Augmentation Mastopexy Recovery: Stretching, Scarring & Settling

Recovery and Stretching After an Augmentation Mastopexy

What to Expect as You Heal

Recovery after breast surgery is different for everyone — especially when one side involves an augmentation mastopexy (an uplift with implants and skin tightening) and the other side is an augmentation only.

In this patient’s case, her right breast underwent a lift and reduction before the implant was placed, while the left had an implant alone. This meant the two sides recovered slightly differently, but both healed beautifully over time.

Most people are surprised at how little pain there is after surgery. A few days of discomfort are normal, but recovery is generally smooth and straightforward. Patients often describe it as “a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days” rather than painful.

The most important thing is to allow your body to settle — healing doesn’t need to be rushed.

How the Right and Left Breasts Heal Differently

An augmentation mastopexy combines two opposing actions:

• Tightening and lifting the skin and breast tissue
• Expanding the breast volume with an implant

Because of this, the operated breast is initially firmer and sits slightly higher than the side that only had an implant. Over the first few weeks, it gradually softens and drops into position as the skin and tissue adapt to their new shape.

By contrast, the side that only had an implant tends to settle more quickly, since there’s no internal tightening or additional scarring.

In this patient’s words:

“By the third week, they had already dropped much more. Compared to the second week, it was crazy how quickly things changed.”

This kind of progression is completely normal. Most of the dropping and softening happens within the first four to six weeks, with subtle ongoing changes over the following months.

Internal Scarring and Firmness

The area that feels firmest is usually just beneath the scar — where the deeper internal stitching and healing are taking place. In an augmentation mastopexy, that firmness represents scar tissue beneath the surface, not the implant itself.

This firmness softens gradually over 6 to 12 months, as the collagen within the scar reorganises and becomes more flexible. Gentle massage helps this process, as does keeping the skin hydrated.

Tip: Massage your scars daily for 5–10 minutes using a silicone-based scar gel or cream.

The mechanical action stimulates blood flow, encourages collagen remodelling, and keeps the scars supple.

Stretching, Softening, and Settling

During recovery, the skin stretches to accommodate the implant. This stretching happens faster in younger skin, which is more elastic and can expand evenly.

After a few weeks, the tissue usually “finds its balance” — not too tight and not too loose.

If your skin is of good quality, the amount of stretching will be minimal. Some mild softening and movement can continue over the next six months, especially when lying on your back, but this is just the breast tissue adapting to its new shape and weight.

“All I’m saying is that, over the next six months, things will loosen a little. When you lie on your back, things may move a bit more just because you’re now a bigger version of what you previously were.”

That’s a completely normal part of recovery.

Scar Care and Massage

Scar care is one of the simplest but most important aspects of long-term healing.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Start once your wounds are fully healed (usually after two weeks).
• Use a silicone-based scar gel or sheet — it hydrates and reduces redness.
• Massage daily for 5–10 minutes, focusing on the T-junction beneath the breast.
• Continue for about six months, or until the scars are soft and pale.

After this stage, you can stop using the silicone product, as the scar will have matured.

Most patients notice their scars lighten and soften quickly, especially if they’ve been consistent with their massage routine. Others may experience mild redness or itching for a few months, but this always improves with time.

When to Expect Final Results

Most patients are 90% healed by six weeks — that’s when you can safely return to normal activities, wear whatever you like, and exercise without restriction.

However, subtle improvements in softness, symmetry, and scar texture continue for up to a year.

The final result is usually seen between 6 and 12 months, when the scars have faded, the implants have fully settled, and the breasts feel soft and natural.

In this consultation, the patient’s results were described as:

“Perfect — not too big, not too small… just right.”

That balance between natural shape and proportion is what we aim for in every case.

Long-Term Care

Modern breast implants — like the ones used in this case — are designed to last a long time without complications. They have multiple layers and advanced materials that reduce the risk of rupture or leakage.

Routine follow-up every few years is all that’s required, unless you notice any sudden change in shape, size, or feel.

If your scars remain raised or firm beyond six months, or if you feel tightness that doesn’t improve, it’s worth coming back for a review. Otherwise, once the breasts have fully healed and softened, there’s no need for regular check-ups unless you want reassurance.

Key Takeaways

• Mild discomfort lasts just a few days.
• Most softening and “dropping” happens within the first 4–6 weeks.
• The lifted side (augmentation mastopexy) feels firmer for longer due to internal scarring.
• Daily scar massage with silicone gel helps soften and fade scars.
• Final results appear after 6–12 months.
• There are no long-term activity restrictions once healing is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I start exercising again after an augmentation mastopexy?

Light cardio is safe after two weeks, but avoid upper body workouts for at least six weeks. Once cleared, you can gradually return to full exercise.

• Why does one breast feel firmer than the other?

The side that had the lift and reduction will feel firmer for longer due to internal scar tissue. It softens over several months.

• Should I wear a sports bra after six weeks?

You can switch to a normal bra if it’s comfortable, but supportive lingerie helps maintain shape and minimise further stretching.

• How long should I massage my scars for?

Continue daily massage for 5–10 minutes over six months, using a silicone-based product to help hydrate and flatten the scars.

• Will my breasts drop more over time?

Some minor softening and settling is normal, especially in the first few months, but with good skin quality the breasts should remain perky and symmetrical.

Learn what to expect after an augmentation mastopexy — from early healing and scar massage to long-term results. Discover how stretching, softening, and symmetry evolve during recovery from breast lift with implants.