For breast augmentation with implants, I usually tell my patients to plan for a week off work. However, most patients feel well enough to return to work before the week is up.
Patients recover faster and feel less pain after subglandular (implant is placed above muscle) compared to submuscular (implant is placed under muscle). Either technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. I think its good to have a discussion with your plastic surgeon about which technique to use.
In my practice, since I starting using Motiva implants, I have been using more subglandular technique as these implants negate some of the disadvantages of subglandular placement.
For breast augmentation with fat grafting, I tell my patients to plan 2 weeks off work. The longer time off work is to allow more time for bruising and swelling to settle. There is bruising and swelling both where I take the fat from and in the breasts and, so that accounts for the longer recovery time.
However, I wouldn't say it is a lot more painful and nothing beats fat in how soft and natural the breasts feel after recovery. So again, have a discussion and explore your options.
Pain after breast augmentation regardless of any technique is usually well managed with oral pain killers. There are very effective ones available nowadays.
