Breast Augmentation
Understanding the Recovery Time for Breast Augmentation : What to Expect

For years, you might have been contemplating, daydreaming, and wondering if you’ll ever take the leap – getting a breast augmentation to change the shape or volume of your breasts.
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure that increases breast size in women. In surgeries, implants are used to enhance breast size, although using fat from another part of the body is also an option, though less common.
The reasons people opt for breast augmentation include
- enhancing physical appearance
- reconstructing the breast after a mastectomy or another breast surgery
- adjusting uneven breasts due to surgery or another condition
- and increasing breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Before proceeding with the breast augmentation procedure, it’s vital to understand what to expect during every stage of the process.
Recovery time for Breast augmentation:
Breast augmentation is a major surgery, and a significant recovery period follows. While the overwhelming majority of women find it worth undergoing this lengthy healing process, being aware of the road to recovery is crucial. Breast augmentation recovery is a process that requires time and patience for optimal results.
Understanding the stages of recovery:
Here’s a brief breakup of healing in various stages and the overall recovery time for breast augmentation.
Stage 1: On the day of surgery
On the day of your breast augmentation surgery, which is typically performed on an outpatient basis, you’ll return home the same day. You’ll need someone to drive you home due to the lingering effects of anaesthesia. You can prepare a comfortable recovery area with extra pillows, blankets, and entertainment. Prepare nutritious meals in advance and fill prescriptions before surgery.
Stage 2: Healing in the first week
The first 5 to 7 days after surgery is the most uncomfortable phase, with bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Dr Faisal Salim recommends light walking to aid blood flow and prevent blood clots. Listen to your body and rest as needed.
Stage 3: 3 weeks after surgery
1-3 weeks after surgery allows gradual resumption of routine. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort should subside, and you may be able to begin light cardio. Avoid strenuous activities and follow Dr Faisal Salim’s guidance.
Stage 4: Recovery status in 4-6 weeks
4-6 weeks after surgery, you can add more strenuous activities. However, refrain from heavy lifting and chest exercises until about six weeks post-surgery to prevent complications.
Stage 5: Final results
The final results may take three to four months as breast implants settle and swelling subsides. Patience is crucial during this process.
To subside swelling day by day breast augmentation recovery happens. It’s normal to experience some discomfort as the body heals and adjusts to the implant, but with proper care and follow-up appointments, the results will eventually reveal a beautifully enhanced bust.
Before breast augmentation, prepare by stopping smoking for six weeks to ensure optimal healing and blood flow.
Understanding the risks:
Like any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks, although they are typically minor. Risks include anaesthesia risks, internal bleeding, infection, changes in nipple sensation, implant leakage or rupture, and scarring.
We must emphasise that our focus on patient safety minimises these risks. That’s what makes it so essential to consult with Dr Faisal Salim to make sure you are a good candidate for breast augmentation.
Tips for a healthy recovery:
- Wear recovery bras for support and pain management.
- Follow Dr Faisal Salim’s instructions for incision care.
- Take prescribed medication, including painkillers and antibiotics.
- Prepare your home before surgery for a comfortable recovery.
- Wear loose, breathable clothes to enhance comfort.
- Avoid intense activities to facilitate healing.
- Eat a nutritious diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.
How to find a surgeon?
You may have to work a bit to find the right surgeon for your breast augmentation. Here are a few tips to help you find the right surgeon for you
- Look for board-certified plastic surgeons specialising in breast augmentation.
- Read testimonials and examine before and after photos of previous patients.
- Evaluate the surgeon and staff’s customer service during the consultation.
- Ask the surgeon your queries or doubts about breast augmentation surgery.
Breast augmentation is a life-changing procedure enhancing physical appearance and confidence.
You can consult Dr Faisal Salim, an expert Plastic surgeon, for understanding the stages of breast augmentation recovery, and with Dr Faisal Salim’s guidance, you can successfully recover from breast augmentation.
Patient Testimonials
Dr Faisal was nothing but outstanding during my entire journey in deciding if I should have a deep plane facelift in my 40’s. I didn’t want fillers and other interim interventions, all I wanted was to turn back time with what I had! From the very first consultation to before and after surgery including my many WhatsApp messages during my recovery months Dr Faisal was calm, reassuring and always there for me. It’s now 6 months on and I can honestly say it was the right decision to make. I am thrilled that it doesn’t look obvious that anything has been done but certainly friends and family comment on how fresh and alive I look! I would highly recommend Dr Faisal for his professional, calm, reassuring and expert advice for anyone considering such a big decision in their life. Juli Fairclough-Davis2024-12-05 I couldn’t say enough wonderful things to do Dr. Faisal justice! He listens. He cares. He has deep discussion with you to be certain he is targeting your root problem or concern. His staff is lovely. He doesn’t miss a step! After a botched mommy make over and THEN a trans-abdominal hysterectomy I was left with a massive scar and intense daily pain. Dr. Faisal gave me my life back! After 6.5 YEARS of intense, debilitating, life-altering pain, I am finally set free! My results are truly remarkable. I could not have asked for anything to go better! I am pain free, I have my athletic build back again and can get back to my active lifestyle with my kiddos again! I hope I never need surgery again in my lifetime but if I do- I’ll go to the ends of the earth to make sure it’s in his hands! He’s a realist and will not lie to you. He sets real expectations and then exceeds them by leaps and bounds! I am forever grateful to Dr. Faisal! Kat Overbeck2024-10-17 Cannot fault the service from start to finish. Highly recommend Dr Faisal and the team. Thank you for everything. Alice Williams2024-10-05 My neighbor recommended Dr. Faisal to me , and I am so happy with the result with only 4months now.I have done the breast augmentation and nipple correction. Dr. Faisal is so professional so good, he can hear you and understand what you want, and he did the work perfectly . I am very happy with my breast now. The results are even better than I had hoped. TT &T2024-09-30 Review of Dr. Faisal - abdominoplasty As a diabetic who had embarked on a weight loss journey to improve my health, I found myself facing a new challenge - unsightly loose skin around my tummy. This unexpected outcome of my weight loss efforts impacted my self-confidence, especially when it came to how I dressed and carried myself. Despite the physical transformation I had achieved, the presence of excess skin made me feel self-conscious and hesitant to fully embrace my new body. Therefore, I started researching doctors who could carry out the procedure. Upon scheduling my initial consultation, recommended by a friend, Dr. Faisal meticulously guided me through the surgery, addressing all my inquiries and aligning with my objectives. Prior to the operation, he dedicated time to addressing any concerns, remaining accessible for my numerous questions, and offering detailed instructions for the recovery process. Post-surgery, he closely monitored my progress and was consistently available for support, even during unconventional hours, providing reassurance and comfort. The recovery is always different for everyone but honestly, I felt it was made easier with the great support and did not struggle at all. I was up and about within a couple of days.....obviously with limitations. Now post 6 week mark i can confidently say Dr. Faisal's exceptional expertise resulted in a fabulous result (i find myself constantly checking myself out in the mirror and i can see abs !!), significantly boosting my self-confidence and I would highly recommend him to anyone contemplating this procedure. Puja Gujral2024-09-02 I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Faisal. After having 4 children including a set of twins, I no longer recognized myself when I looked in the mirror. My confidence was non existent. However, the thought of an extended abdominoplasty and breast lift was very daunting. Dr Faisal took the time to explain the whole procedure, recovery and expected outcome in an honest and frank manner whilst allaying any concerns or fears. The result is life changing. I was supported throughout the recovery and I now feel like I have my spark back. I enjoy exercising again and no longer look for baggy clothes to hide my body. Jennifer Durston MA Elip FCCT2024-08-28 I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding results of my surgeries. I am beyond thrilled with the outcome, and every time I look in the mirror, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and confidence. Dr Faisal's exceptional skill and artistry are truly remarkable, and I am incredibly grateful to have found such an amazing surgeon. Thank you Dr Faisal for your beautiful work. Louise2024-08-17 Dr. Faisal is an exceptional doctor. Living in Dubai, it's not easy to find the right plastic surgeon. In previous years, I checked many profiles, but somehow I didn't trust them. One day, based on my friend's recommendation (and also after reading excellent reviews), I booked a consultation with Dr. Faisal. He really listens to his patients and answered my long list of questions, even the super silly ones. I didn't go anywhere else, I booked the surgery straight away. The results are just amazing; I got exactly what I asked for. I would highly recommend Dr. Faisal to anyone considering plastic surgery. Dora Czuczor2024-08-08 I had breast reduction surgery with Dr Faisal Salim 2 months ago. I was a GG cup size. Before the operation I searched for a good surgeon in the UAE and abroad for over a year, I selected 3 surgeons to meet with and one of them was Dr Faisal. I chose him because he was friendly and thorough in his explanation of what the surgery entailed and in managing my expectations. He and his team were always ready to answer my questions and his assistant Nazokat has been so lovely and helpful. I went into this surgery, very nervous of course, but fully aware of all the possible outcomes and I ended up with results that surpassed my dream scenario. I am so happy with the size and shape of my breasts. I am now a perky C cup at 43! Beyond the aesthetic aspect of my transformation, the health benefits are numerous; It is much easier to just exist everyday and do mondain activities with ease when it was a struggle before. I am able to keep up with my young children and working out has become so much easier that my fitness goals don’t seem so distant anymore. The positive consequences of this intervention don’t end here; one of the most significant outcomes is the impact on my confidence and self esteem; my family noticed that I’m more outgoing and I engage with others more and seem less reserved. I simply feel a million times better about myself! Dr Faisal did an amazing job and I will forever be thankful to him and cannot recommend him enough. He is a highly skilled surgeon and understands what his patients’ worries and preoccupations are. He is reassuring but honest and upfront about possible challenges which is exactly what I was looking for. This surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I recommend it to every woman who suffers from the burden of having very large breasts. My first visit with Dr Faisal was just a chat about what I was looking for, it was relaxed and I didn’t feel pressured at all. It helped me in realising that this issue that seemed insurmountable could actually be fixed - and now that it is, I wish for every woman who is in the situation I was in to meet with Dr Faisal and get a new lease of life 😊 Laïla Waugh2024-07-25 I want to thank Dr. Faisal for performing on excellent procedure: face lift, neck lift and blepharoplasty- all together during the same surgery- Great ! His bedside manner was excellent. I’m very happy with the results ! This surgery has made a positive impact on my self esteem. Dr. Faisal answered all my questions reassuring me with professionalism at every stage of my journey providing accurate information. Dr. Faisal’s knowledge and skills gave me a very natural look, avoid raising unrealistic expectations. I want to mention also the team at the clinic : friendly and professional. I greatly appreciate everything Dr. Faisal has done for me. Highly recommended- 5 stars. Maria A2024-05-06