Recovering from breast augmentation surgery takes time, and it’s a process that unfolds gradually. While most patients feel ready to return to many of their usual activities within a few weeks, full recovery continues quietly beneath the surface for much longer. The body needs time to heal the surgical tissues, adjust to the implants, and regain a sense of physical normality. In this blog, we’ll look at what recovery generally involves, what you can expect at each stage, and how to approach your return to regular routines.
What happens straight after surgery?
Straight after breast augmentation surgery, rest will be the main focus. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, and as it wears off, it’s normal to feel tired or slightly disoriented for the first day or two. You’ll usually spend some time in recovery until your medical team confirms that you’re stable and ready to go home.
In the first few days, the chest area will likely feel tight or heavy, with some swelling and bruising present. These are expected parts of the healing process as the tissues adapt to the new implants and the incisions begin to close. Many patients also experience a sensation of fullness or pressure in the chest, particularly when moving the arms or upper body. It’s important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, including when and how to take any prescribed medication, as this will help manage discomfort and support proper healing.
You’ll also be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra or compression garment. This garment plays a practical role by helping to minimise swelling and supporting the implants as the tissues around them start to heal.
How much rest is needed during the first week?
During the first week, your body will be doing most of its initial repair work, so prioritising rest is essential. Even though it might be tempting to resume light household tasks, it’s best to avoid lifting, stretching, or raising your arms too high. These movements can place strain on the incision sites and chest muscles, which could slow healing or cause discomfort.
It’s generally fine to walk around the house or do gentle movements to promote circulation, but the focus should still be on allowing your body to recover. Swelling often peaks around the third or fourth day before slowly starting to reduce. Bruising, if present, will gradually fade over the next week or two.
Most patients will have their first post-operative appointment during this time. Your surgeon will check the incision sites, ensure that the implants are settling into the correct position, and address any concerns you might have.
When can you return to light activity?
Around the two-week mark, you may start to feel more comfortable moving around, and most patients find their energy levels begin to improve. However, it’s still important that you don’t rush into physical activity too soon. Even if you feel ready, the internal healing is still taking place beneath the skin.
Light walking and gentle daily movements can usually be increased gradually after the first week or two, but lifting anything heavy should still be avoided. Most patients are advised to wait at least four to six weeks before resuming activities such as gym workouts or upper-body exercises. Returning too early can place unnecessary stress on the chest muscles and delay recovery.
If your job involves sitting or light desk work, you might be able to return after about a week, provided that you feel comfortable enough. Physically demanding jobs will naturally require a longer break, so it’s best to discuss your specific work situation with your surgeon during your follow-up appointments.
How long does swelling and tightness last?
Swelling and tightness are common throughout the first few weeks and can vary from person to person. For most patients, noticeable swelling starts to ease after the first month, although mild swelling can persist for several months. This gradual reduction is a normal part of the body’s adjustment to the implants and the healing of deeper tissues.
Tightness in the chest, particularly when raising the arms or stretching, can also last for several weeks. The feeling usually improves as the muscles and skin adapt to the implants and the tissues become more flexible again. During this time, your surgeon may recommend light stretching or gentle arm movements to maintain mobility without straining the chest area.
It’s important that you continue to wear your support garment as directed, since this helps manage swelling and keeps the implants in a stable position while healing progresses.
When can you sleep normally again?
Sleep position plays a surprisingly large role in recovery after breast augmentation. During the initial healing period, you’ll usually be advised to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. This position helps to reduce swelling and minimises pressure on the breasts.
It can take several weeks before you’re able to sleep comfortably on your side again. Most patients can return to their preferred sleeping position around the six to eight-week mark, depending on their surgeon’s advice. Sleeping on the stomach should be avoided until your surgeon confirms it’s okay to do so, as the pressure can affect the implant positioning and healing tissues.
When can you start exercising again?
Exercise needs to be reintroduced gradually. While light walking is fine early on, more intense activities should wait until your surgeon confirms that it’s okay. Around the six-week point, most patients can start gentle lower-body exercises, but chest and upper-body movements should still be approached cautiously.
Activities such as swimming, weight training, or running should only be resumed once your incisions are fully healed and any discomfort has resolved. Over-exerting too early can cause strain around the implants or lead to complications such as fluid build-up.
Your surgeon will guide you on when and how to return to exercise based on your recovery progress. It’s better to increase activity slowly rather than risk disrupting the healing process.
How long before the results settle?
The visible results of breast augmentation will gradually become clearer over several months. Swelling, bruising, and minor changes in the position of the implants can make the breasts appear slightly higher or firmer initially. As the tissues soften and adjust, they will start to take on a more natural shape and feel.
Most patients notice their final results becoming more apparent between three and six months after surgery, though the exact timing varies for each person. During this period, your surgeon will continue to monitor your progress during follow-up appointments to ensure that everything is healing as expected.
Even once recovery feels complete, it’s still important that you maintain regular check-ins with your surgeon to monitor the condition of your implants over time.
Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Anh Nguyen
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, arranging a consultation with an experienced surgeon is the best next step. They can explain the procedure, outline what recovery would look like in your specific case, and help you understand the expected results. A detailed, personalised consultation ensures that you have a clear idea of what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.
Based in Perth, Dr Anh is a qualified and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
In March 2023, she was inducted into the Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame for her contribution to the healthcare system. She also received a Highly Commended at the MyFaceMyBody Awards 2017 for Best Plastic Surgeon and was named Best Medispa of the Year Australasia.
To schedule a consultation, please get in touch with our team.
Further reading about breast augmentation with Dr Anh:
- Read Dr Anh’s breast augmentation surgery (breast implants) page
- Read Dr Anh’s fat transfer breast augmentation page
- Read Dr Anh’s asian breast augmentation surgery page
- Check Dr Anh’s breast augmentation before and after gallery
- Read Dr Anh’s blog: Breast augmentation with implants or tat transfer
- Read Dr Anh’s blog: How much does a breast augmentation surgery cost in Perth?
Medical References about breast augmentation mammoplasty:
- https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/breast-augmentation-implants/
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-augmentation-breast-implants
- https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/implants/Pages/breast-implants.aspx
- https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/july/breast-implants-a-guide-for-general-practice
