How the skin heals after breast augmentation surgery

• 5 September 2024
• Dr Joseph Rizk

Last updated on September 5, 2024

As a woman with an interest in cosmetic surgery, you’ve probably spent some time watching reality shows like Botched and Dr 90201. You may have noticed that when the doctors do the post-op visit a day after surgery, the camera doesn’t directly focus on the patient’s new boobs. You might even have noticed that the ‘after’ photos are taken up to 6 weeks later.

You probably assumed that was a TV show gimmick, to increase anticipation and build up cliff hangers, but that’s only part of it. In reality, looking at your breasts immediately after surgery isn’t the best idea, especially if your surgeon hasn’t prepared you.

When you receive a good breast augmentation, our Sydney surgeons will explain a few things in detail. For one thing, your new breasts will take a while to get that plumped up ‘TV breasts’ look. Initially, your implants will seem like they’re too high on your chest, which makes them appear flatter than you prefer.

There will also be some swelling and bruising. You may look smaller than you’d like because of the initial position of your implants, and some women actually look bigger than they prefer, because of the swelling.

Healing rates differ from patient to patient, but while your breasts will be more comfortable at 6 weeks, you won’t have your final look until 6 months or even a year after surgery. Within the first few weeks, the main things to focus on are swelling, settling, and scarring.

These issues are all related. Before your breast surgery, our practitioners will tell you about internal and external scarring. It’s a natural part of the body’s healing process, but your surgeon can help you minimise it.

Once your sutures come out, there will be some scarring on your skin at the point of incision. There are certain creams and gels that you can use, but you can also flatten the scar through skin massage. Our nurses will show you how to do it at home.

Your breasts will also need a massage. Ideally, you should massage twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. This will help to flatten and heal your internal scars, which will, in turn, help the shape of your breasts because it will gradually settle your implants into a safer, healthier, and more attractive position. Our nurses will guide you through that as well.

As your implants settle, they will seem to grow because their balance and positioning will adjust beneath your skin, and this will give you the shape and cup size that you wanted. If your skin feels too sore and swollen, your doctor may recommend Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT). This professional Lymphatic Massage reduces swelling by removing toxins.

To help your skin and breast muscle heal faster, take all your medication and wear your surgical bra and breast band for as long as your doctor recommends. Don’t rush to the sexy lingerie before you’re ready.

To get more information about breast surgery, implants, and augmentation, call our clinic on 1300 512 345.

About The Author

Dr Joseph Rizk

Dr Joseph Rizk is a trusted advanced Plastic Surgeon based in Sydney. He has undergone significant training to become an expert in the fields of breast, face and body surgery.