Breast Augmentation

It’s completely normal to be concerned about pain after surgery, but most patients are pleasantly surprised to find that breast augmentation recovery is manageable with the right care. During the first few days, you’ll likely experience a feeling of tightness, pressure, and mild to moderate soreness across your chest, similar to an intense chest muscle workout. Dr. Daly prescribes pain medications to help control discomfort during the early phase, and most patients report that the initial intensity improves significantly within the first three to five days. By the end of the first week, many patients are ready to switch to over-the-counter pain relievers, and mobility becomes much easier.

After breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to allow your body enough time to heal before jumping back into your regular exercise routine. Dr. Daly typically recommends avoiding strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, cardio workouts, and exercises that significantly elevate your heart rate, for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Gentle walking is usually encouraged within a few days to help promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but anything more vigorous can disrupt the healing tissues or shift the implant position during this critical early phase. By the 6-week mark, most patients are ready to return to their fitness routines, though it’s crucial to listen to your body and avoid pushing too hard too soon.

A smooth, safe breast augmentation journey involves a series of carefully timed appointments to ensure optimal healing and results. Typically, you’ll have at least four to five key appointments with Dr. Daly: your initial consultation, a pre-operative visit, your surgery day, and multiple post-operative check-ins. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals, take your measurements, and develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs. At your pre-operative appointment, we will discuss breast implant size in detail, go over “wish pictures” that you bring in of breasts that you find beautiful, try on different breast implant sizers, review instructions, and answer any last-minute questions to help you feel confident and prepared. After surgery, your first post-operative visit typically occurs within a few days, during which Dr. Daly checks your incisions to ensure everything appears healthy.

Immediately after breast augmentation, you’ll notice an exciting change in your body shape, but keep in mind that true final results take time to reveal themselves fully. In the early weeks, swelling, tightness, and implant positioning can make the breasts appear higher and firmer than they will ultimately be. This is perfectly normal. Over time (typically within 3 to 6 months), the implants gradually “drop and fluff,” settling into a softer, more natural position and shape. The settling process varies depending on your skin elasticity, implant type, and the surgical technique used.

Dr. Daly strategically places incisions in areas where scars are naturally less noticeable, such as along the crease beneath the breast (inframammary fold) or around the edge of the areola (periareolar). Initially, scars may appear pink or slightly raised as the body heals; however, over several months, they typically fade into thin, flat lines that blend seamlessly into the surrounding skin. Each patient’s skin type, genetics, and adherence to aftercare instructions can influence how scars mature over time.

Absolutely. Breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are commonly performed together, especially for women who want not only fuller breasts but also a perkier, more youthful breast shape. A breast lift, or mastopexy, addresses sagging by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue, while implants add volume and restore upper-pole fullness. Combining the two in one surgery allows Dr. Daly to create a more comprehensive transformation tailored to your specific anatomy and goals. Other common combinations include nipple reduction and tummy tucks.

While breast augmentation is considered a very safe and popular procedure, like any surgery, it does carry some potential risks. Common risks include infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, bleeding, scarring, and issues related to anesthesia. Specific to breast implants, complications like capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture, rippling, and asymmetry can occur over time. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and following all pre- and post-operative care instructions significantly lowers the chances of complications.

Finding the right plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation in Sacramento is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your journey. Start by looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and has extensive experience performing breast augmentations specifically. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training, adheres to high ethical standards, and possesses the technical skill required for excellent outcomes. Reading patient reviews, examining before-and-after photos, and scheduling consultations to meet the surgeon in person can also give you a strong sense of their expertise and approach.