Breast augmentation, breast lifts, and breast reduction surgeries are some of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the world. While some women want larger, firmer breasts, other women want smaller, perkier breasts. And still others simply want their youthful breasts back that they once had when they were in their twenties and before they had children. Each one of these surgeries will require significant recovery time, and your particular recovery time will be entirely dependent on two factors: whether or not you listen to surgeon's guidelines, and your body's overall health.

Immediately following surgery you should expect to stay in bed for at least a few days. Although a hospital stay is almost never required, it's best to rest for a few days straight after you finally get back home.

Your doctor will prescribe a pain killer and an antibiotic. You need to take both, particularly the antibiotic. While the pain killer can make your recovery easier and far less painful, the antibiotic can actually save your life. Why? Because the antibiotic is prescribed for one purpose: to thwart a potential infection. Infections are a dangerous risk for every type of surgery and great care should be taken to stop them from occurring and, if they do occur, to notify your doctor immediately.

Keeping your arms at shoulder level or lower is critical to your recovery, especially during the first few weeks. After surgery, your body will start the healing process. By keeping your arms at shoulder level length or lower, you assist your body in its healing process. Another potential risk when you raise your arms too high is tearing the sutures; you don't want that to happen!

Exercising of any sort will be strictly prohibited for at least eight weeks after your surgery, potentially longer. Obviously, low impact exercise will probably be acceptable sooner than more rigorous, high impact exercise.

Your doctor will tell you not to smoke after surgery for at least several months, possibly longer. Why? Because smoking impedes circulation and circulation is extremely important for your body to heal properly. In fact, your doctor will most likely tell you to stop smoking for at least two weeks prior to your actual surgery. And if you're a chain smoker, there's a high probability that you will be rejected for surgery at all.

Full recovery from your breast enhancement procedure may take anywhere from six months to twelve months. It's impossible to give an accurate estimation of how long it will take for you to fully recovery - everyone is different! If you are in top shape and you follow your surgeon's recovery guidelines and recommendations, you will experience a faster recovery than would otherwise be accepted. But nothing is for certain, so expect to hit a few snags along the way to full recovery.

Do you want to learn more about breast enhancement procedures and the time it takes to fully recover from them? You will need to contact a board certified, licensed surgeon in your area and schedule an initial consultation. If the cost for a consultation sounds expensive, don't worry too much about that because most plastic surgeons offer a free initial consultation for new patients.

It is not the intent of this article to provide medical advice or health recommendations. Only a licensed, practicing physician should give health related advice. Good luck in your search for more information!