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Houston, TX
Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on July 29th, 2025
Thinking about getting a breast augmentation and lift in Houston? Dr. Sukkar has helped many people feel more confident by guiding them through surgery and recovery with expert care. Knowing what to expect week by week during recovery helps you plan and feel less worried about your healing process.
Everyone’s recovery is a little different, but there are clear steps most people can expect after their procedure. Dr. Sukkar and his team explain what happens in the first days, the weeks after surgery, and the milestones as you get back to your normal life. With support and good instructions, patients are often surprised at how smooth their experience can be.
Breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) procedure involves several steps and unique healing phases. Each person’s recovery depends on their health, the procedure, and following their surgeon’s advice.
Combining these surgeries reshapes and lifts the breasts while also increasing size. Patients might have more swelling, bruising, or tightness because two procedures are done together.
A dual procedure often means a longer initial recovery period than choosing just one surgery. Patients usually need extra support for the chest and should limit activities that strain the upper body.
Dr. Sukkar tailors recovery plans for each patient based on their needs and surgical details. He regularly checks for proper healing and provides clear instructions about rest, wound care, and when to return to normal activities.
He encourages open communication, so patients feel comfortable asking questions or reporting problems. Scheduled follow-ups are essential to monitor breast shape, incision healing process, and comfort.
Dr. Sukkar offers tips for managing pain, recognizing warning signs, and speeding recovery. By focusing on personal care, he helps patients reach their goals for a natural look and smooth recovery.
The first week focuses on healing, keeping pain under control, protecting the surgical area, and easing back into gentle activities. Patients are encouraged to follow post op surgery instructions closely for the safest and smoothest recovery.
During the first few days after breast lift and augmentation surgery, patients usually experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. It is common to feel sore or achy, especially around the incision and implant sites. Prescription pain medication is often given for the first few days, which helps reduce pain and makes rest easier.
After a few days, many people can switch to over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Using a cold pack for short periods may also help ease swelling and discomfort. Patients should avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen unless approved by Dr. Sukkar, since these can increase bleeding risk.
It is normal to feel tired from the anesthesia and the body’s work to heal. Taking all pain medicine as directed and notifying the care team if pain is uncontrollable is important. The pain should slowly lessen after the first 3-4 days, so any steady or worsening pain should be checked by a doctor.
Caring for the incision sites is key to preventing infection and promoting healthy breast surgery scars. Dr. Sukkar’s team will provide clear instructions on how to keep dressings clean and dry. Most patients are instructed not to remove surgical tape or steri-strips on their own.
Incisions should not be scrubbed or soaked in water during this stage. Showers are usually allowed after a day or two, but baths, pools, and hot tubs are not permitted until incisions are well-healed. Keeping the area clean and dry is most important.
Rest is essential in the first week, but gentle movement can help prevent blood clots and speed up recovery. Patients are encouraged to take short, easy walks around the house as soon as they feel able. These walks should be slow and not cause any strain.
Heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling must be avoided completely. This means no carrying groceries, picking up children, or exercise involving the chest or arms. Raising arms above the head or sleeping on the side or stomach is not advised. Patients should sleep flat on their backs with pillows for support during this time.
A supportive surgical or sports bra should be worn at all times except when showering, as recommended by Dr. Sukkar. These restrictions help prevent shifting or injury around the implants or surgical site. Most patients find that by following these steps, they start to feel better each day.
Swelling and bruising from surgery begin to decrease in the second week post op. Most people start to feel more comfortable, but should still avoid intense activities.
During the second week, many patients notice that their swelling and bruising are starting to fade. Applying cold compresses, if approved by Dr. Sukkar, can help reduce leftover swelling. It is also important to keep wearing the surgical bra or support garment as instructed.
Elevating the upper body while sleeping can help further limit swelling. Patients should continue drinking lots of water and eating foods low in salt. These small steps help the body heal and keep swelling down. If bruising seems to be getting worse or returns after getting better, it’s important to call Dr. Sukkar’s office.
By the second week, many patients are ready to try light daily tasks with less discomfort. Activities like showering, gentle walks, and doing simple chores usually feel easier. However, they must avoid any movement that strains the chest, such as lifting heavy items or pushing/pulling actions.
Patients should pay attention to how their bodies feel. If an activity causes pain or swelling, it’s best to stop and rest. Dr. Sukkar usually recommends keeping exercise limited to slow walks until cleared for more. Driving can often start again if no narcotic pain medicine is being taken, but always check for comfort reaching the steering wheel.
Whether someone returns to work in week two depends mostly on the type of job they have. Those with office or desk jobs can usually go back after a week or two, as long as they are not lifting, stretching, or straining. Jobs that require physical labor, lifting, or lots of movement will need more time off.
It is a good idea to discuss with Dr. Sukkar before returning to work. Everyone heals at a different pace and some may need more recovery days. When returning, it’s best to set up a comfortable space and ask for help if tasks require arms or chest strength.
During weeks 3 and 4, most patients start to notice real breast improvements in how they feel and look. Swelling continues to lessen, daily routines become easier, and the breasts begin to settle into a more natural position.
At this stage, light physical activity can often be restarted. Walking, slow stretches, and gentle movements are usually allowed. Dr. Sukkar recommends avoiding any exercises that strain the chest muscles, like push-ups or lifting weights overhead.
Most people can do light cardio, such as walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike at a slow pace. This helps with circulation, boosts mood, and can make energy levels stronger. However, it’s important to listen to the body, if pain or discomfort comes up, the activity should be paused right away.
By weeks 3-4, patients start to notice changes sometimes called the “drop and fluff” phase. Implants that were high and tight on the chest now begin to relax and settle into a softer, more natural shape.
The skin and muscle stretch gently, which allows the breast implants to “drop” lower on the chest. At the same time, the breast tissue and skin begin to “fluff” or round out. This process continues over the next few months, but the breast changes in these weeks can become visible.
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Sukkar are very important during weeks 3 and 4. The doctor checks the incision sites, ensures there are no signs of infection, and monitors overall healing. If stitches were placed, they may be removed or checked during this time.
Dr. Sukkar answers questions about new symptoms, unexpected bruising, or worries about implant position. Clear and open communication helps catch minor concerns early before they become problems.
By weeks 5 to 8 after breast augmentation and mastopexy, many patients start to feel more comfortable doing regular daily tasks. Most of the severe swelling is gone, and pain has faded to mild discomfort or muscle soreness.
During this time, Dr. Sukkar often allows patients to slowly add more physical activity. Gentle stretching, brisk walking, and light cardio are usually approved. Many can return to work if their job is not too physical. However, it is still important to avoid heavy lifting and intense chest workouts until cleared by the doctor.
Focus on listening to the body and stop if any pain or pulling is felt. Wearing a supportive bra during activities is recommended to minimize movement and protect healing tissues.
The breasts continue to change and settle after surgery. Swelling around the base and lower part of the breast is common but should gradually decrease.
Nipples and scars may shift slightly as the skin stretches and the tissue adjusts. Breasts may look and feel firmer and rounder early on, but will start to look more natural each week. Visible bruising is usually gone by this point, and skin tone becomes more even.
Scar healing becomes more noticeable during weeks 5 to 8. Incisions may appear pink or even dark red, but they typically fade over the next several months. Patients should continue to follow scar care instructions, such as using silicone sheets, creams, or gentle massage if recommended by Dr. Sukkar.
After breast augmentation and lift, recovery continues long after the initial weeks. Patients need to know what to expect as their results settle and as they care for their new shape over time.
By about six months, the breasts usually reach their final position and appearance. Swelling should be gone, and the shape will look more natural. It is normal for the implants to “drop and fluff,” meaning they settle into place and become softer over time.
Incisions will be healed, but scars may still be pink or firm. Over the next year, breast surgery scars tend to fade and flatten but may not go away completely. Patients may see continued subtle changes as skin and tissues adjust.
It is important to follow aftercare instructions to keep results looking their best. Wearing a supportive bra, especially when active, helps maintain the breast shape and support healing tissues.
Sun protection matters, a high SPF on scars helps reduce darkening and supports better healing. Avoiding smoking and keeping a healthy weight can prevent sagging or other problems.
Routine checks with the surgeon allow any concerns to be caught early. Staying in touch with Dr. Sukkar’s office ensures advice is tailored to any new needs or changes seen in the breasts. Some patients also use silicone gels or sheets to help scars fade and look better over time.
Breast and nipple sensation may change after surgery. Some patients feel numbness, tingling, or even increased sensitivity. These effects can improve over months but sometimes remain long-term.
The nerves need time to heal. Most notice sensation begins to improve within the first year, although changes can take longer or might be permanent in small areas.
If sensation loss causes discomfort or worry, patients should discuss this at check-ups. It is helpful to track any changes and share them with the provider, since every person heals differently. Sensation changes are common, and most people adjust over time without major impact on daily life.
Most patients feel sore for the first few days following mastopexy and augmentation surgery, with the most discomfort occurring within the first 48 to 72 hours. The soreness typically improves significantly after the first week. Mild sensitivity or tightness may persist for a few weeks as the body continues to heal.
Initial recovery usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, during which most patients can resume light activities. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery, including final results and resolution of swelling, may take several months.
Patients are generally advised to wear a compression or surgical bra for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. This support helps minimize swelling, improve comfort, and promote proper breast positioning during healing.
It typically takes about 3 to 6 months for the breasts to fully settle into their final shape and position after a lift. During this time, swelling decreases, incisions continue to heal, and implants (if used) drop into a more natural position.
Recovering from a breast augmentation and lift is a gradual process, with each week bringing new milestones. From the initial soreness and tightness in the first few days to seeing real improvements in appearance and comfort by weeks 5 to 8, patients go through a carefully staged healing timeline. Dr. Sukkar’s attentive care, clear post-op instructions, and focus on personalized follow-up play a big role in helping patients feel informed and supported throughout their recovery.
While it takes several months for the final breast shape to settle and scars to fade, most patients feel the results are worth the wait. With patience, proper care, and a commitment to healing, long-term satisfaction and natural-looking outcomes are very achievable. Staying in close contact with your surgical team and listening to your body are key to a safe, smooth, and rewarding recovery.
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Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.
Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.
Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.
Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.
Cover Image Credit: Serezniy / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.
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