26 Jun 2025
The temperatures in Boston have finally moved us firmly into bathing suit weather. And there is nothing like the idea of putting on a bathing suit to make women focus on their breasts. Year after year, breast augmentation remains one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in the world. This is because a lack of appropriate volume in the breasts can not only adversely affect the appearance of your entire body, but it may also have a deleterious affect on your self esteem. As a breast surgery expert, I love helping my patients to look and feel like the best versions of themselves. And in capable hands, a breast augmentation is a safe, fairly simple procedure. However, it is still surgery which requires downtime for recovery. One of the most common questions that I get around this time of year is: How soon after a Breast Augmentation can I be in a bathing suit?
Rate of Healing is Individual
The first thing to understand is that every single patient’s healing journey is individual. There are a number of factors that may affect how fast your body recovers after a breast augmentation. Some of these are lifestyle choices that are within your control such as:
• Not smoking
• Healthful diet
• Proper hydration
• Mindfulness practice like meditation
• Good sleep hygiene
However, other factors, specifically genetics, are completely out of your control. During our initial consultation, I will ask a plethora of questions about your medical history, family history and how your body reacted to any prior procedures you may have had, including injectables. Your honest answers will help us to establish your body’s specific baseline of healing so that we can come up with a realistic set of expectations for your breast augmentation recovery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery in Boston
In general, you can expect some bruising and swelling following your breast augmentation. You are going to be sore, particularly for the first 3-5 days. Most patients manage this discomfort with an over-the-counter pain medication, but, again, you may be someone who is more sensitive to pain. Our initial meetings will
help us to determine whether or not you will need a prescription pain med. I ask all of my breast implant patients to lay low for 2 weeks. I don’t want you exercising, other than a gentle walk, reaching across a table or picking up anything heavier than 10 lbs. For this reason, we will examine your lifestyle before surgery in order to make certain that you have the appropriate help in place. You have to give your body the proper time for it to heal.
No Bathing Suit for 4-6 Weeks After Breast Augmentation
After about 4-6 weeks, I will release most of your restrictions including upper body workouts and submerging your new breasts in water. You do not want to submerge your implants before I give you the ok. It may seriously delay your healing process and, in the worst case scenario, result in an infection. Once you are cleared to go, however, you are free to hit the pool or beach. Do keep in mind, however, that it may take anywhere from 3-6 months for the swelling in your breasts to fully subside. I tell patients to expect about 75% of your end results at the 3 month mark.
To find out more about a breast augmentation, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
