When Does the Swelling Go Away after Breast Augmentation?

With any surgical procedure, swelling is a common part of recovery. This is no different with a breast augmentation. While swelling is expected, your behavior during augmentation recovery can play a role in your swelling, as well as how long you experience swelling after breast augmentation. During your consultation and when receiving your post-op instructions, your surgeon provides a guide to recovery and ways to minimize post-op swelling.

Swelling after Breast Augmentation is Common and Expected

During your breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon cuts and stretches the skin, breast tissue and muscle to make room to put your new breast implants in place. When the body undergoes trauma such as this, the natural response is inflammation so the body can promote healing.

This inflammation leads to swelling. As you begin your breast augmentation recovery, you can expect peak swelling to occur in the first three to four days. However, some swelling can last for three to six months as your implants settle into place.

When Will the Swelling Subside?

Most of your swelling typically subsides within the first few weeks. However, this depends partially on you and what you do during your recovery. When you receive your post-op instructions from your plastic surgeon, it is essential that you follow them.

Doing too much during recovery can further stress the tissue and muscles surrounding your breast implants and extend the healing time and period of swelling. Your recovery period is a time to rest and allow your body to heal, and this makes all the difference when it comes to swelling.

Compression Bras Help to Reduce Swelling

Before your breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon will provide or recommend a compression bra for after your procedure. You should wear this compression bra day and night for at least the first week or longer as directed by your surgeon.

While these bras are not a feminine beauty choice, they play a crucial role in your recovery, as well as the reduction of swelling. Your compression bra works by placing pressure on specific areas of the chest and under the arms. This helps the lymph vessels move lymph fluids away from the breasts and helps to reduce excess swelling.

Other Tips to Minimize Swelling During Breast Augmentation Recovery

In addition to following your post-op instructions and wearing your compression bra after your breast augmentation, there are some other tips that you can follow during your recovery that will help reduce and minimize your swelling. These can include:

• Drink Water — Staying hydrated during your recovery aids your body in the healing process and reduces swelling.
• Rest, Rest, Rest — This is essential during the first week. Before your breast augmentation surgery, have your recovery plans in place. Set up a recovery location with everything you need within reach. Get help from friends or family members for things such as housecleaning and even meal preparation. If you have children, make sure you have someone that can provide care. This is especially true if you have small children that need to be lifted or carried, as heavy lifting can cause stress on your breasts.
• Keep Your Arms Down — For the first few weeks after your breast augmentation, avoid raising your arms above your head. This movement can place stress on your breasts and incisions. This stress can contribute to additional inflammation and swelling.
• Eat Healthily — While it may seem easier to order take-out for delivery during your recovery, a bunch of fast food will only contribute to inflammation and swelling. Your body is healing and needs healing food. Eating a balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, will help to promote healing and keep your swelling down.
• Consider a Change in Sleep Position — Sleeping in an upright position for a couple of days after your breast augmentation surgery can help prevent fluids from accumulating in your chest area and keep swelling at a minimum. Consider a wedge for under your mattress or sleeping in a recliner for a few days.
• Apply Cold Compresses — Applying ice or cold compresses to your breasts can help reduce inflammation and swelling, especially during the first few days. In addition, the cold can help numb the area, reducing any discomfort. Be sure to apply the compress over your compression bra and not directly on your skin.

When to Worry about Swelling

While swelling is common and usually just a sign that your body is healing, there are some cases when swelling may require a call or visit with your plastic surgeon. If your swelling is severe, limited to one side, accompanied by a fever or your breasts are warm to the touch, contact your surgeon immediately. These could be a sign of infection.