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A Timeline for Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery

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woman-holding-breast-implantsWhen I’m speaking to patients about their upcoming plastic surgery here in my office, the post-surgery recovery period for plastic surgery is not the most exciting discussion topic. And I get it. Everyone wants to skip the recovery and get right to the part where they can actually enjoy the final results of their cosmetic procedure. However, this recovery period is absolutely critical when it comes to making sure the best-possible long-term results will be achieved. And what many patients don’t understand is that it is often shorter, simpler, and less arduous than they may even realize. Today, I thought it would be instructive to lay out a simple timeline of what patients can typically expect during their breast augmentation recovery period.

Immediately Following Surgery:

I perform breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure, meaning my patients will be able to go home just a couple hours after their procedure has been completed and not have to deal with an overnight hospital stay. Some degree of pain or discomfort should be expected as anesthesia wears off, but medications and compression can help relieve discomfort.

First Week Post-Surgery:

Some people may still experience a degree of discomfort at this point, but it should be very mild for the vast majority of people. Continuing to wear a compression garment will help effectively minimize any residual swelling from your surgery. In many cases, normal daily activities like school or work can resume. And while it’s very helpful to be physically active to make sure your blood is flowing, this point is still too soon for any kind of strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. However, light walking is encouraged.

First Month Post-Surgery:

In the weeks after your breast augmentation, you will notice a steady decrease in swelling in the chest area. Some bruising may persist, but this can vary from person to person. Light exercise is encouraged at this point, but you may not be able to go too hard just yet. Continuing to wear a post-surgical compression bra is still highly recommended.

Beyond:

After a month or so, most patients have fully recovered and will notice their new breast contour looking and feeling more natural. You should be able to exercise fully and not be concerned with upsetting your results. Although you may need to wait another couple of weeks to resume any high impact activity such as jogging. Follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon to confirm everything has healed and settled as it should are highly recommended at this late stage of the recovery process.

In my experience, the most effective way to promote a smooth and simple recovery after breast augmentation is to have your surgery performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and follow their post-care instructions closely. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation appointment, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also connect with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.

Do Breast Implants Last Forever?

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The old adage “nothing lasts forever” is also true when it comes to plastic surgery as well. Over the years, I’ve spoken with so many patients who want to know how long their plastic surgery results will last. And while I’d like to say forever, this is rarely the case due to natural aging and other changes that the body experiences over time. However, that doesn’t mean that plastic surgery results aren’t meant to last long-term. In the case of breast augmentation surgery, breast implants can last quite a while. But just how long is quite a while? Allow me to explain.

The lifespan of breast implants can depend on a variety of different factors. This includes the size of the implants, their shape, and the material (both of the implant exterior and filling). On average, breast implants retain their ideal condition for anywhere between 10 to 20 years after the augmentation procedure has taken place. However, this can vary. It’s normal for breast implants to slightly shift in the years following surgery, leading to natural wear and tear. Although breast implant complications are very rare, issues like capsular contracture or implant rippling can become more common over time.

For more information on breast implants and how long they can last, I discuss this topic in more detail in the video below:

In the case that there is an issue with breast implants in the years after an augmentation procedure or when patients desire a change, I perform breast revision surgery to help correct any issues patients may have. I take pride in being able to answer questions like this for my patients who have done so much to help me be named a Top Doctor in Atlanta for so many years, including once again for 2024. For more information on breast implants or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation appointment, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also connect with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.

Debunking Common Myths About Breast Augmentation Surgery

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female-holds-breast-implantIt’s understandable to be a little nervous before any cosmetic surgery procedure. Even one as common as breast augmentation surgery. Although breast augmentation is generally a very safe and proven cosmetic procedure, it is perfectly natural to have some pre-surgery anxiety. Part of this anxiety is fueled by misinformation that is easily accessible to patients on the internet. Which is why I wanted to take some time today to help clear the air and debunk a few of the most common myths about breast augmentation.

Your Breast Implants Must be Replaced After 10 Years

It’s a fact that breast implants are not intended to last forever, but that doesn’t mean that they have a definite lifespan of 10 years either. As the years go on after your breast augmentation, your implants will experience normal wear and tear. Additionally, the probability of experiencing breast implant complications like capsular contracture will slightly increase (though they will remain quite low). But I’ve seen plenty of cases where breast implants last considerably longer than 10 years.

Scarring Will Be Significant After Breast Augmentation

Thankfully, this is not the case. Some degree of post-surgical scarring will be unavoidable, but I always explain to my breast augmentation patients that scarring should not be a major concern. During the procedure, I am able to make my incisions in discrete, hard-to-see areas like under the arms, around the nipple, or within the natural crease below the breast. This way, any breast augmentation scarring will be almost impossible to detect and will also fade in time with proper post-surgical care.

It’s OK to Have Your Breast Augmentation Performed by a “Cosmetic Surgeon”

This is definitely false. Like with any other plastic surgery, it’s essential to find an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation. In order to be board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, a doctor must complete medical school, practice surgery for at least five years, and other rigorous standards that a “cosmetic surgeon” is not subject to. They must also receive regular evaluation in several important areas including ethical standing and their commitment to safety for all their patients. Certain doctors who label themselves as “cosmetic surgeons” may claim to be able to safely perform plastic surgery procedures like breast augmentation, but this is not a risk that I would ever advise a patient to take.

Being able to dispel myths like these and reassure my patients is a big reason why I’ve been named a Top Doctor in Atlanta for over 20 years. For more information on breast augmentation or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also connect with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.

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