Unlike 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.
Overview of Breast Lift Recovery
A breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and lifts the breasts to restore a more youthful contour. It involves removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining breast tissue to create an improved shape and higher position on the chest. The procedure may be done alone or in combination with a breast implant for increased volume.
The recovery period following a breast lift will vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the procedure. Generally speaking, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery and should wear compression garments through the recovery period.
It is important to closely follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions during the recovery period, as this can help reduce potential complications such as infection, bleeding, blood clot formation, or poor healing of soft tissue. Pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort or swelling, but some level of soreness is expected after any surgical procedure.
To promote optimal healing during the recovery process, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dehydration which can cause further complications.
As your body heals, you may notice visible scarring around the incision sites where excess skin was removed during your breast lift procedure. However, over time these scars will fade, becoming barely noticeable in most cases.
During your recovery, it is important to restrict upper body movements until cleared by your physician, as this could affect scarring or cause pain in sensitive areas like the nipples or where the skin was stretched out due to excess skin removal.
Finally, make sure you attend all follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon so they can assess how well you are healing and if any changes need to be made before resuming normal activities once again.
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 the 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 your 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.
Signs of Infection During Recovery
Signs of infection during a breast lift recovery require immediate medical attention. It’s important for patients to have a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide a complimentary consultation and help them understand what to look out for as they heal from their cosmetic procedure.
The most common signs of infection during the recovery period include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the incisions, especially when touching or pressing on them. If there is any discharge coming from the incision sites or if the patient has a fever, these are also signs that an infection could be occurring.
It is important for patients to keep all incisions clean and dry as proper healing takes place. Patients should also avoid any activities that may irritate or put pressure on the chest wall while recovering from their breast lift or breast augment procedure. Any sudden changes in symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage from an incision site, should be reported immediately to a qualified plastic surgeon.
Early diagnosis and treatment of any potential infections allow patients to recover quickly and properly from their cosmetic procedure with minimal disruption to their everyday lives.
More Healing Process and Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity. It is recommended to wear a supportive bra or garment for 4-6 weeks post-surgery, as this can help with comfort and aid in the healing process. Additionally, it is important to keep the incision sites clean and dry by gently washing them with a mild soap and water solution two times a day. It is also suggested to apply an antibiotic ointment or other prescribed medication periodically for the duration of your recovery period. Lastly, patients should follow up regularly with their plastic surgeon and report any changes in symptoms, such as pain, redness, swelling, or drainage from an incision site.
Weeks After Surgery: What Can You Expect?
In the weeks following a breast lift, patients can expect some pain and tenderness that should gradually decrease over time. Swelling will also subside, and bruising may appear. However, this should fade away as well. Patients should keep incision sites clean and dry and can help with the healing process by wearing a supportive garment or bra for 4-6 weeks post-surgery. It is important to restrict physical activity, including strenuous exercise, during this time period and to follow up regularly with their plastic surgeon to ensure proper healing is occurring.
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.
