How Will I Feel After Surgery?

You'll probably feel somewhat tired and sore for several days following the operation, and your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for as long as a month. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. The full results of your augmentation may not be visible until your breast tissue (and muscle, if the implant has been placed submuscularly) adjusts.

If the breast implant is placed submuscularly, you may feel more discomfort for several days longer than if it is placed in the subglandular position. You may also have difficulty raising your arms above your head until you heal, and your surgeon may at first restrict your arm motion. However, submuscular placement may reduce the risk of complications such as severe contraction of the tissue capsule around the breast implant (capsular contracture), visible or palpable implant edges, or interference with mammography. Post-operative care is usually quite simple, perhaps involving the use of a post-operative bra or jog bra for extra support and positioning while you heal. At your surgeon's recommendation, you will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, although you should avoid any strenuous activities that could raise your pulse and blood pressure for at least a couple of weeks.

Your surgeon can tell you more about the typical recovery process, and may have other specific recommendations based on your individual case. If any unusual symptoms occur after surgery, such as fever or noticeable swelling or redness in one breast, you should contact your surgeon immediately.