Breast Lift Recovery
Learn About the Recovery Time After Breast Lift Surgery
Summary: This article covers the breast lift recovery time, including tips to reduce swelling after surgery and the benefits of compression garments as healing aids.
A breast lift is performed with general anesthesia, which tends to leave patients groggy or tired for a day or two. You may also feel nauseous or disoriented; both are common reactions experienced during your breast lift recovery.
After breast lift surgery, most patients report some degree of soreness or tenderness in the treated area. Any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication. Other common breast lift recovery side effects include swelling, bruising, numbness or changes in nipple sensitivity, itching around incision sites, and increased firmness or fullness in the breast tissue. These side effects should subside over the next few weeks, with some residual effects up to three months following the surgery. Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape.
Before undergoing a breast lift procedure, it is important to realize that there will be some degree of scarring. Depending on the surgical technique used, these scars may be located around the areola, extending vertically from the areola to the crease underneath the breasts, or n the crease underneath the breasts. This scar will fade gradually over the next few months to blend in with the surrounding skin.
Tips to Reduce Swelling after Breast Lift Surgery
Swelling is one of the most common side effects experienced by breast lift recovery patients. As the swelling subsides, you will be able to see the results of your surgery. Here are a few ways to reduce swelling after a breast lift.
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a healthy, low-sodium diet
- Get enough rest and return to your daily activities slowly
- Sleep with several pillows behind your back to elevate the treated area
- Avoid certain medications that can increase swelling. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking prior to your surgery.
Depending on the surgical methods used, a drain, or small tube, may be needed for the first day or two to remove excess fluids from the breast tissue. If this is the case with your procedure, be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions, as the drain is necessary to reduce swelling.
Following a breast lift, you can expect the breasts to become slightly smaller in size as the swelling subsides and the breast tissue relaxes. Many breast lift recovery patients find that over time, the appearance of their breasts becomes even more natural.
Breast Lift Compression Garments
Following the surgery, the breasts will be wrapped in surgical gauze covered by a gentle bra. While the gauze is on the breasts, patients must restrict their bathing to sponge baths to avoid getting the gauze wet.
After this initial period, a surgical bra must be worn for two to three months after a breast lift. Avoid wearing underwire bras during this breast lift recovery time. Wearing such garments as recommended by your surgeon will reduce swelling, discomfort, and the overall recovery time, as well as supporting the tissues as they heal in their new contours. Wearing supportive bras as much as possible after breast lift surgery is recommended to keep the degree of future drooping to a minimum and maintain post-surgery breast contours.
Breast Lift Healing Time
Most patients return to work about a week after a breast lift. It is important to ease back into daily activities gradually. Although you may not feel like it, most surgeons advise patients to walk and resume other light activities as soon as they are able to, which can reduce the recovery time. During this time, avoid physical activities that may strain the incisions, particularly actions such as bending over or lifting the arms above the head. Strenuous exercise must be avoided for a month to six weeks. Patients are also advised to avoid sleeping on their stomach for the first few weeks.
