Transaxillary recovery: week by week, honestly

Days 0–3

Tightness across the chest, implants sitting high, a soft band holding them down, scheduled analgesics. Walk the same evening. Shower at 48 hours; pat the armpits dry. Sleep on your back, head elevated. Arms stay below shoulder height.

Days 4–10

Bruising drifts toward the sides; swelling peaks and starts to fall. Desk work from day 5–7. Hair-washing with help or bending at the waist. Flight home at day 5–7 after review. Numbness in the inner arm is common and recovers over months.

Weeks 2–3

Incision sealed; deodorant (stick) and silicone gel start; gentle arm elevation to shoulder height; driving when turning and reaching don't pull at the armpit. The band comes off; the sports bra stays.

Weeks 4–6

Full arm range; cardio and lower-body training at week 4–6; upper-body training from week 6, gradually. Shaving once the scar is soft. The implants begin to settle into the lower pole.

Months 3–6

Softness returns, the upper pole relaxes, the fold looks natural; the result is judged at month 6. Underwired bras from month 3. Scar fading continues through month 12. The recovery hub lists what's normal and what needs a message.