Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) literally lifts the breasts and tightens the breast tissue, removing any excess. The breast lift procedure can do amazing things for breasts that already have volume but need a little perking up because of aging or the effects of past pregnancies.
In fact, a breast lift is often included in mommy makeovers because of the way it can help restore women’s breasts to their pre-pregnancy appearance.
If you are planning to undergo a breast lift surgery, chances are you’re already thinking about your recovery time for breast lift— and that’s a good thing. Preparation is everything when it comes to good breast lift recovery. Here are some tips to get you started.
7 Breast Lift Recovery Tips
1. Do whatever you can beforehand.
In order to have a successful breast lift recovery, you must be prepared at home. If you have small children, that’s the first thing you’ll want to think about after taking the necessary time off from work.
Having childcare is essential because you will not be able to lift your children for several weeks after your breast lift. Likewise, you’ll need to rest yourself. So, securing some help for your family will be essential. Ask for assistance from another family member or someone you know who can come to your home and help out.
Also, try to have your home already set up for your breast lift recovery when you get home from breast lift surgery. Buy groceries, pick up your prescriptions, and have a comfortable place where you can rest already prepared
2. Thoroughly go over your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, and follow them closely.
Your plastic surgeon will have a prepared set of instructions for recovery after your breast lift. These will be given to you to follow throughout your breast lift recovery time. Before your breast lift surgery or at least before leaving the surgical facility for home, be sure to go over these instructions so that you have a good handle on what to do and what to expect once you get home.
These instructions will include things like how to sleep, how to care for the breast lift incision site scars, how to bathe, what to look for in terms of risks and possible complications, and more.
Make sure that you have this document on-hand at all times. If you have questions or concerns about topics not included in your aftercare instructions, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out for help.
3. Attend all follow-up appointments.
As is the case with all breast surgeries whether a breast augmentation, breast reduction or a breast lift, you’ll have several follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon after your breast lift surgery. One will likely be in the first few days after your breast lift, and you’ll also have one or more later on so that your surgeon can keep tabs on your continuing progress during the healing process.
Don’t miss these appointments. Not only are they set up for your health and safety, but they are also in place to ensure you achieve optimal results from your breast lift in the weeks to come.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask for help (you’ll need it).
The first thing you’ll need help with after your breast lift is getting home from the surgical facility. You won’t be able to drive for at least several weeks during your breast lift recovery time, and this includes the day of the breast lift itself.
This is because you will have just gotten out of surgery (and will be groggy) and because you’ll likely be taking pain medications. Having a person you trust there after your breast lift can also be comforting. When they take you home, ask them to come in and help you get into a comfortable position.
Additional help at home is recommended as well. Meal preparation, childcare, home chores, running errands, and just spending time together can always be helpful on your recovery journey.
5. Eat a healthy diet.
Consuming a healthy diet is key during your mastopexy recovery. Your body will need the rich nutrients that a well-balanced meal plan can provide. Be sure to eat a lot of lean proteins, healthy fats and oils, grains, and vegetables and fruits.
Also, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can be a problem for some individuals after a serious surgery. Being well-hydrated will help you achieve optimal results and will speed up your breast lift recovery as well.
6. Wear your support garments.
Proper mastopexy recovery necessitates that you wear a compression garment around your breasts. Wear your support garment as closely as possible to the directions your surgeon gives you.
After breast lift surgery, this means wearing your support/compression garment 24/7, otherwise known as a surgical bra, for at least several weeks. After this period, most breast lift patients can switch to wearing a supportive sports bra. This bra should not have molded cups or underwires.
It’s best if you can find one that zips or snaps (with hook and eye closures) in the front to make putting it on and taking it off easier. Most patients will only have to wear this bra during the day after a period of several weeks, though some may choose to continue wearing it at night for comfort.
7. Focus on rest.
The key goal of your breast lift recovery time is to rest. Giving your body time to be still and calm is exactly what it needs to heal properly. Over-straining yourself physically, trying to do too many activities at once, not taking care of yourself, not sleeping enough, or stressing too much can all compromise your recovery. These things may even compromise your results.
Questions and Answers
What does a breast lift do?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that targets sagging breasts and excess breast skin. In the course of a breast lift, a plastic surgeon eliminates surplus breast skin and sculpts the breast tissue to elevate the breasts. This cosmetic surgery results in a more pleasing look and placement of the areolae and breast skin. This procedure is alternatively referred to as mastopexy. Opting for a breast lift is a consideration if your breasts exhibit sagging or if your nipples are pointing downward.
How painful is breast lift recovery?
Expect discomfort and redness near incisions, persisting for months. Nipple numbness may endure for around six weeks. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice for pain relief in the initial post-breast lift days.
When will breasts look normal after a breast lift?
When will a breast lift appear normal? Temporary swelling and fluid retention can alter the initial appearance, but anticipate the final shape to manifest within 6 to 12 weeks.
Learn More About Breast Lift Recovery: Schedule a Consultation
Not everyone is a candidate for all types of breast lift, which is why it’s important to meet with a qualified surgeon to find out what type of breast lift will be right for you.
Dr. Raja Mohan performs aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face, breast, and body in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. He not only has years of experience, but he has also undergone specialized fellowship training in aesthetic surgery — something unique among the area’s plastic surgeons.
If you are interested in learning more about breast lift surgery in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, Dr. Raj would be happy to meet with you and direct you to the ideal type of surgery for you. Call to schedule your consultation today.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218