Breast Augmentation Recovery Process And Timeline - Healthline

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What’s Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery Like?

Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D., Plastic Surgery — Written by Kirsten Nunez — Updated on July 29, 2025

Recovery stages
Complications
Recovery tips
Summary

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. However, the healing timeline varies for everyone. Giving your body the time it needs to heal is an important part of the healthy recovery process.

Breast augmentation is a surgery to increase the size of your breasts. It’s also known as augmentation mammoplasty.

Implants are often used to enhance breast size. You can also use fat from another body part, but this is less common, as it only subtly increases the volume, and your body might not respond well to the transfer.

Recovery generally takes 4 to 8 weeks, but it may take more depending on how you heal and your overall health. Everyone is different, so it’s best to talk with a surgeon about the recovery process.

Breast augmentation recovery time

Here’s what the recovery timeline may look like for breast augmentation over 6 to 8 weeks:

Immediately after surgery

Most breast augmentation surgeries involve general anesthesia.

Once the surgery is complete, you’ll be transferred to a recovery room. You’ll slowly wake up as a team of medical professionals monitors you. You may feel achy and groggy.

If the implants were placed under your pectoralis muscle, you may experience tightness or muscle aches in the area. As your muscles stretch and relax, the pain will subside.

Hours after surgery

After a few hours, you’ll feel less sore and sleepy.

You can usually go home after several hours, but you’ll need someone to drive you.

Before you leave, your surgeon will wrap your breasts with a bra or an elastic band. This will support your breasts during recovery. Your surgeon will also explain how to care for your incision sites.

3 to 5 days

During the first 3 to 5 days, you’ll likely experience the most discomfort. Your doctor will have prescribed medication to help manage the pain.

You might have minor bleeding at the incision sites. This is typical. But if you’re concerned about any bleeding, talk with your surgeon.

To help prevent blood clots and support your recovery, you can start exercising lightly, such as walking, immediately after the surgery. Avoid lifting heavy objects.

1 week

As you approach 1 week, you may be able to manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medications. The pain should be minimal after the first week.

With your surgeon’s approval, you can gradually return to light daily activities, such as driving.

If you drink, you may resume drinking with the approval of a health professional. But do not mix alcohol and pain medications.

Next few weeks

During this time, you’ll still have some soreness and swelling. But it should slowly get better.

If you have a physically demanding job, you’ll need to be out of work for 3 weeks or more. You’ll also need to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities, like running.

By the sixth week, you should be able to lift objects weighing 10 pounds or more again. However, pay attention to how your body responds to movement, and gradually get back into a fitness routine.

2 months (8 weeks)

After about 2 months, you should be nearing full recovery, though this depends on how well your body heals. Some people may need additional time to recover.

Your doctor will let you know if you can resume normal activities. Continue to pay attention to how your body responds to movement and activities, and bring up any concerns with your doctor.

Possible complications of breast augmentation

As with all types of surgery, breast augmentation poses potential complications.

General surgery complications include scarring, wound infections, and bleeding problems, like blood loss. It’s rare but possible to go into shock or develop issues related to blood clots.

Anesthesia can trigger an allergic reaction, but this is also rare. If you have a known allergy, be sure to tell your anesthesiologist.

Complications specific to breast augmentation include:

scarring that changes the breast shape or around the implant (capsular contracture)
asymmetrical breasts
breast pain
breast numbness
undesired cosmetic results
nipple changes in appearance
breast or nipple sensation changes
breast cellulitis
incorrect position of the implant
the implant is seen or felt through the skin
skin wrinkling over the implant
fluid accumulation (seroma)
implant leak or break
breastfeeding or chestfeeding problems
breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
breast implant illness

If you experience any of these complications or show signs of infection, speak with your doctor right away. To heal some of these complications, you may need surgery to replace or remove the implants.

On average, breast implants last about 10 years before the shell ruptures or leaks, but the replacement timeline is based on assessment. You’ll need another surgery to replace or remove them.

Tips for a healthy recovery

To increase the chances of a smooth recovery, you can:

Prepare your home before surgery: Before the procedure, finish any housework and meal prep. You’ll need to rest when you’re back home in recovery.
Care for your incisions: Depending on your surgeon’s recommendations, you may have to wear a bandage or apply ointment. Always follow their directions.
Take your medication: During the first week, pain medication will help you feel more comfortable. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take the entire course.
Avoid intense activities: Strenuous movement can delay the healing process.
Wear recovery bras: Follow your doctor’s instructions. Recovery bras provide support and manage pain and swelling.
Wear comfortable clothes: Loose-fitting, breathable clothes will help you feel more comfortable.
Eat nutritious foods: A nutritious eating plan will help your body recover. Consume lots of lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.

Takeaway

Breast augmentation recovery usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. It might be longer if you develop complications, like an infection or implant leak. The healing timeline for everyone varies.

To ensure a smooth recovery, follow your surgeon’s instructions. Wear a recovery bra, and care for your incision sites as directed. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat nutritious food.

In about 6-8 weeks, you should be fully recovered and ready to resume normal activities.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Breast augmentation. (n.d.).https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation
Fardo D, et al. (2023). Breast, augmentation.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
Risks and complications of breast implants. (2023).https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants

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Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D., Plastic Surgery — Written by Kirsten Nunez — Updated on July 29, 2025

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