Most patients are back at desk work about one week after a breast augmentation, and cleared for full exercise at six weeks. The first three to five days are the uncomfortable part, particularly with an implant under the muscle, and the shape keeps settling for about three months.
Below is what actually happens, week by week, and what Dr Kumar’s nurses will be doing alongside you.
The first 48 hours
You wake in a surgical bra with dressings underneath. The usual description is tightness across the chest and a feeling of pressure rather than sharp pain, worse when you use your arms. You will be up and walking the same day. Dr Kumar uses Prineo and Micropore on the wounds, both staying on for six weeks, and a pressure garment worn for the same six weeks.
Whether you go home the same day or stay a night depends on the operation and where it is done — Westmead Private Hospital for overnight stays, Somerset Private in Penrith for day cases.
Week by week
| When | What to expect | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Tightness and pressure; worst with arm movement; implants sit high | Walk, elbows in, no reaching overhead |
| Days 4–7 | Discomfort eases noticeably; swelling peaks then settles | Light activity; most stop regular pain relief |
| Week 1 | First review with the nursing team | Desk work for many patients |
| Week 2 | Comfortable in the garment day and night | Driving once off strong pain relief and able to brake hard |
| Weeks 3–5 | Implants begin to settle and soften | Walking and lower body exercise, nothing involving the chest |
| Week 6 | Second review; dressings and garment come off | Physical work, gym including chest, running, swimming |
| Week 12 | Third review; shape close to final | Normal activity |
| 6 and 12 months | Scars fading; final review at twelve months | — |
Dr Kumar reviews his surgical patients for twelve months after surgery. The nurses who prepare you for theatre are the same ones you see at every review.
Why they sit high at first
At two weeks the implants usually look high, tight and too round, with not enough fullness underneath. That is expected. The pocket relaxes and the implant settles into the lower pole over the following weeks — the shape you judge at three months is not the shape you see at two weeks. This is the single most common reason patients worry early, and almost always resolves on its own.
Under the muscle changes the first week
Where the implant sits beneath the pectoral muscle, the muscle has been lifted and will spasm. Expect more discomfort in the first three to five days and more difficulty with overhead movement. It is temporary and it is not a sign anything is wrong. See over or under the muscle.
Driving, work and exercise
Driving: not on strong pain relief, and not until you can turn the wheel and brake hard without hesitating — usually one to two weeks.
Work: desk work at about a week. Lifting, reaching overhead or physical exertion at six weeks.
Exercise: walking from the first few days; lower body work from about three weeks; nothing involving the chest, and no heavy lifting, until six weeks. Going back early is the commonest reason a scar widens.
Sleeping: on your back, slightly propped, for the first two weeks.
What is normal, and what is not
Normal: swelling that shifts through the day, bruising tracking downwards, shooting or burning sensations as nerves recover, one side settling faster than the other, and muscle spasm in the first week.
Worth a call: fever, redness spreading from the wound, sudden swelling or hardening on one side, or a wound that opens. Dr Kumar’s nurses would rather see you early than late — 1300 267 726.
Common questions
When can I wear an underwire? Usually after six weeks, once the garment comes off.
When will they feel soft? Most patients notice real softening between six weeks and three months.
When can I fly? Short domestic flights are usually fine after about two weeks. Tell the team your plans before surgery, particularly if you are travelling from Orange or further.
What about nicotine? Complete abstinence from all nicotine, not just smoking, for six weeks before and after surgery.
When do I need checking again? Implants do not need replacing on a schedule, but they are not maintenance-free. What follow-up involves.
Next step
If you are planning around work or family, Dr Kumar’s nurses can talk you through the timeline for your situation before you book. Call 1300 267 726. More about breast augmentation and the risks.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
