What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?
While breasts of all shapes and sizes are beautiful, many women wish their breasts were larger and more shapely. Breast augmentation can make your figure look curvier and improve your proportions for a more sculpted shape. Dr. Rankin and your NorCal Plastic Surgery team offer several options to help you achieve your desired look.
*Individual Results May Vary
How is Breast Augmentation Performed?
While most people know about breast augmentation performed with saline or silicone breast implants, you also have an implant-free option. Breast augmentation with implants can be performed in several ways depending on what will work best for you, often using incisions around the edge of the areola or under the breast. Fat transfer breast augmentation uses fat collected from a donor site on your body to provide natural enhancement.
What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?
Recovery after breast augmentation depends on the type of procedure and how it is performed.
Breast Augmentation With Implants
You can expect some amount of soreness and swelling after your procedure. Most people will resume light activities such as walking and light house chores within a few days. You should limit yourself to these light activities for two weeks. Low-impact physical activity can resume at this time. You can return to most of your activities after four weeks, but limit chest exercises for at least eight weeks.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
The fat used to enhance your breasts with this procedure is collected using liposuction. You can expect some bruising and swelling in the liposuction area, which may include your abdomen, thighs, or other locations. Your breasts may also feel sore. A compression garment will improve your final results. Most people return to work in a week and their usual activities after six weeks.
Request a Consultation
We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
What Kind of Breast Implants Should I Get?
The most common type of breast augmentation uses implants. These are typically a silicone shell containing either silicone gel or a sterile saline solution. Many feel that silicone provides a more natural look and feel. However, saline implants offer more options for the implant procedure itself and may be better for some people.
People who prefer natural enhancement and are not seeking a major increase in breast size may not need implants at all. Fat transfer breast augmentation may provide ideal results for these individuals. While the increase is more subtle than implants achieve, it looks and feels natural and has few risks.
How Long Does Breast Augmentation Last?
Breast augmentation is a long-lasting procedure, but implants are not designed to last forever. The average lifespan of a breast implant is 10 to 15 years. However, this can vary widely. Some people remain satisfied for much longer. Others have theirs replaced sooner due to concerns such as scar tissue formation or implant textural changes.
Fat transfer breast augmentation lasts a lifetime. However, this fat will behave like all your other fat cells, so if you experience dramatic weight changes, the appearance of your results may change. You may also lose some fat with age, including from your breasts. Another fat transfer is always an option if you find yourself wanting additional volume in the future.
Next Step
If you are interested in breast augmentation, please reach out to our qualified staff to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Walnut Creek and Greenbrae. Give us a call at (925) 397-5486 or fill out our online form. Helping you achieve your cosmetic goals is an honor and a privilege at NorCal Plastic Surgery, proudly serving the East Bay, Marin County, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We look forward to hearing from you.
