Unlike a breast augmentation, a breast lift doesn’t change the size of the breasts. Instead, it changes their position on the chest, reducing sagging. The surgery can also help to reshape the breasts and restore a more youthful contour. It can be performed on its own but is often combined with a breast augmentation to enhance the overall appearance of the breasts.
Whether you decide to have a breast lift on its own or along with another surgery, allowing your body time to heal and recover afterward is a must. Here are a few tips to make your breast lift recovery as comfortable and successful as possible.
Wear the Right Bra
Skip the underwire bras for at least the first few weeks after your surgery. The wire in the bra will be too irritating and unpleasant to wear right after a breast lift.
Usually, your surgeon will recommend wearing a surgical or compression bra for the first few days after the procedure. After that, you can switch to a soft, but still supportive bra. A sports bra can be a good pick, as it will be tight enough to provide the support you need without being binding or irritating.
Choose Your Tops Carefully
After a breast lift, you might find it difficult to lift your arms up over your head, particularly during the first week or so. Additionally, tops that are tight or clingy can chafe the incision areas and be unpleasant to wear.
It’s a good idea to stick to lightweight, loose shirts that button up, at least for the first few weeks. As long as you can get into the top without lifting your arms up into the air or pulling it down over your chest, it should work.
It’s also worth noting that your breasts might be considerably swollen after your surgery, so you might want to purchase a few inexpensive, loose-fitting shirts to wear during recovery.
Be Careful About Bathing
Bathing can be a bit tricky during the first week or so after your surgery. You’ll want to avoid taking a shower for the first day or first few days afterward, as you don’t want to get the incision areas wet. It’s also recommended that you avoid baths, going into the pool or otherwise submerging the healing incisions for a few weeks after surgery.
Wait until your surgeon gives you the all-clear before showering again. On the first day or two after your breast lift, you can use a washcloth or sponge to wash up as needed.
Sleep On Your Back
Your breasts will be swollen and sore for some time after the procedure. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach during the recovery. If at all possible, you should do your best to sleep on your back while you recuperate. Depending on how you usually sleep, that might mean you need to prop yourself up with pillows to keep from rolling over to your side or stomach in the middle of the night.
Ask a Family Member or Friend to Stay With You
You don’t want to be alone during the first or second night after breast lift. If you don’t already live with someone, or if other members of your household will be away while you have your surgery, ask a friend or another relative to stay with you and help you out. How long your companion stays is up to you, but it’s usually a good idea to have someone around at least during the first night.
Be Careful With Physical Activity
You don’t have to be a couch potato while you recover, although you will want to take at least a week or two off from work and several weeks from vigorous exercise. Light exercise is usually OK and even recommended, starting a day or so after the surgery. And by light exercise, we mean taking a short walk. Avoid anything strenuous or anything that requires you to lift heavy objects or work up a sweat.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He offers patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options at his practice in New York, and can work with you to help you choose the treatment that will help you reach your goals. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
