What Is the Recovery Time for Breast Implants?

If you’ve been considering enhancing your appearance with breast surgery, you may have thought about breast augmentation with implants.

This surgery is performed for a number of reasons. Some seek implants because they’ve had their natural breasts removed due to breast cancer. Others are mothers who are finished having children and want to reclaim their pre-baby confidence with younger looking, perkier breasts. Still others have never been happy with their breasts and are finally seeking a solution.

No matter your reason for breast augmentation surgery, it’s always a good idea to do your research before committing to the procedure. While breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries today, it never hurts to learn everything you can before making a final decision.

In the following article, we’ll go over the basics, starting with the different types of implants available. We’ll then move on to what breast implants cost, possible risks and complications, and what the recovery time for implants is like.

Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

Types of Breast Implants

There are two main types of implants available: silicone and saline implants. There is also a newer type — gummy bear implants — which is becoming increasingly popular.

Silicone

Silicone implants involve a silicone shell that is filled with silicone gel. It’s a common belief that silicone implants feel more realistic than other types of implants.

Unfortunately, this type of implant can pose some risks in the event that they leak. If you’ve ever wondered do breast implants cause cancer, you may have also read about silicone implants and their relation to BIA-ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). In fact, BIA-ALCL is only related to textured silicone implants. Your surgeon will go over all of this with you at your consultation.

Saline

Saline implants also have a silicone shell, but inside is saline solution (sterile saltwater). Saline implants may not feel or look as realistic as silicone implants, which is usually because of rippling on the skin. But if they leak, you’ll know right away because the breast will “deflate.”

Of course, any time a breast implant leaks, it can always be fixed and/or replaced by your surgeon. It’s just important to catch it right away.

Gummy Bear

Finally, there are gummy bear implants. These are essentially the same as silicone implants, but they tend to be firmer because the gel consistency inside is thicker. Many people say they also have a more natural feel because they generally hold their shape better.

How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?

There’s unfortunately no easy answer to this question. The total cost of your procedure will always depend on the geographical location in which you get surgery, the particular surgeon you go to, what type of implant you choose, and whether or not you are undergoing other procedures at the same time.

One of the most common accompanying procedures is breast lift surgery. Many women opt for both a breast lift and breast augmentation. Other procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, etc. may be combinable with breast augmentation as well. Ultimately, combining procedures can lower the individual costs of each procedure, but overall, you will of course be paying more.

To give a rough estimate, most surgeons in the United States will charge between $5,000 and $10,000 for breast implant surgery alone. Keep in mind that health insurance companies will generally not cover breast augmentation unless it is done for medical reasons. For example, if you had to have a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer, your insurance company may pay for reconstructive surgery, which in most cases, would involve implants.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, there are possible risks and complications related to breast augmentation. These include the following:

Risks while under anesthesia
Hematomas
Bleeding
Rupture or leakage of implants
Noticeable scarring
Tight scar tissue near the implant
Skin wrinkling around the implants
Seroma (fluid accumulation)
Infection
Bad implant positioning (and a possible need for revision implant surgery)
Pain that won’t go away

These risks are important considerations as you think about getting breast implant surgery. Most breast augmentation surgeries go well and have positive outcomes, but if you have questions or concerns about potential complications, be sure to bring them up with your surgeon at your consultation appointment.

What to Expect During Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Time?

fter breast implant surgery, most patients should expect to have some discomfort and pain for a few days. Pain medication can help.

Your chest area will have bandages and gauze covering the incision site (sites), and it’s possible your surgeon will have used drainage tubes to reduce swelling and fluid buildup in your breast tissue. Compression garments will be essential during the breast augmentation recovery process, and you’ll need a lot of rest.

Your surgeon will discuss the specifics with you, but in general, you should stop major physical activities and avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks or more during your recovery period. To help with pain and discomfort, your doctor may prescribe pain medications, and OTC pain relievers may be recommended as well.

Of course, you’ll want to be sure to schedule some time off from work or school for your breast augmentation surgery recovery. You’ll also need someone you trust to take you home from the surgical facility as you will still be recovering from the anesthesia.

When it comes to seeing changes, you’ll notice larger breasts right away after surgery. Still, it’s important to wait until the swelling goes completely down before assessing your final results.

Questions and Answers About Breast Augmentation Surgery

How long is recovery from breast implants?

Typically, patients require approximately six to eight weeks for a complete recovery from their breast augmentation procedure. While some women may start feeling like themselves again within the first week of breast augmentation recovery, it’s important to note that individual experiences can vary depending on factors such as age, body type, medical history, and lifestyle.

How long do breast implants take to heal?

Several factors, including implants size, type, placement, and the surgeon’s expertise, can impact the duration of the recovery process. Typically, a complete recovery typically spans around four to six weeks on average.

What not to do after breast augmentation surgery?

In the initial weeks following your breast augmentation surgery in Houston, it’s crucial to avoid any strenuous activities involving heavy lifting, carrying, or pushing. This also includes refraining from lifting or carrying your young children and heavy handbags, especially for mothers.

Book Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Dr. Sieber specializes in cosmetic breast surgeries in the San Francisco Bay Area. His dedication to patient care and high skill-level within every area of his practice have made him one of the most sought-after surgeons for those seeking breast augmentation.

If you are looking for first-class for your cosmetic surgery, look no further than Dr. Sieber. See our before and after gallery for examples of those who have undergone breast augmentation with Dr. Sieber, and to learn more, book your consultation appointment today.

References

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation#1

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/breast-augmentation-recovery-what-you-need-to-know