What to expect after a breast lift?

Clinic Hunter

What to expect after a breast lift?

When the surgery is completed, patients are relocated to the post-op room where they can rest. Post mastopexy, patients spend at least one night in the clinic. Before they are discharged, they are given and explained the recovery instructions. They should be strictly followed because they minimize the risk of post-op complications and allow for maximizing the breast lift results.

Patients should take 1-2 weeks off work (depending on the job they do – if it is a physical job, minimum 2 weeks are required). The first week after breast lift may be troublesome, patients feel discomfort, swelling, bruising, and pain. At this time, antibiotics and other prescribed medications should be taken. Surgery drains removal takes place usually on the 2nd day.

After a week, patients should feel much better. Still, lifting heavy objects or tiring sport activity is forbidden, but most of daily activities can be already implemented. The swelling and bruising should settle within 3-4 weeks, so the mastopexy results start to be noticeable. Patients should also realize that these are not the final breast lift surgery results yet, the breasts will need a few more weeks to achieve their final position and shape. It is of uttermost importance to wear a supportive bra as recommended by a surgeon. Otherwise, the effect of lifted breasts may not be satisfying.

Check the tips which are very useful in the recovery after breast lift operation:

• sleep on your back for a few weeks after the surgery; other positions are not allowed or not recommended;
• if you need pain medications, avoid Aspirin based painkillers (they may cause excessive bleeding), instead choose paracetamol;
• follow homeopathic care recommended by a surgeon, e.g. take Silica or Arnica tablets;
• wear compression surgical bra and supportive bra day and night for 3-4 weeks;
• keep your bandages dry, change dressings regularly;
• do not take a shower for 72 hours after the surgery; try to keep wounds dry at that time;
• if you feel any pain, activity limitations or difficulties in daily duties, prolong the time off work;
• be aware that the swelling may last up to 5 weeks and normal breast shape may not be visible at the beginning;
• your breasts may be very sensitive to touch for about 3 weeks;
• the average time for scar healing is 1-1,5 year, so do not worry about its color a the beginning, scars will fade over time;
• avoid sun exposure for a year after the surgery;
• follow a healthy lifestyle, proper activity level, hydration and nutrition is very important;
• do not smoke (smoking can increase the complications risk).