Breast Lift Recovery

One of the most common questions that individuals interested in undergoing breast lift surgery is related to the recovery period. Much like any other surgical procedure, there is a short recovery period immediately following the treatment in which the patient is expected to rest and allow their body to heal. Although the patient will be able to be up and about the day after the surgery, it is recommended that the patient avoid any strenuous activity for three to four weeks. By following this precaution, the patient's body will be able to heal naturally at a faster rate.

The patient should prepare for one week of rest immediately following the surgery to allow their body to replenish its energy. After the surgery you will find that your breasts may be higher than you had anticipated and that your chest will be bruised and swollen. However, within weeks following the surgery, you will find that your skin will relax as you heal and any swelling will dissipate. Additionally, your breasts will round out and settle into their new, lifted position.

A common phenomenon found in breast lift patients is that they experience some minor discomfort and that they feel nauseated. To counter this, your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Usually this feeling of discomfort and nausea will be eradicated within weeks of the surgery. By allowing your body the proper time of rest it needs to recuperate, you will be able to counter these immediate byproducts of breast lift surgery.

Considering the fragile nature of the surgery, breast lift patients will find that they will need to make several visits to their plastic surgeon within the first month following the surgery. Usually, a plastic surgeon will apply dissolvable suture underneath the patient's skin to lend extra support during the healing process. The presence of these sutures prevents scar thickening and widening. Additionally, plastic surgeons often add external sutures that are either dissolvable or will need to be removed seven to ten days following the breast lift surgery.

In addition to these sutures, a plastic surgeon will apply gauze bandages over the incisions to absorb any spots of blood. These bandages can be removed after a couple of days following the surgery but then the patient will have to wear a support bra. The doctor will give specific instructions related to the wearing of the bra, which is important as inadequate support from a bra can lead to scarring, splitting of incisions, or an early return of ptosis (breast sagging). During the recovery process, it is recommended that a patient avoid wearing an under-wire bra, although an ace bandage or sports bra will provide the necessary support.

Although patients are advised to avoid any strenuous activity within the first three to four weeks following breast lift surgery, usually patients are able to return to work after a work. This return to work will depend on the nature of the patient's job, but usually breast lit patients will be able to return to their regular social activities within two weeks following the surgery. However, it is recommended that breast lift patients limit their physical exercise during this period to simple stretching, bending, and swimming.

The recovery period of breast lift surgery takes a long period of time. Although discomfort, swelling, and other noticeable byproducts of breast lift surgery will be eradicated within the first several weeks following breast lift surgery, other changes caused by this surgery may take some time to return to normal. For example, patients find that they experience changes in nipple or breast sensation following the treatment. Usually, these sensations will return to normal within months following the treatment.