For some people, breast augmentation is probably the only breast surgery procedure that comes to mind. This is understandable since breast augmentation continues to be the most popular breast enhancement surgery available. But for women who have done their homework, have found that breast lift is another option worth considering. As a matter of fact, many women opt for the combination of breast augmentation and breast lift to restore their youthful feminine silhouette with lasting results.
Since a breast lift removes the excess tissue present around the chest area, women feel more confident in their own skin after the procedure. They also benefit from better posture, and their clothes start fitting well in their enhanced figure. Most importantly, it even makes them health-conscious and engages in a more active lifestyle to maintain this great improvement.
Although a breast lift undoubtedly has benefits for your body and self-esteem, the healing process is a discussion that is often overlooked by those who choose to undergo the procedure. The way you recover from any cosmetic surgery is crucial because it can affect the outcome of the operation. Now is the time to make sure you get optimal results, and that means taking care of yourself.
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How Long is Recovery After a Breast Lift?
Women who want to undergo a breast lift have a valid concern–downtime. Aside from it being a factor in how long they will need to wait before they can flaunt its results, they will also need to make arrangements accordingly until they can get back on their feet. Here is a guide on what to expect after your procedure and what you can do to recover with ease and less time.
2-3 Days after breast lift
Pain medications may relieve the mild to moderate pain you will have for the first three days after a breast lift. It’s normal as well to feel nauseous during this time and it’s often due to the remnants of general anesthesia in the body, but this will subside with time. Patients are encouraged to sleep on their back, as sleeping on your side, especially on your stomach, can be very painful.
Your surgeon will see if the bandages can be removed during this period, and he or she will check with you to see if you can shower on day 2 or 3. If so, avoid hot water and do not point the showerhead directly at your breasts. You can always ask someone to help you wash your hair since you are still not allowed to raise your arms above your head. If you still can not take a shower, a sponge bath will also do.
1 week after breast lift
Although there may still be moderate bruising and swelling, you should be able to feel less pain after 7 days. You can start doing light activities such as walking. However, avoid raising your arms, bending, lifting, and strenuous physical activity. If needed, secure from your surgeon your medical clearance for you to return to work.
2-4 Weeks after breast lift
Your cuts will be fully healed after 14 days. You will feel sufficiently normal and will be able to perform daily activities with much ease as the pain subsides within this period. However, you should continue avoiding strenuous activity and any exercise involving the chest area. Some of these are volleyball, badminton, golf, and tennis.
6 Weeks after breast lift
You can get back to most of your daily tasks as most bruising and swelling is gone within this time period. You can now exercise without pain and sleep on your side or stomach. Check with your doctor if you can already wear an underwire bra.
Now you know what to expect during recovery. But you can also be proactive and make the following arrangements two weeks before your procedure to ensure that healing from a breast lift will be smooth-sailing:
- Do not smoke or use any tobacco products as these reduce blood flow and slow down your healing.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal supplements as thin blood can potentially cause more bleeding.
- Communicate with your surgeon regarding your medical history as you may need medical clearance prior to your schedule.
- Stock up on grocery and medical supplies that you will need after your breast lift.
- Look for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
- Before the night of your operation, do not eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours, and do things that will allow you to relax and keep your mind off any worries or anxieties.
What to Expect After a Breast Lift
The breasts are already sensitive as they are. Since you have just undergone a major operation, it is normal to feel discomfort around the area in the form of the following post-surgical effects of breast lift:
- Nipple numbness
The nerves around the nipple can be disrupted during the operation, causing temporary numbness. Nipple sensation, however, should go back to normal within 6 to 8 weeks after your breast lift. - Pain and tenderness in the breasts
You will experience great pain and tenderness around the incision within the first 2 to 3 days. Your chest will be bruised and swollen for around two weeks. However, all of these will eventually subside. After your breast lift, your surgeon will prescribe you a set of pain medications that you can take to ease any discomfort. - Scarring
Scarring is unavoidable due to the placement of the incision and techniques used during the surgery. They will be reddish and a bit protruding at first. While they can be permanent, they will become less noticeable within 1 to 2 years. You can hide these scars with bathing suits and bras.
How to Ensure Best Results from Your Breast Lift
The following are the things that you can do while recovering to achieve the best results:
- Wear a compression garment or sports bra
Wear your compression bra for the first 2 weeks to reduce the bruising and swelling and to prevent blood clots. You can switch to a sports bra after two weeks or upon the advice of your surgeon. - Care for your incisions
Avoid getting your incisions wet for the first few days. After your surgery, you will be taught how to properly care for your incisions to ensure that they do not get infected.
To avoid prolonging any pain and preventing unwanted infections, regularly take the painkillers prescribed by your surgeon only and complete the entire course of your antibiotics. - Take only the proper medication
To avoid prolonging any pain and preventing unwanted infections, regularly take the painkillers prescribed by your surgeon only and complete the entire course of your antibiotics. - Rest and relax
You should prioritize your recovery, so just rest and relax. Do not rush back to your normal daily activities and responsibilities. This could also mean that you would have to take a leave from work. Stress is not only visible in the body, but it also delays your recovery. - Take short walks
If you can, take short walks around your house. This light exercise improves circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. - Eat healthy and stay hydrated
Proper nutrition is really important, more so if you are healing from any major surgery. Eat healthy and well-balanced meals as they help your healing. Integrate leafy vegetables, yogurt, and eggs into your diet as they are all vitamin-rich. Limit your salt intake because it worsens swelling. Stay hydrated, generally 8-10 glasses daily. Proper hydration is necessary while in recovery as it keeps your energy level from dropping. - Attend all follow-up appointments
Come to the scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor, but immediately contact your surgeon should you see any irregularities around the surgical sites.
Restore Your Ideal Body with a Breast Lift
For many years, Dr. Kocak and I have witnessed the boost in confidence when many women, particularly mothers, have seen and become very satisfied with the results of their breast lifts. We would be very happy to see more of them. Consult with us to see if a breast lift is right for you.
