20 March 2025
Breast Augmentation Recovery Week by Week: What to Expect
Breast augmentation is a life-changing procedure that enhances both appearance and confidence. It’s important to remember that the recovery process is just as crucial as the surgery itself. The journey to your final results requires patience, as healing can take time and varies from person to person. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the breast augmentation recovery week by week, from the first few days to the months following your procedure.
What to Expect During Your Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast augmentation recovery will vary from one individual to another. Mild swelling, bruising and nausea are normal post-surgery symptoms. To support a smooth recovery, it’s essential to avoid alcohol, smoking and any blood-thinning medications, as these can increase swelling and slow the healing process. To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide on the essential Dos and Don’ts After a Breast Augmentation.
It’s important to understand that following your augmentation, your breasts won’t look exactly how you envisioned. They will be swollen, which is completely normal. It may take up to 6 months for your breasts to completely settle, especially if you had the procedure done under the muscle.
1 Day Post-Op Breast Augmentation
Within the first 24 hours after breast augmentation surgery, as the anaesthesia wears off, you may feel fatigued, sore and experience discomfort. Your arm movement will be limited, making daily tasks such as dressing and meal preparation more challenging. We highly recommend having assistance from a friend or family member to help you during this initial recovery stage.
During the first few days, it’s important to take your pain medication as prescribed, even if you’re not experiencing significant discomfort, to stay ahead of the pain. The pain will typically feel like heavy pressure on your chest along with aching. You may also find it difficult to maintain good posture or perform movements that engage your chest muscles, such as sitting up or lifting your arms.
2-3 Days Post-Op Breast Augmentation
Since swelling will continue over the next few days, prioritise rest and keep taking your pain medication. While your breasts may initially appear firm, swollen and slightly higher on the chest, this is a temporary phase. Over the coming weeks and months, they will gradually settle into their final shape. With patience and proper care, your breast augmentation recovery week by week will be smooth and successful.
1 Week Post-Op Breast Augmentation
The first week is really about taking it easy. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting to prevent bleeding and complications. At 1 week post-op breast augmentation, you’ll begin your first consultation with your surgeon to assess recovery. Many patients can return to work, depending on the nature of your job. Those with desk jobs or light duties can typically resume work, while physically demanding roles that require heavy lifting or frequent movement may still be too strenuous.
By 7 days post-op, most patients can begin sleeping flat on their backs. However, sleeping on your stomach or side should still be avoided to prevent unnecessary pressure on your healing breasts. To aid in your recovery, you should now be able to engage in light exercise, such as gentle walks.
2-3 Weeks Post-Op Breast Augmentation
At 2 weeks post-op breast augmentation, you will notice a visible change in your breasts, with reduced tightness and bruising. While your breasts will still be firm, they will begin to “drop” and settle into place. The shape will become more rounded at the sides and bottom and internally, the body will begin forming scar tissue capsules around the implants.
Swelling will continue to subside and mild discomfort may persist, but overall recovery becomes easier. Light physical activity can resume, though heavy lifting and intense cardio remain off-limits for at least six weeks.
4 Weeks Post Breast Augmentation What to Expect
At 4 weeks post breast augmentation, you can gradually return to your regular routine and daily activities. Swelling will be greatly reduced and your breasts will appear more rounded and natural as they continue to settle.
Initial swelling in the upper breast area should start to subside around this time. Any lingering soreness, similar to a pulled muscle, should gradually diminish. While mild sensitivity in the breasts and nipples is normal, persistent breast pain or signs of slow healing should be discussed with your surgeon. Find out more about How Long Pain Lasts After Breast Augmentation in our guide.
6 Weeks Post-Op Breast Augmentation
By 6 weeks post-op breast augmentation, you will have a clearer idea of your final results. Swelling fully subsides and the muscles and tissues finish healing. While subtle changes in breast shape will continue over time, scars will gradually lighten and become less noticeable. By the six-week mark, most patients can stop wearing their surgical bra, though continuing to wear it is optional based on comfort or surgeon recommendations.
3-6 Months Post-Op Breast Augmentation
By this stage, the final results of your breast augmentation will be visible, with swelling and discomfort completely gone. You can fully resume your normal routine and while scars will continue to fade, it’s important to use sunscreen to protect them. After several months, you’ll have a clear understanding of your final outcome and whether the procedure has met your expectations.
Breast Augmentation at Suffolk Breast Practice
At Suffolk Breast Practice, we are here to guide you through your breast augmentation recovery. Our team is fully qualified and has years of experience with a variety of breast surgeries. Our leading surgeon, Dr Hussein Tuffaha has achieved the following accreditations and awards:
- UK cosmetic surgery register
- iWantGreatCare certificate in 2022/2023
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Association of Breast Surgery
- And TopDoctors
We offer two follow-up appointments at our clinic. One after the first week and another two weeks after surgery. If needed, you can see your surgeon for up to a year post-surgery at no extra cost. To learn more, visit our breast augmentation page and if you have any questions, contact us today.
