How Recovery Differs Among the 3 Top Cosmetic Breast Surgeries

Posted August 11, 2023 in Uncategorized

One of the most important considerations for prospective cosmetic surgery patients is the recovery time: they want to know how painful it is, how long they will be limited in movement, and when they can return to their daily activities. 

Many people considering cosmetic breast surgery assume that all breast procedures have similar recovery processes; in reality, there is some variation. 

Below, we will discuss the top three cosmetic breast procedures: breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgery. Each procedure has different outcomes, techniques, and recovery times, resulting in variations. 

The Top 3 Breast Surgeries: What You Need To Know

Any surgical procedure will require some downtime, and while there is variation, there are some constant factors that contribute to the nature of each of these procedures, including technique. 

Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery

Breast augmentation surgery involves enhancing the size of the breasts by inserting implants underneath the chest muscle or behind the breast tissue. The incision placement will be dependent on your personal goals and the advice of your board-certified plastic surgeon. Incisions can be placed under the breast line, under the arms, or around the nipples. 

The incision will vary depending on the size, shape, and material of the breast implant. Typically, breast augmentation incisions are smaller than other breast surgeries, often resulting in a shorter recovery time. The breast tissue is also manipulated less than in other procedures, resulting in less swelling and bruising.

Breast augmentation recovery varies, but you can expect to return to work after the end of week one. 

Breast Lift Procedure and Recovery

While breast augmentation adds volume, it cannot lift sagging breasts. This is where breast lift surgery comes in. During this procedure, excess, sagging skin is removed, and the breasts are elevated to a higher, more perky position on the chest. 

Breast lift surgery, like breast augmentation surgery, is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will utilize different techniques based on the amount of sagging (ptosis) in your breasts. 

Dr. Chin commonly uses the anchor incision, which encircles the areola, goes vertically down to the breast crease, and extends along the crease. This allows him to reposition the areola to a more appealing position and remove excess skin and tissue for a rounder, perkier appearance. 

Because breast lift surgeries involve a more comprehensive incision with more manipulation of tissue and skin, recovery may take longer than breast augmentation. 

It should be noted that women with both ptosis and volume loss can undergo breast augmentation with a lift. After making incisions for the breast lift, Dr. Chin can insert the breast implant before removing excess skin and making precise sutures. 

Breast Reduction Procedure and Recovery

If you struggle with overly large,or disproportionate breasts that are heavy, painful, or cumbersome, breast reduction surgery can help you regain control of your body. 

Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin and tissue to reveal smaller, more proportionate breasts that complement the frame. Many women experience emotional and physical pain from their overly large breasts, so this procedure can be life-changing.

Each patient will receive a unique treatment plan, as their needs will vary. Most commonly, Dr. Chin will utilize a similar technique as the breast lift, creating an incision around the areola and bringing it down to and under the breast crease before removing excess skin and tissues. 

Breast reduction surgery, like breast lift surgery, may include a longer recovery period, as more breast tissue and skin are manipulated, and incisions are often longer. 

Which Breast Surgery Is Right For You?

Cosmetic surgery should be an entirely personal decision; it is your body, your surgery. When considering recovery times and surgical procedures, remember to keep your overall goal in mind. Recovering from surgery is never fun, but with an expert breast surgeon, it is much easier. 

Dr. Mark Chin is a highly experienced and compassionate board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast procedures. During your breast surgery consultation, he can discuss your options with your personal aesthetic goals and concerns in mind. 

Each surgical procedure will differ from patient to patient, and recovery will vary, especially if you choose to combine procedures. For example, combining breast lift and breast reduction surgeries will increase recovery time; however, you will receive a transformative new look to your breasts and overall figure. 

Interested in Learning More About Breast Procedures in Fresno, CA?

Dr. Mark Chin and his expert team offer a range of breast and body procedures, including Mommy Makeovers, liposuction, and breast implant revision surgery. 

If you want to set up a consultation, call us today at (559) 382-9654 or fill out our online contact form.