Breast augmentation recovery process

The early stages of recovery after having breast implants inserted will usually follow the timeline below:

Week 1

In the first week after surgery, your implants will likely sit high on the chest and appear compressed, with limited projection. Swelling around the breastbone is common, and your breasts may feel firm, tight and uncomfortable. Bruising often appears during this stage, especially along the sides of the breasts. Your surgeon will usually advise sleeping upright at a 45-degree angle, as this helps minimise swelling and reduces pressure on the chest area. It's normal to feel tired, sore and restricted in movement during this initial healing period.

Week 2

By the second week, some of the tightness and pressure may begin to ease. You might notice a small improvement in the shape and projection of your breasts compared to the first week. While some swelling may still be present, discomfort generally becomes more manageable. If you work in a sedentary role, you may be able to return to work. Your surgeon might also permit you to begin sleeping flat on your back by the end of the week, though this depends on how well your body is healing and their individual advice.

Week 3

At this stage, you may begin to see your breasts settling slightly as the implants start to drop into a more natural position. Some asymmetry is still common during this part of the recovery process - one breast may appear higher or firmer than the other - but this usually balances out over time as chest and shoulder muscles, skin and tissue around the implants continue to relax gradually. If you have a physically demanding job you may be able to return to work at this stage provided you're not using your upper body to lift or do anything that might put too much pressure on your incision sites.

Weeks 4 and 5

You may be able to reintroduce moderate physical activity, such as light cardio or walking at a quicker pace, if your surgeon confirms it is safe to do so. Visually, your breasts will look quite different from the early days of recovery. They should appear softer, rounder and more natural in shape. The implants may have dropped further into place, and the overall contour of your chest may feel more in proportion. Your surgeon may advise that you stop wearing your compression bra at this stage, although this can vary from person to person depending on how well the tissues are supporting the implants.

Week 6

From week six onwards, most patients are able to return to more strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting, resistance training or jogging, if cleared by their surgeon. At this point, your breasts should have taken on a more stable shape, and you may no longer need to wear your surgical bra. The majority of swelling will usually have resolved, and your implants will likely be sitting in a more natural position. Subtle changes in breast shape and softness may still continue in the coming weeks and months.

How should your surgeon care for you during this time?

Your surgeon has a duty of care to support you before, during and after your breast augmentation and lift surgery. During the recovery period, they should assess your progress in follow-up appointments and check for any complications such as swelling, infection or poor wound healing. If issues arise, they must act appropriately - for example by prescribing pain relief, recommending wound care or referring you for further treatment if necessary.

Prior to your procedure, your surgeon should have explained all potential risks and realistic outcomes in a clear and honest manner. This includes the likely position and size of any scars, as well as the level of scarring you can expect over time. They should also have outlined how your breasts may look in the weeks and months following surgery, what movement restrictions you may have and what type of aftercare you will need to carry out at home to support your healing.

During surgery itself, the surgeon must follow appropriate methods and uphold the standard of care discussed in your consultation. This includes using the correct technique, taking steps to reduce the risk of complications and positioning the implants and incisions as planned.

If your surgeon fails to adhere to these standards, there is an increased risk of unwanted complications.

What are the signs of breast surgery complications?

Some complications following breast augmentation and lift surgery may indicate that your surgeon did not meet the standard of care expected. These can result from poor surgical planning, improper technique or a failure to monitor your recovery properly. Signs to look out for include:

• Infection: symptoms such as itching, redness, warmth around the incision, fever or weeping from the wound may suggest an infection. While infection is a known surgical risk, your surgeon must give you clear aftercare instructions and identify any signs of infection during follow-up appointments. Failing to act appropriately when these signs are present can be considered negligent.
• Unexpected scarring: your surgeon should have explained where your scars would be located and how large they might be. If scarring develops in an area that wasn’t discussed, or the scar tissue is more extensive than you were led to expect, this may point to poor communication or surgical error.
• Symmastia: this is where implants cross over the breastbone and create the appearance of a single breast, and is often caused by incorrect implant placement or pocket creation.
• Double bubble: a visible fold or second crease underneath the breast, usually due to the implant dropping below the natural inframammary fold.
• Waterfall deformity: when the natural breast tissue sags beneath the implant, it gives a ‘Snoopy nose’ appearance. This may be linked to poor surgical planning or technique.
• Areola stretching: enlarged or distorted areolae may suggest the surgeon failed to consider or apply the appropriate suture method, such as a round block suture.
• Asymmetry: noticeable differences in implant height, breast shape or areola size between breasts may be the result of inadequate surgical planning or poor execution.
• Persistent droopiness: if your breasts appear overly droopy after healing, this may indicate that an unsuitable procedure was carried out for your body type.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues and believe your surgeon failed in their responsibilities before, during or after surgery, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors may be able to help you pursue a compensation claim.

Claim compensation for negligent breast augmentation surgery

When a surgeon fails to carry out their duty of care before, during or after surgery, the physical and emotional impact can be long-lasting.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we specialise in helping people who’ve suffered as a result of negligent breast surgery. If your recovery hasn’t gone as expected and you believe your surgeon’s actions - or lack of action - have caused you harm, we may be able to help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to.

We’ll take care of your claim from start to finish, explain your legal options clearly and support you through every stage of the process. With one of the highest success rates for cosmetic surgery negligence claims in the UK, you can rely on us to treat your case with the care and determination it deserves.

Compensation can help you recover the financial losses caused by negligent treatment - including lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work, the cost of additional medical treatment or revision surgery, counselling to support your mental wellbeing and travel expenses to and from appointments. We’ll work to make sure every aspect of your suffering is considered.

FAQs about the breast implant recovery process

How long after breast augmentation do they feel normal?

Most patients find that their breasts begin to feel more natural between 3 to 6 months after surgery. During this time, the implants gradually settle into place, swelling continues to reduce, and the surrounding tissues soften. The complete breast augmentation recovery time can vary from person to person, but by the six-month mark, your breasts should look and feel more settled, with a shape and texture that closely resembles the intended outcome discussed with your surgeon.

How long until you can lift your arms after breast reduction?

You should avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height for the first two weeks following breast reduction surgery. This helps protect the incisions and prevents strain on the stitches while the breast tissue is still healing. By the six-week mark, most patients can lift their arms fully without discomfort. Some tightness or restriction may still be felt in the weeks leading up to this point, but this typically improves as swelling reduces and mobility returns.