Your Comprehensive Breast Surgery Guide

Breast surgery is a deeply personal decision and journey. For some, surgery can help with feeling more at home in their body, reducing chronic pain, or restoring confidence after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. For others, it’s a step in gender transition or part of breast cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery.

No matter the reason, breast surgery can cause physical and emotional stress. It is surgery, after all! Understanding what lies ahead can make the process feel more manageable. The right preparation, realistic expectations, and a supportive care team can help you feel ready for the procedure and supported through recovery. 

If you’re considering breast surgery of any kind, read on for key insights, how to prepare for breast reduction, augmentation, mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction, and how to ease through the recovery process.       

Breast surgery basics: What to expect

Whether you’re going in for breast augmentation, reduction, mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction, it’s important to understand the basics and know what to expect. Everyone’s experience will be different, but here are a few key considerations:

• You’ll need someone to drive you home from surgery because of the effects of anesthesia. 
• Rest is key for recovery! It’s common to take a week or more off work after surgery.
• Follow your surgeon and care team’s instructions for preparation and recovery and ask any questions you may have.
• Pain usually fades within a few days, but soreness, swelling, and tightness can linger for several weeks.
• Returning to light activity can take 4-6 weeks, and full recovery can take up to six months, depending on your surgery.
• Depending on the surgery, you may have to wear a supportive bra (day and night!) after surgery, wait several days to shower, or deal with drainage tubes and pain pumps until your doctor removes them. 

The emotional side of breast surgery

Before we dive into the physical nitty-gritty, the mental and emotional side of breast surgery needs some attention. Breast surgery can throw your self-image for a loop, and it can take time to prepare emotionally for surgery and connect with your new body after.      

Body image and self-esteem can be extremely complicated, especially for women and folks with breasts. Understand that your feelings are valid and no emotions are off-limits as you approach surgery. You may feel a combination of excitement, uncertainty, relief, and grief, especially if you’re going through cancer treatment or gender-affirming surgery. 

Take time to reflect on your feelings, share any concerns with your care team, and lean on your personal support network or a mental health professional; it’s all a part of the healing process. Looking for some guidance? Consider these ideas: 

• Keep a journal throughout the process to help you understand your feelings, work through your emotions, and care for yourself.
• Throw a “boob funeral” to show appreciation for your body, grieve, and get ready for your new chapter. 
• Connect with a physical therapist who can help you prepare for surgery with a holistic, mind-body approach.

How to prepare for breast surgery

Good preparation can make your surgery and recovery smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful. Your surgical and care team will give you personalized instructions to make sure you’re ready for your procedure. 

Medical preparation

Wondering how to prepare for breast augmentation, reduction, mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction? In the lead-up to surgery, you may have a few pre-op appointments: bloodwork or other lab tests, physical exams, or chest imaging, depending on your medical history. 

Review any medications you take with your surgeon, as they may ask you to pause certain supplements, blood thinners, or other medications that could impact your healing time. You shouldn’t smoke cigarettes, vape, or take recreational drugs for several weeks before surgery as this can make healing difficult and increase your risk of infection.  

Physical preparation

Physically preparing for breast surgery can help you recover more quickly and smoothly. Your care team may suggest gentle stretches and mobility exercises that ease tension in the chest, neck, and shoulders, supporting better posture and more comfortable breathing.

Stretching is especially important if you’re having an under-the-pec breast augmentation or reconstruction. With this method, your surgeon places the implant under your pectoral muscle, meaning your pec is stretched during surgery to cover the implant. Stretching your chest muscles before surgery can help make this process easier and recovery more comfortable.  

At-home preparation

Do your post-op self a favor: set up a calm and comfortable recovery space ahead of time! You may need to sleep somewhat upright or on your back while you heal. Organize your sleeping area with plenty of supportive pillows, blankets, and water and drinks nearby. Get yourself some easy meals, snacks, and a treat... and don’t forget to have your favorite movies or TV shows ready to watch. 

You might have a few of these items on hand already, but if not, things to buy before breast surgery include:

• Loose, front-closing tops
• Comfortable and padded post-surgery bra that opens in the front
• Dry shampoo if needed (you may have to wait a couple of days before showering!)
• Natural roll-on deodorant (be sure to ask your doctor if you can use one)
• Healthy snacks and drinks        

Everything you need to know about breast surgery recovery

If you’re considering breast surgery, odds are you have a lot of questions about the recovery process. While you should always bring up your questions and concerns with your care team, here are a few recovery FAQs and answers to put your mind at ease.

Breast augmentation recovery

How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation recovery is quite quick. You can usually return to light work within a week, and a full return to activity can take about six weeks.

That said, you should act gently and with caution until your care team gives you the all-clear to increase your activity level. You can expect acute pain for about five days after surgery, and soreness, swelling, and tightness for a few weeks.     

What is the best type of breast augmentation?

The “best” type of augmentation is different for everyone! Your surgeon may place implants either under or over your pec muscle, depending on which best suits your body and the surgeon’s expertise. Remember: stretching is a key part of preparation for under-the-pec augmentation, and helps with recovery! 

What is the timeline for breast augmentation recovery week by week? 

Remember: everyone’s recovery timeline is different, and following your surgical and care team’s instructions is key. 

The first day or two after surgery will be the most painful, and you may experience severe pain and discomfort, soreness, bruising, nausea, and bleeding. During week one, your pain should become mild, and your care team may clear you for light activity. You may still have some bruising and soreness for several weeks. After six weeks, you may be fully or almost fully recovered.   

Breast reduction recovery

How long does a breast reduction take to heal?

Breast reduction surgery recovery can take longer than augmentation, with full recovery possibly taking several months. As always, be sure to follow your surgical and care team’s recommendations and ask any questions about your personal recovery process.

What is the recovery timeline for breast reduction? 

The first few weeks of breast reduction recovery are similar to augmentation: pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising that improve within several weeks. However, breast reduction is a more complicated procedure, and getting 100% back to normal can take several months.     

Breast tissue removal recovery: Mastectomy, lumpectomy, and top surgery 

How long does breast removal recovery take? 

Breast removal recovery typically takes several weeks, similar to augmentation and reduction. Gender-affirming surgery can be an emotional process, so be sure to connect with a supportive care team to help you through recovery. 

What is the single and double mastectomy recovery time?  

There are several different types of mastectomy: simple, modified radical, nipple-sparing, skin-sparing, and radical. Recovery can depend on which one your healthcare team performs. Recovery time is typically several weeks, but you may have some tingling, numbness, or other sensations for several months after surgery. 

How quickly can I heal from a lumpectomy?

Lumpectomy healing time depends on how extensive your surgery was, lasting a few days to several weeks. Recovery can take longer if you’ve had multiple lymph nodes removed or if you’ve had an oncoplastic lumpectomy (when your surgeon reshapes the breast during the same surgery).  

Breast reconstruction recovery

Can I recover from reconstruction surgery and a mastectomy or lumpectomy at the same time? 

It’s possible to have immediate reconstruction, meaning you have breast reconstruction surgery at the same time as a mastectomy or lumpectomy. However, this doesn’t guarantee a faster recovery process. Most reconstruction techniques require multiple surgeries: one a few months later, and several others throughout your lifetime to maintain the reconstructed breast shape and size. 

What are my options for breast reconstruction?

There are two main options for breast reconstruction: implants and autologous reconstruction or flap technique. Reconstruction implants are similar to augmentation implants and can be placed either under or over your pec muscle. For flap reconstruction, your surgeon takes skin and fat from another part of your body to create a breast. Recovery can vary depending on the type of surgery you have.

What should I know about breast reconstruction recovery?

After a flap reconstruction surgery, healthcare professionals will monitor the blood flow to the flap before you are released. After any kind of reconstruction surgery, you may have a thin tube temporarily placed under the skin to help drain any excess liquid, and you may have an elastic bandage to help with support and swelling. For the first few weeks, your reconstructed breast will settle as it heals, and its size and placement will improve.

How can physical therapy help after breast surgery?

While it's not even a question for someone to get referred to physical therapy after a knee surgery, physical therapy after breast surgery is often not mentioned. Physical therapists’ expertise can help with short-term or long-term discomforts and dysfunctions that may arise after breast surgery. 

With mastectomy for breast cancer patients specifically, physical therapy has been shown to improve pain management, decrease lymphedema (a complication after cancer-related mastectomy that results in arm swelling), increase arm function, increase muscular strength, and improve overall quality of life. Physical therapists can help post-mastectomy or any breast surgery by:

• Performing manual therapy techniques for scar tissue, tight muscles, or pain
• Prescribing stretches for scar tissue or tight muscles
• Introducing strength exercises for muscle weakness, postural control, and upper extremity and thoracic range of motion
• Planning your gradual return to whatever exercise or activity you love

If you are experiencing any pain, tingling, numbness, tightness, weakness, or are generally not back to doing the things you love after breast surgery, seek out a physical therapist. 

Getting the support you need

Breast surgery is a meaningful, personal, and sometimes complicated decision. Whether you're considering augmentation, reduction, mastectomy, or gender-affirming surgery, remember this: you don’t have to go through it alone! Origin’s qualified and compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule your first visit today!

Sources

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Fardo, Dean, et al. “Breast Augmentation.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/.

“American Society of Plastic Surgeons.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2025, www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/recovery. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

“American Society of Plastic Surgeons.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2025, www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/preparation. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Christine Blaine, MD | Huntington, and July 28 Tuesday. “How Long Is the Recovery for a Breast Augmentation?” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-long-is-the-recovery-for-a-breast-augmentation.

Sachs, Darren, and Karen D. Szymanski. “Breast Reduction.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/. 

BREASTCANCER.ORG. “Mastectomy: What to Expect.” Www.breastcancer.org, 10 Mar. 2024, www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mastectomy/what-to-expect. 

“Breast Reconstruction.” Www.breastcancer.org, www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction. 

“Breast Reconstruction.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction. 

Xue, Tingyu, et al. “Exercise-Based Interventions for Postoperative Rehabilitation in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Medicine, vol. 104, no. 34, 22 Aug. 2025, pp. e43705–e43705, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12384885/, https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000043705.