Breast Augmentation Surgery: How it Works and Recovery Tips

Considering breast augmentation surgery can be both thrilling and intimidating. While you may be excited about the possibilities that getting a boob job can have to renew or transform your look, you may also have questions. You may be wondering about the steps of the breast augmentation process or what exactly to expect at your consultation with a plastic surgeon. You may be curious about the procedure itself as well as what to expect during recovery. Like most surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery can be divided into three phases:

1. Consultation
2. Operation
3. Recovery

Each phase requires its own level of consideration. By taking the time to learn more about each, you can help ensure that you get the results and the experience you want.

What is a Breast Augmentation (Boob Job)?

Let's start at the beginning: what exactly is a breast augmentation? Also known as a “boob job" or “getting implants," a breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts with the use of a saline- or silicone-filled implant.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Before setting up a consultation, first, take the time to consider if breast augmentation is the right procedure for the results you want. It's important to remember that this surgery can only impact the size and shape of the breast, not the position. If you are looking for a procedure to lift or reposition the breasts, you may want to consider a breast lift instead of, or in addition to, an augmentation.

The procedure also requires an investment of time, money and some physical discomfort. You should be sure that you have clearly thought through how you will make the time in your schedule for appointments, the procedure itself, the recovery period and follow-up appointments. Determining how you will cover the cost of a breast augmentation is also important to consider as well as how you will handle the physical discomfort and limitations that occur post-surgery.

Once you have a clear idea of the results you want and how to plan for the time, cost and recovery of an augmentation, you can then meet with a plastic surgeon to get their opinion on how to best achieve these results.

What Happens at a Breast Augmentation Consultation?

During an initial breast augmentation consultation, you will meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your desired changes. Although many patients come to their first breast augmentation consultation with some idea of how they would like to appear after the operation, it can also be valuable to ask your plastic surgeon for recommendations.

Visualizing results

A qualified plastic surgeon should have performed many surgeries by the time you enter their office, so they should have a working knowledge of how the type of breast implant, your specific body type and your desired outcome will all interact.

At some offices, plastic surgeons can use computer-assisted visualization tools to show you how implants of different sizes and shapes will look on your frame. A plastic surgeon can also recommend alternate or additional procedures such as a breast lift, liposuction or "Mommy Makeover" that may help to best achieve your desired results.

During the consultation, the doctor will explain the entire breast augmentation process and discuss the different decisions that you will have to make.

Choosing your type of breast implant

Beyond breast size, you will also have to choose the type of breast implant material you would like. The two main choices are silicone gel implants or saline implants which will determine firmness and shape.

Depending on your implant type, you may need to select a shape such as a round or teardrop-shaped and the texture. You will also have to determine the volume of the implant which is measured in cubic centimeters or cc's. Based on all these selections, the doctor will then recommend either to place the implant below or above the muscle.

Analyzing your medical history

During the consultation, the doctor will also ask about your medical history, current medications and any previous cosmetic surgery procedures. You may be asked if you have a family history of breast cancer as well as to share recent results from any mammograms.

How Long Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Take?

Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, but some patients may be able to elect to stay overnight. Although you will need to arrive an hour or two ahead of time and will have recovery time after the procedure, the breast augmentation procedure itself typically only lasts between one and two hours.

Most patients will receive general anesthesia though some doctors may offer an augmentation with local anesthesia instead. Whether you opt for general or local anesthesia, you won't be able to drive for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, so you'll need to plan to have someone drive you home.

How Does a Breast Augmentation Procedure Work?

During the breast augmentation procedure, the surgeon will make cuts under the breast, under the arms, or around the areola depending on the type and size of the implant, your body type and the least conspicuous area for a scar. After the breast implants have been inserted, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures, wrap the breasts with gauze and fit you with an elastic support bra to help minimize swelling.

What Should I Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

After the surgery, you can expect soreness and swelling. During these initial weeks, it is important to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions for what to do and not do with your implants, incision sites, drains, support garments, medications and levels of activity.

Breast augmentation recovery time

Although breast augmentation surgery once required a significant amount of recovery time, patients today are often able to return to work shortly after the operation.

To reduce swelling and pain, you can sleep upright, such as in a recliner or with a wedge pillow for the first 48 hours after the operation. You should expect to reduce any strenuous activity for two or three weeks after breast augmentation surgery, including limiting the number of times you raise your hands above your head, which will help reduce swelling. This reduction in activity includes limiting exercise and lifting objects over 10 pounds.

Full recovery usually takes between four to six weeks though some residual swelling can last up to three months.

7 Breast augmentation recovery tips

The first week of recovery after a breast augmentation is the most taxing so take steps in advance to ensure you can rest and be comfortable.

1. Complete any physical or strenuous tasks before the surgery.
2. Pick up any needed pain medication.
3. Have low-maintenance food and beverages available or someone staying with you who can assist you.
4. Set out loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Consider robes or oversized button-up shirts that will not require you to lift your arms above your head.
5. Do take short walks multiple times a day to help with circulation and prevent blood clots.
6. Use a recliner, wedge pillow or other supports to sleep on your back to reduce swelling.
7. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated during your recovery

Making sure you are informed about and prepared for the consultation, surgical procedure and recovery for a breast augmentation can help to ensure that you'll know what to expect, be prepared for the challenges and ready to be thrilled with your post-surgery results.

Financing a Breast Augmentation With The CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for breast augmentation and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Our Expert Reviewer

Dr. Michael Niccole is the Medical Director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in Corona Del Mar, California, which he founded in 1982. He has been practicing medicine for 48 years and received his undergraduate education from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He received his medical education from the University of California Irvine, where he also performed his residency in General Surgery and Otolaryngology. Dr. Niccole performed his residency in Plastic Surgery at University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, and specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, nose, and body.

He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery. He was voted OC Weekly's "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" for multiple years and the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Man of the Year" in 2008 for donating his plastic surgery skills to help those in need.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody, and OpenFit.