What Will My Breasts Feel Like After Breast Augmentation?

Many patients are surprised to learn that the look and feel of their breasts will change throughout the course of their breast augmentation recovery, with the final results often taking several months to become apparent. In this blog, top Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales and the distinguished team at Morales Plastic Surgery discuss what to expect after getting breast implants, including how your breasts will look and feel almost immediately after surgery and how they will change, heal, and settle over time.

The process of breast augmentation surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is performed using general anesthesia and typically takes 2 – 3 hours to complete, though this can vary based on the specific details of each patient’s case. Most breast augmentation procedures involve inserting synthetic breast implants — either saline or silicone gel — into the breast pocket. In some cases, breast enhancement is performed with a fat transfer to the breast instead of (or in addition to) using breast implants. Once the breast implants have been inserted, and Dr. Morales has ensured a pleasing look and symmetry, the incisions will be closed with sutures.

How do your breasts feel right after getting implants?

In the first few days and weeks after breast augmentation surgery, patients can expect the breasts to be sore and tender, while some areas of the breast – like the nipples – may actually be numb. One of the most noticeable characteristics of the breasts during breast augmentation recovery is a feeling of firmness or hardness. In addition, the breasts often appear to be sitting unnaturally high on the chest. These are expected steps in the healing process, and the breasts will begin to soften and settle over the next several weeks and months. After about 6 – 8 weeks, the majority of breast implant swelling will have resolved, and the preliminary results of the procedure will begin taking shape. The final look and feel of your breasts after augmentation surgery will depend greatly on a number of individual patient and case factors, including:

• Amount of existing breast tissue or fatty tissue
• Skin elasticity
• Size of breast implant used

Which type of breast implant feels most natural?

Patients considering breast implants should be prepared for the fact that synthetic implants will feel different than natural breast tissue. Still, many people consider breast implants — silicone, in particular — to feel remarkably natural. For patients who are interested in the most natural look and texture, a fat transfer to the breast may be preferred over breast implants. Based on your anatomy, your lifestyle, your preferences, and your desired outcome, Dr. Morales will help you understand which type of breast augmentation may be most suitable for you.

Pump up your look with breast augmentation surgery in Houston, TX

Whether you’re hoping to reverse the unwanted consequences of having children or getting older – or you have always had naturally small breasts and would prefer a fuller, more feminine look – you may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery. Learn more about your options for the most natural-looking breast augmentation results possible by calling Morales Plastic Surgery to schedule your Houston, TX breast augmentation consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales today.