24 Hour Breast Augmentation Recovery: Fact or Fiction?

December 12, 2022


Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States and many parts of the world. It traditionally involved a lengthy recovery period that required patients to take a week or more off from work and other responsibilities. Now, the internet is abuzz with what people are calling “24 hour breast augmentation recovery.”

What Is 24 Hour Breast Augmentation Recovery?

If you’ve been considering breast augmentation, you may have heard about 24 hour breast augmentation recovery. This term describes techniques that expedite the recovery process after this procedure to allow patients to resume their typical routine just 24 hours after their surgery.

This topic has sparked a lot of questions, and we are here to give you the answers and the truth about recovering from breast augmentation in 24 hours.

Is It Possible to Recover From Breast Augmentation in 24 Hours?

Being recovered from breast augmentation has various definitions, as there are multiple stages of recovery. Some define it as when a patient isn’t feeling any more discomfort and can go back to work. In contrast, others describe being recovered as when a patient feels back to 100 percent with their full strength regained and can resume all of their usual activities.

It’s Possible in Some Cases, But Not for Everyone

By some definitions, certain patients with specific circumstances can recover from breast augmentation in 24 hours. By “recover,” we mean it’s possible for patients to resume some activities one day after surgery, but it by no means indicates that a patient will be fully recovered and can engage in strenuous full-body workouts or other arduous activities. Realistically, a 24 hour recovery period is not attainable for all breast augmentation patients.

How Much Downtime Do I Really Need After Breast Augmentation?

After breast augmentation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrews, you can return home just a few hours after surgery. In some cases, you may be able to enjoy a laid back night out, such as going to dinner or a movie, the next night.

While Dr. Andrews offers ways to speed up your recovery and reduce your downtime, the majority of breast augmentation patients need at least two days off before returning to work. An ideal situation for many patients is scheduling their surgery for a Friday and then taking the weekend to relax and recover before returning to work on Monday. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to take more time off (two to four weeks). Most exercises can be resumed after one month.

How Can I Speed Up My Recovery After Breast Augmentation?

Ask About Long-Acting Anesthetics/Pain Blocks

Dr. Andrews uses what’s called a pectoralis block, serratus plane block or erector spinae block during breast augmentation surgery. This long-acting anesthetic (called EXPAREL®) decreases pain by blocking the nerves in the breasts. These types of pain blocks can shorten recovery time by reducing the need for gas anesthetics during surgery and narcotics after surgery, both of which can cause post-operative nausea.

Consider Sub-glandular Implant Placement

You can choose to have your breast implants placed over or under the pectoralis muscle in your chest. Placing the implants over the muscle and under the glandular breast tissue (known as sub-glandular placement) has a faster recovery time compared to placing the implants under the muscle (known as sub-muscular placement). This is because sub-muscular placement involves manipulating the muscle, which requires additional time to heal.

However, your choice of implant placement shouldn’t be based solely on recovery time. Implant placement below the muscle offers several benefits in terms of your results, which may make the longer recovery period worthwhile for you. If you don’t have a lot of existing breast tissue, sub-muscular placement provides more soft tissue coverage of the implants for more natural-looking results and a reduced chance of visible implant rippling through the chest tissue. It’s also thought that breast implants age better and last longer when placed sub-muscularly.

If you have adequate existing breast tissue and are concerned about a fast recovery, sub-glandular implant placement might be best for you.

Avoid Submerging Your Recovering Breasts in Water

After breast augmentation, you will have incisions that need to heal, and water can introduce unwanted bacteria to your incisions. Keeping your incisions clean and dry will help avoid infections that could be a detriment to their healing. This means you should avoid taking baths, swimming and sitting in hot tubs for at least one month or until your incisions are fully closed and healed.

Take Care of Your Incisions

We recommend cleaning your incisions daily, whether in the shower or with a washcloth or cotton rounds outside the shower. With clean hands, remove your bandages, being careful not to pull if they are stuck to your skin. If needed, you can wet the bandages to allow them to come off more easily without pulling on your stitches. Then, gently clean your incisions with warm water and soap. Allow your incisions to dry before placing new bandages over them and getting dressed.

Wear Your Recovery Bra — Not an Underwire Bra

At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we fit our breast augmentation patients for a post-surgical bra that should be worn for at least one month. This garment will protect your new breasts and support them as they heal.

After one month, you can continue wearing your surgical bra if you choose, or you can switch to a regular or sports bra as long as it doesn’t have an underwire. Underwire bras should be avoided for at least six weeks (ideally for 10 weeks) after your breast surgery, as the wire can irritate your skin and your incisions.

Follow Dr. Andrews’ Recovery Instructions

Dr. Andrews will provide you with comprehensive instructions for your breast augmentation recovery. You can have the safest and quickest recovery possible by carefully following these instructions.

If you have questions at any point throughout your recovery process, Dr. Andrews or a member of his staff will be available to answer them.

Find Out More About Rapid Breast Augmentation Recovery in Coralville, IA

Dr. Andrews performs breast augmentation with the patient’s needs in mind, and he will review all of your options and explain the process to ensure you are both on the same page at your consultation.

To schedule your personalized breast augmentation consultation at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, call us at (319) 450-7619 or fill out our online contact form.

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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