Breast Augmentation recovery is typically 4-6 weeks. The exact recovery length depends on your body’s own healing abilities and other factors such as age, genetics and the techniques and extent of the surgery carried out.

You must also have regular follow up appointments with your surgeon to ensure you have healed correctly and that you are happy with your results. Patients are typically fully recovered after 6 months when the breasts have settled into place and all swelling and discomfort has subsided.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation, also known as a Boob Job or Breast Enlargement, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that uses breast implants to enhance the shape and size of your breasts. Breast Augmentation is a common procedure after pregnancy or significant weight loss for women who want to add size and shape to their breasts. It is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK, with over 4,000 carried out in 2023.

Your surgeon will discreetly make an incision under each of the breasts. The breast and chest tissues are then separated to create a pocket. The implants are carefully placed either in front or behind the pectoral muscle through this incision. The implants will be aligned to ensure they maintain their position, after which the incision is closed with stitches and dressings are put in place. The choice of implant size and shape depends on the patient's desired outcome, and what will create the most flattering result.

At Cadogan Clinic, we only use silicone breast implants, supplied by licensed and approved manufacturers. Our expert surgeons typically use implants from Sebbin, Mentor and Motiva.

What May Impact Breast Augmentation Recovery?

Alcohol and caffeine intake as well as excessive movement or lifting heavy weights are some of the factors that can impact recovery times. 

• Intense movement or overexertion may cause discomfort and swelling in your chest area, or seroma or haematoma which can affect your recovery and may require further surgical intervention to address.
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, may affect your hydration levels and interfere with the recovery process, causing inflammation throughout the body.
• Your surgeon will ask you to give up smoking and vaping for at least 6 weeks before your surgery, and this should continue during your recovery period. Smoking and vaping reduce the levels of oxygen in the body’s tissues, which can seriously impact your ability to heal effectively.
• Following the post-operative care instructions supplied by your surgeon is critical for recovery. This includes taking any medications they have provided, having plenty of rest, and limiting your activity. At Cadogan Clinic, we offer a 24/7 on-call nurse service and access to ongoing wound care to ensure proper recovery after your surgery.
• You should sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated after the surgery for up to 3 weeks. This minimises fluid buildup and the infection risk while increasing blood circulation and keeping the breasts in a more natural position to heal.
• It’s best not to drive for the first 10 days after the procedure due to the lack of movement and discomfort after Breast Augmentation. It is important to speak with your insurance provider to find out how long your policy stipulates you must not drive for following general anaesthetic surgery.

At Cadogan Clinic, we use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthetic) anaesthetic to reduce the initial recovery time after the surgery. The use of TIVA ensures less post-operative nausea and sickness after waking. This means you are more comfortable on waking and are able to go home to recover sooner. 

Cadogan Clinic’s surgical infection rate is less than 1%, in comparison to the national average of 4.7%. We are dedicated to the highest levels of patient safety and care, which improves our patient satisfaction and allows for the best results. Our surgeons provide comprehensive support throughout your surgical and recovery process following Breast Augmentation surgery, ensuring a smooth healing journey and high quality results.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Week-By-Week Timeline

The recovery timeline of a Breast Augmentation procedure starts from one week up to two months or more. The week-by-week recovery after a Breast Augmentation surgery is as follows:

• 1-week post-op Breast Augmentation: Patients may experience discomfort and swelling around their chest area, which can be managed with painkillers and medication. It’s common to see some scarring and bruising after Breast Augmentation around the incision area. Most patients can go for gentle walks or light exercises after their boob job if there isn't much discomfort. However, the swelling gradually subsides as part of the breast surgery healing process. 1 week after your surgery, you will have a follow up appointment with our specialist nurses to check your incisions and assess your healing.
• 3-6 weeks following Breast Augmentation: The swelling and bruising will be reduced significantly. The breasts will also start to look more natural as they settle into place - a process known as dropping and fluffing. At 4 weeks post-Breast Augmentation, you can expect a continued reduction in swelling and discomfort. The breasts will continue to look more natural. However, before engaging in more intense activities during recovery, it's essential to consult with your surgeon to determine what is safe for you. Following their guidance, you may be able to start light cardio and possibly lift light weights as part of your recovery process. At 6 weeks, you will have a follow up appointment with your surgeon to discuss your results and recovery.
• 3 months after your Breast Augmentation: Around three months post-op, the swelling should have resolved completely, allowing for a clearer view of your results. During this stage, it's crucial to continue following your surgeon's advice regarding physical activities. Although light exercises might be permitted, it's essential to approach more intense activities like weightlifting with caution, ensuring that your body is ready for such exertion. Your breasts will feel softer, and the surgical incisions should be completely healed.
• 6 months: By the six-month mark, your breasts should be fully healed, with the implants settled into their final position. You should have been able to return to all of your previous activities. The drop and fluff stage is usually complete by this time, resulting in a more natural and softer appearance of the breasts. 

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