Life begins to feel more normal during weeks 2-3. Most patients return to work, drive again, and resume many daily activities, though some restrictions remain.
What to Expect
Weeks 2-3 mark an important transition. You'll feel significantly better and may be tempted to do too much. Remember that internal healing continues even when you feel well externally.
Physical Changes
Swelling: Continues to decrease but may fluctuate. Mornings may show more swelling than evenings.
Bruising: Should be mostly resolved or fading to yellow by the end of week 2.
Implant position: May start to show early signs of dropping, though this varies greatly between patients.
Sensation: Gradual return of sensation, though some numbness may persist for months.
Incisions: Should be well-healed. Some scabbing may still be present and will naturally fall off.
Progress Milestone
By week 2-3, most patients feel well enough to return to desk work and resume driving. This is a significant milestone in your recovery journey.
Returning to Work
Most patients can return to work during week 2, depending on the nature of their job:
Desk/office work: Usually possible from week 2. Take regular breaks to walk around.
Customer-facing roles: Generally fine from week 2, though you may tire more easily.
Physical or manual work: You'll need to wait until week 4-6 minimum. Discuss specific requirements with your surgeon.
Driving required for work: Only once you're off all pain medication and can perform an emergency stop.
Driving
You can typically resume driving when:
You're no longer taking prescription pain medication.
You can perform an emergency stop without discomfort.
You can turn the steering wheel comfortably.
You feel confident in your reaction times.
Most patients resume driving around week 2. Check your car insurance policy requirements, as some require a specific time off-road after surgery.
Walking: Longer walks are encouraged - great for circulation and mood.
Shopping: Light shopping is fine, but don't carry heavy bags.
Social activities: Meeting friends, going out for meals (avoid alcohol if still on medication).
Sexual activity: Can usually resume after 2 weeks with care. Avoid pressure on breasts.
What to Avoid
Exercise: Still no gym, running, swimming, or sports.
Heavy lifting: Nothing over 2-3kg. Don't lift children.
Raising arms overhead: Continue to limit reaching above shoulder height.
Underwired bras: Continue with surgical/sports bras only.
Submerging incisions: No baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs yet.
Bra Guidelines
Continue surgical/sports bra: Wear day and night for support during this critical healing phase.
No underwired bras: These can irritate healing incisions and affect implant settling.
Check fit regularly: As swelling reduces, you may need to adjust to different sizes.
Multiple bras: Have several so you can wash them regularly.
Bra Shopping
Don't rush to buy new bras yet. Your final bra size won't be clear until the drop and fluff process completes at 3-6 months. Stick with comfortable, non-wired options for now.
Scar Care
Now that incisions are well-healed, you can begin scar management:
Silicone sheets or gel: These can help flatten and fade scars. Apply as directed.
Gentle massage: Once incisions are fully closed, gentle massage can help soften scar tissue.
Sun protection: Keep scars covered or use SPF 50. Sun exposure can cause permanent darkening.
Moisturising: Keep the scar area hydrated with gentle, unscented moisturiser.
Managing Expectations
It's common to feel impatient during this phase:
Your breasts still won't look like the final result - they need time to settle.
Asymmetry is normal at this stage - one side may drop before the other.
Firmness is expected - implants soften significantly over the coming months.
Trust the process - the "drop and fluff" takes 3-6 months to complete.