When considering breast lift surgery it’s normal to be concerned about the breast lift recovery process. You may be considering getting a breast lift to rejuvenate your figure after pregnancy, weight loss or to correct an asymmetry.
Regardless of the reason, you need to remember that the recovery process is an important part of the breast lift process.
We’ve come across many questions about breast lift recovery and felt that providing you with a detailed guide may help you understand what the process entails.
Research Is the Best Preparation for Breast Lift Success
Women have breast lift surgery for a variety of reasons which makes each surgery unique. Your recovery process will be unique to you as well. Breast lift recovery is shaped by factors including; your age, health, breast size, skin tone, and hormone levels. Out of all of the women who choose breast lift surgery those who do their research report the best outcomes.
Choosing the best-qualified surgeon, committed to helping you get the result your desire, is one crucial aspect of research. Along with your surgeon choice, your understanding of the procedure, including breast lift recovery, are the best ways to ensure an excellent outcome.
Your advance preparation and knowledge will allow you to go into your procedure confidently, heal quickly–and enjoy your new figure to the fullest.
Stages of Breast Lift Recovery: Immediately After Surgery
Breast lift surgery may range from 2 to 3 hours and will generally be done as an outpatient procedure. After surgery you will be taken to a recovery room as you awaken from general anesthesia or sedation.
You will return home the day of surgery but must have a family member or friend drive you to and from the surgical center. We recommend asking a friend or family member to stay with you the first night after breast lift surgery.
You will go home with an elastic surgical bra designed to support your breasts while they heal and to help minimize motion and swelling. Under your support bra will be steri-strips covering your breast lift incisions and removable gauze pads.
You may adjust or replace the bra as needed for comfort during the first few days of your recovery and you will remove it on the second postoperative day to take a shower. Most patients are more comfortable in the first week when wearing a support bra 24 hours a day but it is not mandatory.
Breast Lift Recovery Stages: The First Few Weeks After Surgery
You’ll continue to wear a bra 24 hours a day for support and comfort for the first few weeks after surgery. If your breast lift procedure also included breast implants, you will need to wear a compressive elastic band that is also removable for the shower. Your specific post-operative instructions will be individualized just for you, but typically you can expect the following parameters:
- Stitches: Your stitches will be removed in 1 week but are usually absorbable and designed to dissolve on their own.
- Discomfort: Following breast lift surgery the discomfort you will experience is usually very well tolerated. You will be prescribed pain medicine but are not required to take it.
- Showering: You may shower on the second day after surgery.
- Driving: We recommend avoiding driving for the first few days following surgery.
- Work: While every patient is different, most women can to return to work one week after their breast lift procedure.
- Exercise: Light exercise can be resumed roughly one to three weeks following surgery.
- Strenuous activity: We recommend avoiding overhead lifting and strenuous workouts for four weeks following surgery. If implants are involved there may be exercise restrictions for a longer period.
Breast Lift Recovery Stages: Speeding Up Your Recovery
Following your surgeon’s post-procedure instructions is important to the success of your breast lift surgery. Although breast lift surgery has one of the quickest recovery periods, don’t rush your recovery. Your post-surgery instructions will be individualized, but typically include:
- Take care of yourself – Your surgical incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, abrasions or motion during the healing process.
- Elevate your torso – Sleep on your back in an inclined position (at a 20-40 degree angle) after surgery, as long as notable swelling remains. To achieve this you can use specially designed wedge pillows, prop yourself with 2-3 bed pillows or sleep in a recliner.
- Avoid smoking – It is extremely important to inform your surgeon if you smoke when planning for surgery. Even one cigarette per day can interfere with healing and scar formation. It is required to refrain for at least 2-4 weeks before and after surgery.
- Eat a healthy low-salt diet – Include vitamin K rich foods like lettuce, eggs and yogurt. They’re know for helping with healing and reducing swelling.
- Protect your incisions from the sun – Once your doctor gives you permission for sun exposure, sunscreen should be worn at all times. Unprotected skin in surgical areas can cause hyperpigmentation and worsen scarring. Sunburn can occur much faster in any swollen areas.
Avoiding Complications from Breast Lift Surgery
Any surgery has risks that you need to be aware of. Infection or bleeding is extremely uncommon following breast lift procedures. With breast surgery, permanent loss of sensation in breast skin or nipples is a very rare complication, but can occur.
To help prevent complications your surgeon will perform the procedure only if you are a good candidate for a successful outcome. Choose a surgeon with extensive breast lift experience and up-to-date skills.
Stay in touch with your surgeon to avoid post-procedure breast lift complications. Call the office if you experience any unusual bleeding, worsening pain, discharge or discoloration of your nipples or surgical incisions, fever or excess swelling.
How to Have the Best Breast Lift Experience
Remember, the care that you take during your breast lift recovery will help ensure that you get the best possible results from your surgery. Breast lift surgery has a very high satisfaction rate and a relatively simple recovery, especially for those patients who go into it well informed.
At Cohen/Winters, our Bergen County practice is dedicated to helping you achieve your best results, and best quality of life, through aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. We’re here to answer your questions and discuss your breast lift goals.
