October 09, 2025 | Breast Surgery
6 minute read
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, providing thousands of women with their desired feminine silhouette annually. Naturally, patients considering this exciting procedure are curious about the recovery period. This blog will lay out a week-by-week breast augmentation timeline and offer helpful recovery tips for optimal healing and results.
Table of Contents
- What Is Breast Augmentation?
- How Long Does It Take to Recover From Breast Augmentation?
- Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
- Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips
- Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Portland and Lake Oswego, OR
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a type of aesthetic breast surgery that uses implants to enhance breast size and shape.
At her Lake Oswego practice, Dr. Elisa Burgess specializes in breast enhancement surgery, offering advanced techniques and technologies, like internal resorbable mesh bras and high-resolution ultrasound breast implant monitoring, so that yo∂u can enjoy a seamless recovery and beautiful, long-lasting results.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Breast Augmentation?
On average, the initial recovery period takes about four to six weeks. After this timeframe, patients have typically fully resumed their daily activities, and their breasts are looking and feeling more natural.
Results typically continue to develop throughout the following months. By twelve months post-surgery, scars have usually faded, and the complete results of surgery are visible, with breasts fully settled into their final position.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
Below is a timeline of the various stages of breast augmentation recovery. While every patient is unique and heals at their own pace, this timeline can serve as a general overview of what you can expect week by week.
Day 1
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, you’ll be placed under observation and then cleared to go home with a friend or family member who can drive you.
Rest and hydration are of utmost importance during the first 24–48 hours after surgery. Make sure you have a comfortable area with extra pillows and blankets, and keep plenty of water and nutritious snacks nearby so you don’t have to bend over. It’s also a good idea to have a selection of entertainment (including books, movies, and music) on hand while you relax. Clothing that opens in the front, like a button-down shirt, is helpful.
Dr. Burgess strongly encourages patients to engage in gentle, short walks within the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery to prevent blood clots and encourage respiratory function and digestion.
Week 1
The first week of breast augmentation recovery is usually the most uncomfortable. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort are common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications like TYLENOL®, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Many patients start feeling better by the end of the first week. Continue to take gentle walks around your house or in your neighborhood, but remember to always listen to your body and rest whenever you need to.
Weeks Two and Three
By the second week, many patients notice improvement in their comfort levels. Bruising and swelling begin to subside, and you may no longer need prescription pain medication.
Many patients feel ready to return to work at a desk job, resume light household tasks, take longer walks, and gradually add in light cardio. However, lifting anything heavy, including children and gym weights, is still off-limits. Dr. Burgess will check your progress at a follow-up visit and give you specific guidance on what you can safely resume.
Weeks Four to Six
Energy levels often return by this point, swelling continues to decrease, and you’ll feel more like yourself. For most women, this is when the breasts begin to “drop and fluff,” meaning implants settle into a softer, more natural-looking position.
During this time, light exercise may be done, but no heavy lifting, which is anything more than a gallon of milk. More strenuous cardio may be permitted at the six-week mark. Heavy lifting and chest exercises are still restricted until about six weeks post-op, or until Dr. Burgess clears you.
This stage of recovery is exciting because you can start enjoying a more active lifestyle again while seeing the shape of your breasts evolve.
Weeks Seven and Eight
By two months, most restrictions will be lifted. You’ll be able to return to your full fitness routine, including light chest-focused workouts. Your breasts will look and feel more natural as the tissues adapt to your implants.At this point, many women begin updating their wardrobe with new bras or swimsuits. Still, surgeons often recommend waiting until the three-month mark before investing in a new lingerie collection, since subtle changes in implant position or swelling can still occur.
Weeks Nine to Twelve
Patience pays off: the final results of your breast augmentation are usually visible around the three- to four-month mark. Implants have fully settled, residual swelling is gone, and scars begin to fade with proper care.
From here forward, you can enjoy your results with confidence. The look and feel of your breasts will continue to refine with time, and most women feel their surgery was well worth the wait!
Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips
The most important tip you can remember is to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully, as these are tailored to your specific needs and your surgeon’s technique. It’s also important to attend all follow-up visits and contact your surgeon’s office immediately with any questions or concerns. Aside from these, some helpful recovery tips include:
- Enlist help! Especially during the first week or so, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member help you around the house, keep track of medications, and assist with meal preparation.
- Rest with your head elevated. Many patients find a wedge pillow helpful, while others prefer to sleep in a recliner chair for the first few weeks.
- Wear your surgical bra to support your new breast shape as tissues settle.
- Avoid strenuous activity, but take short walks around the house or neighborhood when you feel ready in order to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, as both impair the healing process. Smoking can cause serious complications like necrosis, and alcohol can increase bleeding among other risks.
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious, balanced diet to help your body flush out toxins and repair tissues most effectively.
By taking care of your body, following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, and keeping up with follow-up appointments, you can optimize your recovery and be well on your way to enjoying increased confidence and your new figure!
Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Portland and Lake Oswego, OR
Breast augmentation surgery is an exciting possibility for many patients. To ensure the best possible results, your first step is to consult with an experienced surgeon. Serving Portland and surrounding cities, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elisa Burgess offers advanced techniques to help her patients unlock their most confident selves. To schedule your consultation at Burgess Plastic Surgery, please call (503) 699-6464 or use our online contact form. We can’t wait to meet you!