Recovery after a breast augmentation is generally well tolerated by most patients. At five weeks post-op, patients generally feel comfortable and have returned to most aspects of their lives. Though, recovery is not yet over. Here’s what to expect 5 weeks post-op from a breast augmentation.
Activity & Exercise
Patients can usually return to most aspects of their life including work and light exercise. However, it is likely that Dr. Sessa will advise patients to continue to refrain from lifting anything too heavy and lifting their arms above their heads. More strenuous activities such as more intense cardio and some weight lifting can resume after about six to eight weeks for most patients.
Implants
Patients should feel almost no pain or discomfort by this stage. However, some swelling will likely still affect the look and position of the implants. Additionally, the chest muscles will continue holding the breast implants high for at least three to six months. Therefore, while there is a visible result, it is not final and the breasts will likely still look too high. This is completely normal.
Due to this, the breasts still require a high level of support. Patients should continue wearing their surgical bra full time. However, Dr. Sessa may be okay with patients removing it for longer periods of time depending on the patient’s individual healing.
Scarring
The scars will have initially closed during this time, but they are still fragile and patients should remain diligent about preventing stress on them. Regardless of the placement of the incision, sutures should have dissolved or been removed by this point. Still, patients should not lift anything above a certain light weight or raise their arms over their heads.
The scar itself will likely still look red or overly pigmented. It may also be sensitive and feeling may slowly begin to return in the area of the incision. In the next few weeks, the scar should begin to thin and blend in more. Patients may begin scar creams or treatments at this point as approved or recommended by Dr. Sessa.
Side Effects
Major side effects like bruising and major swelling should have calmed down by five weeks post-op. However, patients will likely continue to see residual swelling for several weeks though it is often not too noticeable to people unaware of the patient’s breast augmentation. At 5 weeks, patients may begin feeling the nerves start to wake up. This can cause itchiness and oversensitivity near the incision and often the nipples. This is normal and most patients do not require medication for it.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a highly popular procedure with a high success and satisfaction rate. While at five weeks, patients often feel great and like themselves, to support the internal healing structures patients should continue following Dr. Sessa’s advice concerning their recovery.
To learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Alberico Sessaat Sarasota Surgical Arts, call us at 941-923-1736. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
