NorthEast Plastic Surgery logo
  • British & Australian
  • Expertise & Innovation

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, mammoplasty, or a 'boob job' are some of the names given to the surgical procedure where a prosthetic implant is inserted behind the breasts to enhance their size and shape. There are many reasons for considering a breast augmentation, but the underlying issue is usually that the appearance of your breasts can have a really negative effect on how you feel about yourself.

In this article, we look at what happens after breast augmentation surgery including what happens during recovery and the potential risks and complications.

Recovery Time

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself in the first few days after the surgery. It is important to follow them carefully to get the best results from the procedure. If you can, arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery, or at least have someone you can call in case of emergency.

Week 1 post-surgery:

You will be a bit bruised and sore for 3-5 days, and you may need pain medication. Getting lots of sleep in the first week will help your recovery and most clinics will recommend you take at least 1 week off from work or your normal activities to rest and recover. You will need to wear the compression garment or the post-surgical bra continually for the first week to support your new breasts and possibly up to 4 weeks after surgery.

Week 2 and 3 post-surgery:

Bruising will start to fade in the second week after surgery and the discomfort will be less noticeable. You should be able to go back to your normal routine approximately 1 to 2 weeks after breast augmentation surgery and gentle exercise after 3 to 4 weeks.

How long does it take to get back to normal?

Your breasts will still feel sore and sensitive to touch for about 3 to 4 weeks, so limit physical contact until they are less sensitive. You can go back to the gym or your normal exercise routine within 6-8 weeks, but try to avoid situations where your breasts may get knocked or hit for the first 6 weeks. The scars should fade over several months, but may take over a year to fade completely.

What Are The Risks and Potential Complications?

All surgery carries some risks or potential for complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots in the legs or lungs, poor wound healing or scarring and reactions to the anaesthetic. These risks can be minimised if you are in good general health, with no pre-existing medical conditions and you follow your surgeon's pre and post-operative instructions.

Some of the complications that can occur following breast augmentation include:

  • loss of nipple sensation
  • capsular contracture
  • unnatural wrinkling or folding of the breast, or being able to see or feel the breast implant under the skin
  • asymmetry (uneven) breasts

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in Australia. Like all surgery, there are some risks involved, but these risks can be minimised by being in good health and choosing an experienced surgeon who has performed lots of breast augmentation procedures. 

Next Step

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and have questions you would like to ask, or if you would like to book a confidential consultation at a cost of $140, click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for the Melbourne practice or (07) 3180 3400 for the Brisbane practice. The Cosmetic Surgery Co-ordinators of NorthEast Plastic Surgery will organise a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who are highly qualified and experienced surgeons. They will assess your individual requirements and discuss your preferences in regard to breast augmentation surgery.

 

 


Educating

NorthEast Plastic Surgery has been designed to offer a bespoke and unrivalled cosmetic plastic surgical service of superlative standard and quality. Dr Seneviratne and Mr Tansley share their Australian and British plastic and cosmetic surgery experience in these educational articles.

contact us

E: melbourne@northeastplasticsurgery.com.au
T: (03) 9088 5000
F (03) 9088 5001
P 0411865055
(paging service for after hours emergencies only)

=

Essendon practice
53 Fletcher Street
Essendon
Vic 3040

Onsite parking and tram service (59) to the premises

View larger Map

St Vincents Private Hospital Consulting Suites
5 Studley Avenue,
Kew
Vic 3101

Onsite parking to the premises

View larger Map

NorthEast Plastic Surgery logo

© Copyright 2022, North East Plastic Surgery. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy