If you’re considering a breast lift surgery, you may be wondering what the breast lift recovery process looks like. While individual recovery experiences may vary, here is what you can expect after your breast lift.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery performed to reshape sagging or drooping breasts. The procedure removes excess skin and tightens the tissue surrounding the breasts. The ultimate goal of breast lift surgery is to help women restore their breasts to a more youthful and firm appearance.
The Day Of Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you will be instructed to arrive at the hospital or surgical center at a specific time. The surgery is most commonly performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be sent home once you recover from general anesthesia. After the surgery, you will spend an hour or two in the recovery room before being sent home to rest and heal.
Pain After Surgery
Pain after a breast lift is to be expected, but most commonly, over-the-counter pain remedies are effective at reducing discomfort. Your doctor will recommend pain relief to you before your procedure so you have the necessary medications on hand during your breast lift recovery.
Activity After Surgery
Due to anesthesia, you may be a little groggy for the rest of the day after your surgical procedure. Relaxing is important, but bed rest is not recommended. You must get up out of bed or off the couch frequently and begin moving around as soon as possible.
What to Eat During Your Breast Lift Recovery
Remaining hydrated after your surgery can help with healing, so it is essential to drink lots of water. You can also plan to resume your regular diet immediately after the surgery. Eating a wide variety of healthy foods, especially those high in protein, can also help heal.
How to Take Care of Your Incisions
You can plan to shower 48 hours after your procedure. Incisions are usually covered with a transparent plastic dressing and should not be removed until you are seen for your first postoperative visit. If there are steri-strips on your incisions, make sure not to remove them and instead allow them to fall off independently. You can expect to wear a surgical bra for approximately four weeks to help with healing and comfort.
When Can You Return to Work?
Women can usually return to work a week or so after the procedure. If your job is physically strenuous, you may need to avoid specific job responsibilities until you are fully healed from your breast lift.
When to Be Concerned After Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift recovery goes well for most women, but there are some instances where you should reach out to your doctor right away.
- Signs of infection: Monitor your incisions for signs of infection, including worsening redness or swelling, increased drainage or pus from the incisions, increased pain, warmth at the incision sites, or a fever over 101. If these symptoms occur, call your doctor as soon as possible to be assessed.
- Excessive bleeding: If the dressings covering your incision become saturated with bright red blood or you have to change your dressings more frequently than recommended, call your doctor right away.
- Other postoperative complications: Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness, severe vomiting, or swelling that is worse in one leg over the other.
You’re One Step Closer!
Breast lift surgery can be an excellent option for women looking to restore the look of their breasts to feel comfortable and confident in their body again.
If you are interested in a breast lift, schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about what a breast lift procedure and recovery can look like for you.