How Long Does It Take for Breast Implant Incisions to Heal?

Breast augmentation surgery can be a significant step for many people, whether it’s to enhance appearance, restore confidence or address changes in breast tissue over time. One of the main concerns for those considering breast implants, or who have recently undergone breast surgery, is understanding how long it will take for incisions to heal and what the recovery process will involve.

While each individual’s healing journey can vary, there are common stages and guidelines for the healing process following breast augmentation surgery. Factors such as the type of incision used, the experience of the cosmetic surgeon, and the body’s natural wound healing ability can all influence recovery time.

This guide will walk you through the stages of healing for breast augmentation incisions, explain what to expect as your body recovers and highlight when it might be necessary to consult a professional about possible complications.

Stages of healing after breast augmentation surgery

Healing from breast augmentation surgery is a gradual process, with each stage bringing different changes and improvements to the incisions and surrounding breast tissue. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:

Immediate post-surgery phase (0-7 days)

During the first week after surgery, your body will be focused on initial wound healing. It’s common to experience swelling, bruising and tenderness around the breast area. Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will likely provide instructions for managing pain and keeping the breast augmentation incisions clean and dry. Some discomfort is normal, but medications and careful aftercare can help manage this.

You may notice that the incisions appear red or slightly raised during this phase. These are typical signs of early wound healing as the body responds to the incision sites. In most cases, people are advised to limit physical activity to reduce the risk of straining the incisions and allow breast tissue to begin the healing process undisturbed.

Early healing phase (1-3 weeks)

As you move into the second and third weeks, the initial discomfort should start to subside, and the incisions may develop scabs as they close. The redness around the breast augmentation incisions should begin to reduce, although some swelling may persist. Many people can start to resume light activities during this period, but it’s important to continue avoiding any heavy lifting or strenuous movement that could affect the healing process.

At this stage, it’s normal for scars to appear more prominent as the wound healing progresses. Patience and ongoing care are important; following your surgeon’s advice can support healthy, efficient healing.

Mid-healing phase (4-6 weeks)

By the four- to six-week mark, most people experience a significant reduction in swelling, and the incisions should be largely closed. During this period, the initial scar tissue may begin to soften, particularly in common incision locations, such as the breast crease or underarm areas.

At this point, you may also see the development of the “lollipop” scar if you had a lollipop-style incision. While scars may still appear red or pink, they will gradually lighten as healing continues. Your cosmetic surgeon might recommend light scar massage or over-the-counter treatments to help minimise the appearance of scars. However, always consult with your surgeon before using any scar treatments.

Long-term healing phase (2-6 months)

In the long-term healing phase, breast tissue continues to adjust, and scars will start to fade and flatten gradually. Complete healing for breast augmentation surgery can take up to a year, as the deeper layers of tissue and scars mature. The incisions will become less noticeable over time, blending more naturally with the surrounding skin.

Factors influencing breast augmentation healing time

The healing process for breast augmentation surgery can vary based on several personal and procedural factors. Here are some of the most common influences:

Type of incision and placement

The location and type of breast augmentation incision can significantly impact healing time. Common incision types, such as those under the breast crease or around the areola, may experience different rates of healing due to their location and the nature of the breast tissue they affect. For example, a lollipop scar, which involves a more intricate incision pattern, may take longer to fully settle compared to a more simple breast crease incision.

Additionally, the placement of the implant itself - whether under or over the chest muscle - can affect how breast tissue responds during the recovery period. Implants placed beneath the muscle may take slightly longer to heal, as there is more tissue disruption involved.

Individual healing rates

Every person’s body heals differently, and individual healing rates play a large role in breast augmentation recovery. Factors such as age, general health, diet and lifestyle can impact how quickly your breast augmentation incisions and underlying tissue heal. People with strong immune systems and healthy lifestyles may experience a faster and more straightforward recovery than those with underlying health conditions.

Aftercare and surgeon’s advice

Proper aftercare is one of the most important factors in achieving a smooth recovery. Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will provide tailored instructions to help protect the breast augmentation incisions and minimise risks of infection or delayed healing. Following these instructions closely - such as wearing supportive garments, avoiding certain movements,and keeping incisions clean - is essential to encouraging efficient wound healing.

Moreover, working with an experienced plastic surgeon can positively impact your overall recovery experience, as they will have the expertise to minimise trauma to breast tissue and provide personalised care recommendations.

Signs of normal vs. delayed healing

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect as normal and when you might want to seek additional medical guidance.

Normal healing indicators

In the weeks following breast augmentation surgery, some level of swelling, bruising and redness around the incision sites is normal and typically begins to subside within the first few weeks. A slight firmness in the surrounding breast tissue is also common as the body adjusts to the implants and scar tissue forms. During the early phases of healing, it’s normal for incisions to feel tender and for the skin around them to feel tight.

Scar formation is a natural part of the wound healing process and may be more noticeable at first, particularly if your incision involves a more complex pattern, such as the lollipop scar. Over time, these scars will begin to fade, often turning from red to lighter pink and eventually blending more naturally with your skin tone. This process can take several months to a year.

Signs of delayed healing or complications

While some swelling, redness, and tenderness are typical during recovery, certain signs may indicate delayed healing or potential complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to consult your surgeon or a healthcare professional promptly:

• Excessive redness or heat around the incision: while mild redness is expected, intense redness, warmth or a “hot” sensation around the incision could signal an infection.

• Persistent or worsening pain: some discomfort is common in the initial days, but worsening pain, especially beyond the first week, may indicate an issue that requires medical attention.

• Oozing or pus from incisions: any yellow or green discharge, as well as a foul odour from the incision, may be signs of infection.

• Fever or chills: a persistent fever in the days after surgery could point to an infection requiring treatment.

• Sudden changes in breast shape or position: if the implants appear uneven, shift suddenly or there is a feeling of hardness or distortion in the breast tissue, consult your surgeon to assess for possible implant displacement or other complications.

Addressing these signs early can help prevent more serious issues. Your surgeon may provide antibiotics for infections or recommend adjustments in aftercare if complications are minor and caught promptly.

How to identify potential negligence in breast implant surgery

In some cases, breast implant complications may arise due to factors beyond typical healing challenges. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms or a prolonged healing time, it’s important to consider whether the issues might be linked to surgical negligence. Here are some signs that could indicate your breast augmentation surgery was not performed to the expected standards:

• Severe asymmetry or distortion: while some slight asymmetry is normal, noticeable differences in implant size, position or appearance, particularly if one side appears unnatural or misshapen, could be a result of improper placement or technique.

• Persistent and unexplained pain: if pain continues well beyond the normal recovery period, it may be due to complications like nerve damage or poorly executed implant positioning.

• Implant movement or displacement: if an implant shifts or becomes displaced shortly after surgery, this may be due to a lack of proper pocket preparation or inadequate securing of the implant during surgery.

Signs of poor wound healing due to surgical errors

Wound healing complications that may indicate negligence include improperly closed incisions, failure to sterilise the operating area, or using an implant size that’s too large for the natural breast tissue. Such issues can lead to:

• Reopening of incisions: if the breast augmentation incisions reopen due to poor closure technique, this can increase the risk of infection and significantly prolong the healing process.

• Excessive scarring or keloids: although scarring varies by individual, extreme scarring or keloid formation beyond the typical lollipop scar or breast crease area may suggest issues in incision placement or closure methods.

• Infection due to unsterile techniques: if there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus or a bad odour around the wound, it could be an indication that proper sterile protocols weren’t followed during surgery.

When to seek legal advice

If you suspect that your breast implant surgery was performed negligently, it’s important to understand your rights and consider seeking legal advice. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors specialise in handling cases of potential negligence in cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation procedures. Our team can help you determine whether the standard of care provided by your plastic surgeon was adequate and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact us

If you have experienced problems following breast surgery and think they are the result of negligence, talk to our expert cosmetic surgery negligence team today. Call 08081595255, or request a callback by completing the contact form

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.