Boob Job Recovery Help!

Whether you’ve just had a boob job or are interested in breast enlargement surgery, this post-op recovery blog will help guide you through the breast implant healing process.

It is imperative that patients follow all their pre and post-operative guidance, as instructed by their MYA clinical team and surgeon.

Boob job recovery

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it’s important for patients to have an understanding of the recovery process so they know what to expect.

During your consultation process with MYA, your surgeon will outline the breast enlargement journey and discuss factors like taking time off work for your recovery. You will also be required to attend post-operative appointments at your MYA clinical hub to receive wound care.  

It's important to remember that the breast augmentation recovery time is different for every patient, therefore every patient journey can be slightly different. Try not to compare yourself too much to other patients and treat your recovery like your own personalised journey. 

Recovery from a boob job is typically around 6-8 weeks. Healing will evolve over several months, as the breasts begin to drop and fluff, but it can take up to 1 year post-op to see the final boob job result. Here at MYA, we teach patients that your breasts are sisters not twins, so don’t be alarmed if one breast heals quicker than the other!

Most patients can typically return to work 1 week after breast augmentation surgery for office-based jobs and should only take on light duties. If you undertake heavy lifting or other strenuous tasks in your job role,  you may be required to take longer leave from work, this should be discussed with your MYA clinical team.

Boob job recovery timeline:

• Recovery time 6-8 weeks

• Return to work after 1 week

• Post-op bra for 6-8 weeks

• No driving for 14 days

• Post-op nurse appointment 7-10 days after surgery

• Final surgeon sign off 6-12 weeks after surgery

• 1 year to see the final breast augmentation result

Changes to expect during boob job recovery:

Following breast enlargement surgery patients should expect some of the below changes to occur in the early stages of their recovery. All of these changes are normal and will settle over the following weeks as the healing journey continues. Here’s what changes to expect:

• Bruising and swelling to breasts and chest

• Tightness and mild discomfort

• Nipple sensitivity

• Breasts may appear 'cone like'

• Enlarged and protruding nipples

• Skin may feel warm and appear shiny and tight

Swelling after a boob job

Following discharge from hospital you will be sent home wearing your post-op bra, which you must continue to wear day and night for 6-8 weeks.

You may experience some bruising and swelling to the chest, breasts and nipples following your procedure, this is completely normal and should subside after 7-21 days. While most patients start to notice this reducing after around three weeks, it’s normal to experience this for up to three months after the operation.

It is not uncommon for patients to experience tightness, discomfort, and breast sensitivity following their breast augmentation, pain relief will be prescribed postoperatively to ease any discomfort.

Initially, your breast implants may sit high on your chest, appear slightly pointy (typically more noticeable in slender patients), and settle as they drop and fluff.

How long does it take for my breasts to drop and fluff after a boob job?

When breast implants are inserted in to the body, the skin and breast tissue stretch to accommodate the new implants and the drop and fluff process begins.

Initially, your breast implants may sit high on your chest, appear slightly pointy (typically more noticeable in slender patients), and settle as they drop and fluff.

It takes around 6 weeks for breast implants to drop and fluff. As the implants settle in the breast pocket, the breasts round and the lower pole takes shape. It's important to remember that your breasts are sisters, not twins and that one breast can heal quicker than the other!

When it comes to your recovery, your boobs will not be perfect or show the final result as soon as you wake up in the hospital bed. Patience is key with boob job recovery! Just like any other surgery, recovery takes time and can't be rushed, so the more informed you are about the healing process, the better!

Will I need a post-op bra following a boob job?

All breast augmentation patients will be required to wear a post-op bra following their procedure, which should be purchased before your surgery date. 

Boob job patients are typically required to wear their post-op bra day and night for 6-8 weeks, following their surgeon's recommendations. This is an essential part of your recovery, as your post-op bra will aid healing and provide maximum comfort and support. We recommend buying multiple post-op bras so that you can wear one bra, while the other is being washed. 

Some MYA surgeons require patients to wear strapping and a breast band for the first few weeks following the procedure. Every patient's physical requirements are different, so it is vital that you follow the surgeon's personal recommendations for you.

What to avoid after breast enlargement surgery

To ensure your breast enlargement heals correctly, there are a few things you should stay away from. 

Strenuous exercise and stretching should be kept to a minimum for at least six weeks. One wrong move can cause the stitches to open, so it’s best to stay away from any vigorous movement for as long as you can. 

In the first week, movement will be limited due to the surrounding skin getting used to your breast implants. Rest is vital, so we advise you to do as little as possible, including washing your hair. 

Scarring is to be expected after breast enlargement surgery, but it can be reduced. Scar tissue is much thinner than the surrounding skin, so should be kept out of direct sunlight for up to 12 months from the date of the operation, as it is much more likely to burn and the colour will intensify when exposed to harmful UV rays. After your operation, you will be advised to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (over SPF30) when you are out in the sun. 

Mobility and reaction times will be affected after cosmetic surgery, so you should avoid driving for at least one week. Some patients experience drowsiness from the painkillers, which can further impair reflexes, so you should especially avoid driving long distances during the recovery period.

Incisions and scars following a boob job

You will have scars following your boob job procedure due to the incisions the surgeon makes to insert the breast implants. Wound healing is an important part of your recovery, so it is vital that patients do not get their wounds wet until advised that it is safe to do so by a MYA Nurse. You must attend all your post-op appointments so that your MYA nurse can deliver wound care.

We advise patients to wash around the area or have shallow baths, but you must not submerge your wounds in water until they are fully healed. Healing will take place over several months, but it can take up to 1 year post-op to see the final boob job result. 

Scars are a natural part of the healing process following surgery. Most will fade and become paler and flatter over time, although they never completely disappear.

Tips and tricks for fuss-free recovery after a breast enlargement 

• You will be provided with a breast augmentation recovery bra after your surgery at MYA, which is recommended to be worn for a minimum of six weeks. 

• Every patient heals at different rates and has different preferences, so some may find it’s not necessary after three months, while others may opt for a sports bra for extra support after this. 

• It might feel unnatural at first, but sleeping upright after your operation ensures the breast implants take shape correctly. Take into consideration that your quality of sleep will be affected because of this, and plan your recovery period around this - which could include time off work. 

Trust MYA Cosmetic Surgery for your breast enlargement surgery

At MYA Cosmetic Surgery, we offer professional aftercare to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. 

Remember, no question is a silly question. So, whether you have a concern or just want to check you’re looking after your new implants correctly after a breast augmentation, feel free to contact us today. 

Or, if you’d like to start your breast enlargement journey, book your consultation online today.