Post Operation Care Expectations
Every recovery is unique, but understanding what to expect can make your healing process smoother and more comfortable. This guide was created as a quick reference for our patients — outlining what’s normal, what to look for, and how to care for yourself following your procedure. From day-one recovery to your final follow-up, you’ll find a clear timeline of what to expect and when, as well as reminders from our team to help ensure your best possible outcome.
Disclaimer: Every patient’s healing journey will look different, and the timelines outlined here are general guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact our team at (615) 499-4224 for personalized guidance.
Breast Augmentation
One Day Post-Op Expectations
- Implants will look very high and be firm to the touch.
- Moderate discomfort is to be expected.
- Bruising around the incision site may be visible, and breasts may appear swollen.
- Incisions will need to be padded for protection and comfort.
- Wear the surgical bra 23 hours a day.
- Avoid lifting over 15 pounds.
- Do not submerge in water.
- Begin antibiotics (take with food).
One Week Post-Op Expectations
- Breast massages will begin and should continue for 6 weeks.
- Steri-strips (if used) will be removed.
- Begin using a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin is recommended) twice daily for the next 7 days, followed by scar cream if desired.
- Continue padding breasts for the next week.
- May transition from the surgical bra to a sports bra.
- Avoid lifting over 15 pounds.
- Do not submerge in water.
- Numbness and tingling in the breasts may be felt.
Six Weeks Post-Op Expectations
- Implants will continue to soften and settle into place as massaging continues.
- May begin lifting more than 15 pounds and return to normal activities once cleared by Image staff at your six-week follow-up appointment.
- May submerge incisions in water once cleared by Image staff.
Four Months Post-Op Expectations
- Implants are fully settled.
- Final photos will be taken.
Breast Lift
One Day Post-Op Expectations
- Implants (if used) will look very high and be firm to the touch.
- Moderate discomfort is to be expected.
- Bruising around the incision site may be visible, and breasts may appear swollen.
- Incisions will need to be padded for protection and comfort.
- Wear the surgical bra 23 hours a day.
- Avoid lifting over 15 pounds.
- Do not submerge in water.
- Begin antibiotics (take with food).
One Week Post-Op Expectations
- Breast massages will be shown and should begin at week two, continuing for 6 weeks.
- Steri-strips (if used) will be removed.
- Begin using a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin is recommended) twice daily for the next 7 days, followed by scar cream if desired.
- Continue padding breasts for the next week.
- May transition from the surgical bra to a sports bra.
- Avoid lifting over 15 pounds.
- Do not submerge in water.
- Numbness and tingling in the breasts may be felt.
- Sharp or shooting pains may be felt — if persistent or causing significant discomfort, contact our office.
Six Weeks Post-Op Expectations
- Implants (if used) will continue to soften and settle into place as massaging continues.
- May begin lifting more than 15 pounds and return to normal activities once cleared by Image staff at your six-week follow-up appointment.
- May submerge incisions in water once cleared by Image staff.
- Sharp or shooting pains may be felt — if persistent or causing significant discomfort, contact our office.
Four Months Post-Op Expectations
- Implants are fully settled.
- Final photos will be taken.
Tummy Tuck
One Day Post-Op Expectations
- Moderate discomfort is expected.
- Bruising and swelling will be noticeable.
- Drainage from liposuction will be heaviest.
- Avoid lifting over 15 pounds.
- Avoid submerging in water.
- Begin antibiotics (take with food).
One Week Post-Op Expectations
- Steri-strips (if used) are removed.
- Begin using a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin is recommended) twice daily for the next 7 days, followed by scar cream if desired.
- Continue wearing compression garments, transitioning to a Stage II garment after post-op week two.
- Drain will likely be removed.
- Bruising begins to fade.
- Drainage from liposuction has ended.
Six Weeks Post-Op Expectations
- Swelling is approximately two-thirds gone.
- Continue wearing compression garments.
- May resume all normal activities.
- May submerge in water.
Four Months Post-Op Expectations
- The majority of swelling has subsided.
- May begin phasing out of compression garments.
- Final photos will be taken.
Liposuction
One Day Post-Op Expectations
- Drainage is heaviest.
- Moderate discomfort and bruising are expected.
- Swelling will be noticeable.
- Compression garments should be worn 23 hours a day.
- Begin antibiotics (take with food).
One Week Post-Op Expectations
- Drainage ends.
- Bruising begins to subside.
- Swelling slowly decreases.
- Continue wearing compression garments 23 hours a day and may transition to a Stage II garment after week two.
Six Weeks Post-Op Expectations
- Swelling is approximately two-thirds gone.
- Continue wearing compression garments.
- May resume all normal activities.
Four Months Post-Op Expectations
- Swelling is almost completely gone.
- May stop wearing compression garments.
- Final photos are taken.
Note: Renuvion will take 9–12 months for final results.
Scars will fully mature at 12–18 months.
