Breast Implant Plastic Surgery Recovery

Breast Implant Plastic Surgery Recovery

Breast implant plastic surgery usually requires a patient to reduce physical activity for about one week before she can gradually resume her normal routine.

At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will discuss all about recovery and address any concerns the patient may have.

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), led by board certified plastic surgeons, provides breast implant surgery to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities.

Variable Recovery Period

In breast implant plastic surgery, the time required to heal completely depends to some extent on the technique used for placing the implant. Subglandular breast implants (placing the implants above the pectoral) muscle involves a shorter healing period compared to submuscular breast implants which entail the placement of the implant below the pectoral muscle.

Your surgeon will offer detailed instructions to ensure that your breast implant surgery recovery period is shorter and free of complications. If you follow these instructions with commitment, you can enjoy many years of satisfaction with your breast implants.

The Initial Two Weeks

Patients commonly feel pain in the breasts as well as tiredness for the initial 24 to 48 hours following a breast implant procedure. While medication can help deal with the discomfort in most instances, the patient may still feel fatigue and soreness. If possible, the patient should have a friend, family member, or partner stay with her after the surgery to assist for the first few days.

Gauze dressings which are placed on the breasts right after the procedure will be removed a few days later, and the patient will need to wear a specialized surgical bra. Sutures and drain tubes will be taken out in a week to 10 days.

The Initial Months

After a breast implant surgery, the breasts will remain sensitive for many weeks. There can be inflammation for a period of up to five weeks. The patient should refrain from physical contact in the breast area till this sensitivity reduces. This will decrease the risks of injury and delay the recovery process. Furthermore, patients should ideally wait for approximately one month before returning to any taxing physical activities or fitness regimen.

The patient must exercise caution and not be impatient to return to her routine activities. Not allowing sufficient time to heal can cause injury to the breasts which will need even more time to recover afterwards.

This can also impact the quality of the surgical outcome. Patients interested in a breast implant surgery should speak to their surgeon in detail about the recovery period. This will help them establish the time commitment needed.

Breast Surgery Scars

After the breast implant procedure, the incision scars remain firm and pink for almost six weeks. While they will subside significantly in the following months, they may not become entirely invisible.

Accomplished plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and other towns and suburbs in part of the US for breast implants.

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.