Breast Implant Plastic Surgery Recovery

Any woman considering breast augmentation plastic surgery should budget adequate time for the recovery phase.

The patient can experience a relaxed and healthy recovery period if she avoids vigorous activities in the early recovery phase and follows the surgeon’s guidelines closely and diligently.

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by focused board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides breast implant surgery to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and other suburbs and communities in this region of the nation.

Estimated Recovery Period

Surgeons usually advise patients to restrict their movement and get sufficient rest immediately after breast augmentation surgery. The patient should not undertake lifting, bending, or straining as these activities can cause delays in healing and increase discomfort.

Patients who do not have to perform strenuous activities at work may return to their workplace in around one week. But if the work demands aggressive movement, the patient may need to take a more extended leave before resuming work. The surgeon can help the patient determine a safe time to return to work.

The recovery period depends largely on the implant placement technique used. The subglandular breast implant placement which involves placing the implants above the pectoral muscles has a briefer recovery period in comparison to patients who receive implant placement via the submuscular breast implant technique (the placement of the implant beneath the pectoral muscle).

The surgeon will offer the patient precise guidelines for making their breast augmentation recovery period as brief and as comfortable as possible. The breast enhancement plastic surgery outcomes will provide the patient years of satisfaction if she follows the surgeon’s guidelines with commitment.

The Initial Two Weeks

In the initial 24 to 48 hours following breast augmentation surgery, patients commonly experience breast pain and fatigue which can make recovery uncomfortable during this period.

While the surgeon may prescribe meds to manage the pain, most patients continue to experience soreness and discomfort during this period. The patient should ideally have a spouse, friend, or family member assist them with household chores and aftercare at this time.

The surgeon will apply gauze dressings to the breasts right after the procedure. These bandages will be removed in the following days and replaced with a special surgical bra. The surgeon may remove the sutures after one week to ten days, if necessary.

First Few Months

During the first few weeks after the breast enhancement procedure, the breasts will be quite sensitive. The patient may also experience inflammation in this area for up to five weeks. She should avoid any physical contact with her breasts until the sensitivity reduces to decrease the risk of injury and delayed healing.

Patients should not undertake vigorous activities or exercise for around a month after the procedure. It is essential for the patient not to be impatient regarding resuming her physical activity regimen. Disallowing sufficient time for recovery can cause injury to the breasts leading to a more extended recovery phase.

It can also impact the final outcomes of the procedure. Patients considering breast augmentation surgery should discuss the recovery phase in detail with their plastic surgeon to develop an in-depth understanding of the time commitment associated with this procedure.

Prudent plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and other towns and cities in this section of America for breast implant surgery.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland, Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.