Breast augmentation surgery is an exciting opportunity to achieve the shape you desire. One month post-surgery is an important milestone in breast augmentation recovery. This blog will discuss some of the most crucial aspects of recovery, including healing progress, breast implant adjustment, scar management, and when to return to regular activity.
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How Is the Healing Process One Month After Breast Augmentation?
The body works hard to heal and recover post-surgery, and one month after your breast augmentation, you will have made significant progress.
Swelling and Bruising
Good aftercare, including rest, wearing your surgical bra, and avoiding strenuous activities, will help reduce swelling and bruising. By the one-month mark, much of the initial swelling and bruising should resolve. However, some patients will experience these side effects for a more extended period. This is typical and is no cause for concern.
Discomfort
By this stage, discomfort is usually long gone, although some patients still feel some soreness. The good news is that many patients overestimate the time frame in which they’ll feel discomfort and instead feel like themselves again much sooner. As long as you prioritize rest and good aftercare, you will likely be feeling much better by 3–4 weeks post-surgery.
Incisions
Incisions are likely to be fully healed by this point, looking instead like pink or red lines that are sensitive to touch. This is a crucial time to promote proper scar healing, so follow all post-operative instructions and ask your surgeon if you have questions or concerns about scars.
However, it is important to have patience. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure with typically excellent results and positive outcomes for patients in terms of confidence. That said, it is vital that you take excellent care of yourself during the recovery period to achieve those ideal outcomes. Always check in with your surgeon about your recovery progress and follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
When Do Breast Implants Drop and Fluff?
The “drop and fluff” process is when your breast implants finally begin to settle in place. Right after surgery, you may notice that your implants sit up high on your chest. Sometimes, they even look flat or square in shape. These effects are the natural results of tight skin and muscle tissues. They will resolve as your implants “drop,” or relax, into place and “fluff” out, or soften.
The drop and fluff period begins as swelling subsides a few weeks after surgery. However, the entire process can take six months or longer, and the timeline looks different for everyone, so don’t worry if your implants are taking longer to soften and settle into their final position.
When Can I Resume Normal Activity After Breast Augmentation?
One month after breast augmentation, many patients have more energy and feel ready to return to their regular routines. Still, it’s good to be mindful of the limitations still in place:
- Returning to Work: Patients with desk jobs are often back to work by this point. However, for patients whose work is more labor-intensive, it may take longer, depending on your recovery progress and the recommendation of your surgeon.
- Physical Activity: Light exercises, such as walking and gentle stretching, are usually permitted and encouraged at this stage. That said, intensive upper-body workouts should be avoided to prevent strain or implant complications. Pushing and lifting heavy objects should still be avoided.
- Routine Activities: At one month post-surgery, you should be able to drive, cook, and perform other low-impact activities as part of your usual routine.
When in doubt, refer to your aftercare instructions and check with your surgeon regarding daily activities as you transition back into your typical routine.
How Should I Manage Scars After Breast Augmentation?
By this point, incisions should be closed nicely. For best results, however, it’s crucial to transition to scar care to allow scars to fade properly so that they are minimally noticeable. At this stage, they will likely be pink or reddish in color and may be firm or raised.
Silicone sheets and scar creams can encourage scars to diminish by keeping them hydrated and forming a barrier that reduces collagen and melanin overproduction, which can cause thickness and discoloration. Always check with your surgeon before trying topical treatments to ensure they are appropriate for you.
Avoid direct sunlight on your scars, as UV rays make scars darker and more prominent. Use protective clothing or sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if approved by your surgeon.
Interested in a Breast Augmentation in Tampa, FL?
If you have questions or concerns about breast augmentation, come see us to get answers and find out if the procedure is right for you. Our highly qualified and compassionate plastic surgeons are dedicated to creating results patients love. Schedule a consultation today by filling out our online contact form or calling (813) 400-1465. We’d love to hear from you!