How Long Does It Take for Breast Implant Incisions to Heal?

Breast augmentation surgery can be a significant step for many people, whether it’s to enhance appearance, restore confidence or address changes in breast tissue over time. One of the main concerns for those considering breast implants, or who have recently undergone breast surgery, is understanding how long it will take for incisions to heal and what the recovery process will involve.

While each individual’s healing journey can vary, there are common stages and guidelines for the healing process following breast augmentation surgery. Factors such as the type of incision used, the experience of the cosmetic surgeon, and the body’s natural wound healing ability can all influence recovery time.

This guide will walk you through the stages of healing for breast augmentation incisions, explain what to expect as your body recovers and highlight when it might be necessary to consult a professional about possible complications.

Stages of healing after breast augmentation surgery

Healing from breast augmentation surgery is a gradual process, with each stage bringing different changes and improvements to the incisions and surrounding breast tissue. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:

Immediate post-surgery phase (0-7 days)

During the first week after surgery, your body will be focused on initial wound healing. It’s common to experience swelling, bruising and tenderness around the breast area. Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will likely provide instructions for managing pain and keeping the breast augmentation incisions clean and dry. Some discomfort is normal, but medications and careful aftercare can help manage this.

You may notice that the incisions appear red or slightly raised during this phase. These are typical signs of early wound healing as the body responds to the incision sites. In most cases, people are advised to limit physical activity to reduce the risk of straining the incisions and allow breast tissue to begin the healing process undisturbed.

Early healing phase (1-3 weeks)

As you move into the second and third weeks, the initial discomfort should start to subside, and the incisions may develop scabs as they close. The redness around the breast augmentation incisions should begin to reduce, although some swelling may persist. Many people can start to resume light activities during this period, but it’s important to continue avoiding any heavy lifting or strenuous movement that could affect the healing process.

At this stage, it’s normal for scars to appear more prominent as the wound healing progresses. Patience and ongoing care are important; following your surgeon’s advice can support healthy, efficient healing.

Mid-healing phase (4-6 weeks)

By the four- to six-week mark, most people experience a significant reduction in swelling, and the incisions should be largely closed. During this period, the initial scar tissue may begin to soften, particularly in common incision locations, such as the breast crease or underarm areas.

At this point, you may also see the development of the “lollipop” scar if you had a lollipop-style incision. While scars may still appear red or pink, they will gradually lighten as healing continues. Your cosmetic surgeon might recommend light scar massage or over-the-counter treatments to help minimise the appearance of scars. However, always consult with your surgeon before using any scar treatments.

Long-term healing phase (2-6 months)

In the long-term healing phase, breast tissue continues to adjust, and scars will start to fade and flatten gradually. Complete healing for breast augmentation surgery can take up to a year, as the deeper layers of tissue and scars mature. The incisions will become less noticeable over time, blending more naturally with the surrounding skin.

Factors influencing breast augmentation healing time

The healing process for breast augmentation surgery can vary based on several personal and procedural factors. Here are some of the most common influences:

Type of incision and placement

The location and type of breast augmentation incision can significantly impact healing time. Common incision types, such as those under the breast crease or around the areola, may experience different rates of healing due to their location and the nature of the breast tissue they affect. For example, a lollipop scar, which involves a more intricate incision pattern, may take longer to fully settle compared to a more simple breast crease incision.

Additionally, the placement of the implant itself - whether under or over the chest muscle - can affect how breast tissue responds during the recovery period. Implants placed beneath the muscle may take slightly longer to heal, as there is more tissue disruption involved.

Individual healing rates

Every person’s body heals differently, and individual healing rates play a large role in breast augmentation recovery. Factors such as age, general health, diet and lifestyle can impact how quickly your breast augmentation incisions and underlying tissue heal. People with strong immune systems and healthy lifestyles may experience a faster and more straightforward recovery than those with underlying health conditions.

Aftercare and surgeon’s advice

Proper aftercare is one of the most important factors in achieving a smooth recovery. Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will provide tailored instructions to help protect the breast augmentation incisions and minimise risks of infection or delayed healing. Following these instructions closely - such as wearing supportive garments, avoiding certain movements,and keeping incisions clean - is essential to encouraging efficient wound healing.

Moreover, working with an experienced plastic surgeon can positively impact your overall recovery experience, as they will have the expertise to minimise trauma to breast tissue and provide personalised care recommendations.

Signs of normal vs. delayed healing

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect as normal and when you might want to seek additional medical guidance.

Normal healing indicators

In the weeks following breast augmentation surgery, some level of swelling, bruising and redness around the incision sites is normal and typically begins to subside within the first few weeks. A slight firmness in the surrounding breast tissue is also common as the body adjusts to the implants and scar tissue forms. During the early phases of healing, it’s normal for incisions to feel tender and for the skin around them to feel tight.

Scar formation is a natural part of the wound healing process and may be more noticeable at first, particularly if your incision involves a more complex pattern, such as the lollipop scar. Over time, these scars will begin to fade, often turning from red to lighter pink and eventually blending more naturally with your skin tone. This process can take several months to a year.

Signs of delayed healing or complications

While some swelling, redness, and tenderness are typical during recovery, certain signs may indicate delayed healing or potential complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to consult your surgeon or a healthcare professional promptly:

• Excessive redness or heat around the incision: while mild redness is expected, intense redness, warmth or a “hot” sensation around the incision could signal an infection.

• Persistent or worsening pain: some discomfort is common in the initial days, but worsening pain, especially beyond the first week, may indicate an issue that requires medical attention.

• Oozing or pus from incisions: any yellow or green discharge, as well as a foul odour from the incision, may be signs of infection.

• Fever or chills: a persistent fever in the days after surgery could point to an infection requiring treatment.

• Sudden changes in breast shape or position: if the implants appear uneven, shift suddenly or there is a feeling of hardness or distortion in the breast tissue, consult your surgeon to assess for possible implant displacement or other complications.

Addressing these signs early can help prevent more serious issues. Your surgeon may provide antibiotics for infections or recommend adjustments in aftercare if complications are minor and caught promptly.

How to identify potential negligence in breast implant surgery

In some cases, breast implant complications may arise due to factors beyond typical healing challenges. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms or a prolonged healing time, it’s important to consider whether the issues might be linked to surgical negligence. Here are some signs that could indicate your breast augmentation surgery was not performed to the expected standards:

• Severe asymmetry or distortion: while some slight asymmetry is normal, noticeable differences in implant size, position or appearance, particularly if one side appears unnatural or misshapen, could be a result of improper placement or technique.

• Persistent and unexplained pain: if pain continues well beyond the normal recovery period, it may be due to complications like nerve damage or poorly executed implant positioning.

• Implant movement or displacement: if an implant shifts or becomes displaced shortly after surgery, this may be due to a lack of proper pocket preparation or inadequate securing of the implant during surgery.

Signs of poor wound healing due to surgical errors

Wound healing complications that may indicate negligence include improperly closed incisions, failure to sterilise the operating area, or using an implant size that’s too large for the natural breast tissue. Such issues can lead to:

• Reopening of incisions: if the breast augmentation incisions reopen due to poor closure technique, this can increase the risk of infection and significantly prolong the healing process.

• Excessive scarring or keloids: although scarring varies by individual, extreme scarring or keloid formation beyond the typical lollipop scar or breast crease area may suggest issues in incision placement or closure methods.

• Infection due to unsterile techniques: if there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus or a bad odour around the wound, it could be an indication that proper sterile protocols weren’t followed during surgery.

When to seek legal advice

If you suspect that your breast implant surgery was performed negligently, it’s important to understand your rights and consider seeking legal advice. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors specialise in handling cases of potential negligence in cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation procedures. Our team can help you determine whether the standard of care provided by your plastic surgeon was adequate and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact us

If you have experienced problems following breast surgery and think they are the result of negligence, talk to our expert cosmetic surgery negligence team today. Call 08081595255, or request a callback by completing the contact form