How Often Should You See a Doctor During Breast Augmentation Recovery?

Breast augmentation has become a fairly routine procedure, with many cases able to be completed in just one hour and patients typically returning home the same day. Still, it is important for patients considering breast augmentation to understand that it is considered an invasive surgical procedure and that follow-up appointments will be needed to ensure proper healing and recovery. In this blog, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales of Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX outlines the timeline for breast augmentation recovery, including when patients will need to return for postoperative follow-up appointments and what to expect during those visits.

The basics of breast augmentation

First, patients should have an understanding of how breast augmentation surgery works. While each procedure is tailored based on the patient’s anatomy and goals, some aspects of the surgery are fairly standard. Generally speaking, patients choose between saline or silicone gel implants which are placed into the breast pocket – either above or underneath the pectoral muscle – via an incision. Breast augmentation incisions may either be around the areola, within the inframammary crease, or in the armpit (axilla). The incisions are closed with sutures at the conclusion of the case, and patients will be placed into a supportive medical bra.

Recovery timeline after breast augmentation

Again, each patient and case are unique, so the precise details of breast augmentation recovery will vary from person to person. A general timeline for breast augmentation recovery may include:

• Day 1: Patients should devote the first 24 – 48 hours after breast augmentation surgery to resting. It is important, however, to walk short distances at frequent intervals to encourage blood flow and minimize the risk of a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Day 7: Around one week after breast augmentation, patients typically return to their surgeon to have their sutures removed and for a preliminary evaluation of healing progress. Patients should expect to have swelling, firmness, and soreness.
• Weeks 2 – 3: Most patients are able to return to work and other daily routines around this time, but lifting, straining, and strenuous exercise will still be off-limits.
• Week 6: If healing is going as expected, patients may be cleared to resume all of their normal activities, including lifting and exercising, about six weeks after a breast augmentation. Still, patients should reintroduce weights and other routines gradually.

How many follow-ups do you have after getting breast implants?

Following breast augmentation surgery, patients can expect to return for follow-up visits on or around the following:

• Day 7
• One month
• Six months

Patients who had a more extensive procedure or a combination of procedures, like a mommy makeover or breast augmentation with lift, may need to return more often for postoperative evaluation and drain removal. Based on the details of your case, Dr. Morales will create a customized follow-up schedule just for you.

Enjoy a smooth recovery after your breast augmentation in Houston, TX

Following up with your surgeon after breast augmentation is essential for minimizing your risk of complications and ensuring the smoothest and most successful recovery process possible. If you have further questions about what to expect during and after breast augmentation surgery, call Morales Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with distinguished Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales today.