Breast Augmentation Recovery Visualized

Your recovery from breast augmentation surgery is multi-faceted. While most of the physical and emotional recovery occurs within 1-2 weeks after surgery, the recovery of the augmented breasts to their final appearance usually takes several months.

Swelling After Breast Augmentation

The first phase of recovery is the resolution of swelling. You can expect for your breasts to be very swollen for 6-8 weeks after surgery. Usually the majority of the swelling is at the upper part of the breasts due to edema of the pectoralis major muscle. In addition to swelling, the breasts also usually look very full on top because the implants are typically in too high of a position on the chest immediately after surgery. It can take weeks, or sometimes even months, for the implants to settle, or "drop" into the desired position.

Tissue Stretching After Breast Augmentation

For the breasts to look and feel soft and natural, the skin and soft tissue must stretch. This process of tissue expansion can last several months. Each woman's recovery is different. In patients with tight and small breasts, the recovery will likely take several months before the desired results are realized. In patients with looser and larger breasts (especially women that have had children), the breasts can be nearly recovered and look nice within 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Photo Series Following Breast Augmentation

On the left, we provide a series of photos showing the recovery of the breasts after augmentation surgery