Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips: How to Optimize Healing

The post-operative healing period after a breast augmentation is crucial for obtaining the best results. Our bodies are incredibly resilient, with the natural capability to withstand trauma, but the road to healing isn’t always a pleasant one. As humans, we’re designed to self-heal and regenerate cells after injuries, and there are ways to optimize this process that are beneficial for breast augmentation patients. Instead of relying solely on rest and pain management medication, incorporating supplements, mild exercise, and other recovery hacks makes a world of difference after breast augmentation. By focusing on holistic healing, patients can make the most of their healing time, maintain quality results, and build healthy routines for a lifetime of wellness. Continue reading for tips and guidance for enhancing recovery.

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What can I expect after my breast augmentation?

During the consultation, the surgeon will give specific details about recovery, including scar protocol, tailored to the patient’s unique procedure, though patients can expect some universal experiences after their breast augmentation. It’s common to awaken from anesthesia feeling groggy and sore, but these feelings will fade after a few hours. Patients need a designated helper after the surgery to assist them from the hospital and settle in at home for the first 48-72 hours. Common side effects include pain, tightness, swelling, and sensitivity around the surgical site.  

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How long is the initial healing period?

Every patient’s body and pain tolerance is different, so there isn’t one timeline for healing. However, patients should avoid any rigorous exercise for two weeks and upper-body activities and heavy lifting (including picking up children under 20 pounds) for six weeks. It takes about six weeks for the breasts to drop and fluff and six months to see their final appearance. The first five to seven days are the most intense recovery period, with most people easing back into their daily routines after a week. During this healing time, along with the doctor’s recovery instructions, patients can begin incorporating holistic practices to enhance their experience.

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How can I prepare for recovery before my breast augmentation?

The best way to optimize healing is to prepare prior to the day of the procedure by going over the doctor’s pre- and post-op instructions, creating a recovery kit, finding child/pet care, and taking time off of work. Patients are required to quit smoking and stop taking medications and supplements that can interfere with the surgical process. Eating nutritious meals dense with vitamins and protein and staying hydrated leading up to the surgery (though patients should have their last meal around 8 hours before the augmentation) is ideal to ensure the body is in optimal health before the procedure.

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What should I include in my post-op recovery kit?

The post-op recovery kit is a helpful tool to reduce stress and streamline healing. This kit should include everything a patient needs during the hardest parts of healing, making it easy to access without too much effort. 

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Here is a list of things to consider adding to a recovery kit:

• Filled prescriptions
• Water bottles
• Comfy, breathable clothing
• Clean bandages 
• Doctor-approved scar treatment
• Entertainment
• Pre-prepared meals

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Barrett Plastic Surgery’s breast augmentation kit is curated by a board-certified plastic surgeon and includes a specially formulated post-op supplement, a natural CBD calming tincture, and Skinuva scar treatment gel. Patients should aim for their post-op kit to focus on promoting holistic healing.

What is holistic healing?

The word holistic refers to the belief that everything is interconnected. In the context of medicine and healing, being holistic means considering the mind, body, and soul when treating illnesses and improving overall wellness. Holistic healing operates under the belief that ultimate health can only be achieved through balance in all aspects, not just focusing on a specific ailment. For breast augmentation patients, this means optimizing the body’s ability to heal and care for itself, not just focusing on the recovery of the incision sites. Patients seeking to employ a holistic approach to their recovery should center wellness and healthy practices throughout the healing process through nutrition, modified exercise, and attention to mental health. 

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What foods promote healing?

Diet is the most straightforward way to provide essential vitamins and nutrients to our bodies. No surgery, supplement, medication, or exercise can replace the benefits of healthy eating. What we eat directly impacts how our bodies heal themselves, fight diseases, perform everyday functions, and combat non-communicable illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. When recovering from breast augmentation, a diet dense in nutritional content and anti-inflammatory properties is best for promoting healing. 

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Here is a list of foods beneficial for recovery:

• Berries: high in antioxidants which help repair damage and support collagen production 
• Broccoli: filled with vitamins and minerals for healthy body function
• Avocados: include healthy fats that help absorb nutrients
• Dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach: rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting
• Meat and meat alternatives: provide protein and iron to repair muscles and sustain energy
• Whole grains: provide healthy carbs and fiber for energy 

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More tips for a healthy diet:

• Focus on healthy fats and lean proteins rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Reduce sugar intake and avoid highly processed food
• Stay hydrated — dehydration is common in recovery as fluids may be depleted faster while the body heals

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What supplements support recovery? Which should I avoid?

In the modern world, it’s incredibly difficult to get every essential vitamin and nutrient from diet alone. During recovery, it’s even harder to make meals and worry about eating. Incorporating supplements can help bridge this gap and specifically assist with recovery — by providing the necessary nutrients, the body can heal itself quicker and more effectively while fighting off threats of infection. However, certain supplements should be avoided before and directly after surgery as they can cause excessive bleeding. Only take supplements that are approved by your surgeon and refer to your surgeon for when you can resume those that should be avoided. 

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Here is a list of supplements that aid recovery:

• Magnesium: pivotal for over 600 bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, mood support, and sleep assistance
• Arnica: natural pain reliever and reduces bleeding
• Selenium: anti-inflammatory mineral to speed wound healing
• Bromelain: natural anti-inflammatory to relieve swelling
• Biotin: the popular name for vitamin B7 and assists in converting food into energy and keeps the hair, skin, eyes, and nervous system healthy.
• Vitamin A: helps prevent infection
• Vitamin C: supports immune health
• Zinc: a mineral crucial in creating DNA, thus assisting with healing damaged tissue. It’s also proven to support a healthy immune system
• Fish oil: reduces the risk of infection (avoid for 72 hours after surgery, may cause excessive bleeding)

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Barrett Plastic Surgery offers an extraordinary combined supplement that includes essential nutrients, vitamins, probiotics, and antioxidants all in one dose to support full-body wellness during healing. After’s all-in-one formula utilizes natural ingredients like bromelain, Vitamin A, Magnesium, zinc, and a probiotic blend for a holistic approach to recovery, helping the body detox from anesthesia while reducing swelling, bruising, and inflammation. Including After in a post-surgery kit minimizes the need for multiple supplements while providing all the necessary benefits. 

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What exercises are beneficial during recovery? What exercises should I avoid?

Exercise is beneficial after any procedure as staying active promotes blood flow and decreases inflammation while renewing the mitochondria in our cells. Though breast augmentation patients should avoid strenuous activity in the first two weeks of recovery, light walking is recommended for proper blood circulation. After two weeks, patients can begin to incorporate mild cardio exercises. Workouts specifically targeting the chest, like push-ups, may take around six weeks to return to. 

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But remember that rest is just as necessary as exercise. Lymphatic massages are a great way to rest while promoting circulation and calming the nervous system. Take this time in recovery to relax and focus on letting your body heal without unnecessary exertion. Recovery should be a time for pampering yourself as you prepare to enjoy your new transformation.

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I’m interested in starting my breast augmentation journey — what are the next steps?

Are you interested in a breast augmentation procedure? Call us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out this virtual consultation form, and we will contact you as soon as possible. We’re excited for you to take this next step! To learn more about Barrett Plastic Surgery, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media at TikTok, Instagram, Realself, and YouTube for updates. 

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