will check in on the patient by phone, email, or text.
• The patient can expect mild inflammation, itching, and bruising in the incision sites. She may also experience some numbness and tingling if the procedure was performed in combination with a breast lift.
• If the surgery involves more substantial implants, the skin around the breasts and chest area will feel taut for some time.

Week One to Week Three

A few weeks after the breast augmentation cosmetic surgery procedure, the new implants will adjust into their final position. The sensation of numbness, bruising, and inflammation will slowly start to subside.

• The patient should follow wound care guidelines given to her on a post-op instruction sheet.
• The patient should not take a shower until the surgeon says that it is alright to do so, and she should definitely avoid it on the first day after the procedure.
• The in-person follow-up schedule differs a bit based on the individual case. However, it will contain the following elements in most cases. Post-operative Day 1, Day 7, Day 21 (sutures are commonly removed at this juncture, three weeks following the procedure). The next follow-up appointment may be scheduled at three months, then six months and maybe a one-year consultation, if the surgeon believes that it is necessary.
• The visit at three weeks is the “visit of smiles” as the most remarkable time in the recovery phase is at around three weeks (or when the surgeon removes the sutures as well as sterile-adhesive strips from nipples). This is the point where some inflammation has subsided, and the new breast shape is apparent.
• The surgeon will assess the patient’s scars and may offer alternatives to mitigate the appearance of the scars even more during the later appointments.
• The patient or surgeon can choose to schedule additional appointments as necessary.
• The surgeon will remain in touch with the patient between appointments, and the patient should immediately contact them in case of an emergency.

Overall Recovery Period

How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?

It is important not to try to expedite things during the recovery period. The patient should take sufficient rest and take it easy to ensure optimal outcomes.

• In certain cases, the recovery period may be less extensive depending on the surgical technique employed, the implant size, and the placement of implants beneath or above the pectoral muscles.
• If the patient requires internal sutures, it may limit their movements for an additional time.

Resuming Normal Work

• Resuming work can differ significantly between patients. Most patients can return to work between one and three weeks. But if the surgery is more extensive or the work requires more physical rigor, then the patient may have to wait longer to return to work.
• The patient should wear the post-op bra at all times (except for when taking a shower) for a minimum of four weeks. The patient should not take a shower until the day that is denoted on their post-op instructions. They will definitely not be allowed to shower on the first day after the procedure.

Compassionate plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.