Breast Augmentation: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Breast augmentation—also called augmentation mammoplasty—is the most common cosmetic surgery worldwide. It enlarges the breasts with implants placed beneath breast tissue or chest muscle and may be performed for aesthetic enhancement or reconstructive purposes. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparation, the procedure itself, and the recovery period.

Preparation: Getting Ready for Surgery

Consultation: You and your surgeon discuss goals, body proportions, and implant choices (saline vs. silicone, size, shape, placement).
Medical evaluation: Lab work and a baseline mammogram are common. Share your full health history, medications, and lifestyle honestly.
Lifestyle adjustments: Stop smoking at least two weeks pre-op and avoid blood-thinning drugs, certain supplements, and alcohol as advised.
Plan for recovery: Arrange time off work, enlist help for daily tasks, and set up a recovery area with extra pillows, loose clothing, and essentials within reach.

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

Breast enlargement is usually a day-case procedure. Arrive at the scheduled time with a responsible adult companion who can take you home afterward.

Routine checks (pregnancy test, blood pressure, medical-history review) are completed.
Your surgeon marks incision sites; the anesthetist reviews your health and previous anesthesia experiences.
You change into a gown and are taken to theatre for general anesthesia. Operating time is typically about one hour.
Afterwards, you wake in recovery. Once stable, the surgeon reviews results and discharge instructions; you then head home to begin healing.

During the Procedure

The surgeon makes one incision in one of three common locations:

Inframammary fold (under the breast)
Periareolar (around the nipple edge)
Transaxillary (in the armpit)

A pocket is created either behind (subpectoral) or in front of (subglandular) the pectoralis major muscle, and the implant is positioned beneath the nipple. Saline implants are inserted empty and filled in situ with sterile salt water; silicone implants arrive pre-filled. Incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape or skin adhesive.

After the Procedure

Expect swelling, soreness, and bruising for several weeks; scars fade gradually but will not disappear completely. A supportive sports bra or compression garment and prescribed pain medication aid comfort and healing.

You may resume non-strenuous work in about two weeks if cleared by your surgeon.
Avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or activities that elevate heart rate or blood pressure for at least two weeks.
Some patients leave with drains or non-dissolving stitches that require follow-up removal.
Watch for signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever, significant swelling) or serious symptoms such as chest pain or breathing difficulty, and contact your surgeon immediately if they occur.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: Swelling, bruising, soreness; take medication, wear surgical bra.
Week 1–2: Light activities resume; avoid lifting, bending, vigorous movement.
Weeks 3–6: Gradual return to regular routines; implants settle, swelling subsides.
Months 3–6: Final results typically evident; continue scheduled surgeon visits.

Results

Breast augmentation can enhance breast size and contour, often boosting confidence and body image. Long-term satisfaction is high when realistic expectations and careful surgical technique align.

Conclusion

While breast augmentation is popular and usually rewarding, it carries potential risks and side effects. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon, discuss goals and concerns openly, and follow all pre- and post-operative guidance for the safest, most satisfying outcome.