When Will Swelling Go Down After Breast Augmentation?

Postoperative swelling is a normal and expected side effect of breast augmentation surgery, but it still can take some patients by surprise. Before your breast augmentation, it is helpful to understand how long swelling may last, what else you can expect during the healing process, and when your final results will become visible. At SSK Plastic Surgery in Orange County, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi is committed to educating patients on the details of breast augmentation surgery and recovery so they can head into their procedure with comfort and confidence. Find answers to common questions about recovery augmentation — like how long swelling will last — in this blog.

How will my breasts feel right after getting implants?

In the first few days and weeks after breast augmentation surgery, patients should expect their breasts to feel firm and sit higher on the chest than expected. Even knowing this ahead of time, it can still catch patients off guard, but it is important to remember that this is normal and that the breasts will soften and settle into a more natural position as the tissues heal. While the breasts may look and feel firm to the touch, patients should expect some level of numbness, which is another normal, expected, and temporary side effect of surgery. This loss of breast and/or nipple sensation can last for up to a year or longer, though it often improves sooner.

How long will swelling after breast augmentation last?

The majority of breast augmentation swelling should subside by around the 4 – 6 week mark following surgery. Still, Dr. Kelishadi reminds patients that some mild swelling, firmness, and a higher-than-normal breast position may take up to 3 – 6 months to fully resolve. Around the three-month mark, however, most patients are able to begin appreciating how their newly enhanced breasts will ultimately look.

What helps with swelling after breast augmentation surgery?

While you can’t fully avoid swelling after breast augmentation surgery, there are some things you can do to help discourage swelling and to help it resolve as efficiently as possible. Tips for reducing breast augmentation swelling include:

• Use cold compresses or ice packs in the first 2 – 3 days
• Wear your supportive bra as directed
• Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated
• Do not lift or strain
• Get plenty of rest
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid high-sodium foods and beverages

When should I go bra shopping after getting breast implants?

It is certainly understandable that patients are anxious to go shopping for new bras and clothing after breast augmentation surgery, but try to avoid trying new sizes and styles too soon after your procedure, as postoperative swelling, firmness, and breast position can all impact the way items look and fit — and this will change over the course of the next six months. After about 2 – 3 months, most patients can get a better sense of what their final breast size will be and how new clothing and bras will fit in Newport Beach, CA.

Results are considered worth the wait with breast augmentation surgery in Orange County, CA

Although you’ll see and feel an immediate difference in your breasts after getting implants, you’ll have to practice some patience to see the full results of your procedure — which most patients agree were well worth waiting for. For more information on how breast augmentation surgery can transform your body, boost your confidence, and change your life, call SSK Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with top Newport Beach, CA board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today.