Breast Implant Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. During augmentation procedures, an incision is used to create a “pocket” or space for a saline or silicone breast implant. Following the surgery, most women experience pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and scarring.

After Breast Augmentation
The surgeon may prescribe medications for pain and nausea. The best strategy for managing pain is to maintain a consistent dose of medication in the body (according to prescription directions), rather than allowing waves of unbearable pain to occur before taking a new dose of medication. Most women find that pain can be adequately controlled and will gradually subside during the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Recovery
Cold compresses or ice packs are often used to decrease swelling for the first 48 hours after surgery. Some women may also have surgical drains attached to their incisions in order to avoid fluid build up. Sleeping on the back with the head and upper back elevated is often recommended for the first week after surgery. Longer-term treatments for swelling include increasing water/fluid intake and limiting sodium intake. Most of the major swelling that occurs as a result of surgery will subside after 2 to 3 weeks. Minor swelling may persist for up to 3 to 4 months. Using warm compresses starting 48 hours after surgery can help to decrease bruising.

What To Expect
Temporary areas of numbness or lack of nipple sensation are relatively common after breast augmentation surgery. These sensation changes usually subside within a few weeks or a month, but in rare cases, may be permanent. As nerves regain function and sensation returns, many women experience sharp shooting pains, itchiness, heat, tingling, or prickling feelings. Massaging the nipples and breast skin several times each day can speed the return of sensation.
Interestingly, the opposite problem (i.e., overly sensitive nipples) may also bother some women after breast augmentation surgery. Using Band-Aids or nursing pads to cover the nipples may help prevent discomfort.

Initially, breasts that have been augmented may feel quite firm, or have an unnatural skin texture. Augmented breasts may also appear to be abnormally high up on the chest. Typically, after a few weeks, the breasts will become softer and sit a bit lower as they settle and spread out into the implant pocket.


 

 

Activity restrictions
Most women can return to work within a few days of having breast augmentation surgery. However, restrictions against lifting anything over 5 pounds or raising anything over the head may last for a week or so. Most surgeons recommend avoiding strenuous exercise or activities for at least 3 to 4 weeks. A surgical bra, compression bandage, or sports bra may be worn for extra support during this initial healing period.

Breast asymmetry
It is quite common for a woman’s breasts to heal differently after breast augmentation surgery. One breast may swell more than the other, or the shapes may differ. After complete healing, this breast asymmetry should resolve completely, or decrease enough that it is hardly noticeable.