Breast Lift Surgery Recovery: What Patients Should Expect as They Heal
Dr. Constance Barone has helped many patients in the greater San Antonio area achieve their aesthetic goals by performing effective facial rejuvenation and body sculpting surgery. One of the most popular body enhancing and anti-aging procedures available at the practice is breast lift surgery (mastopexy), which improves the perkiness and shape of drooping breasts.
We'd like to take this opportunity to look at the recovery process following breast lift surgery. This should give patients realistic expectations about what the surgery is like.
What to Expect Immediately After Breast Lift Surgery
After breast lift surgery, patients can expect a fair amount of grogginess and discomfort, which is a normal response to emerging from anesthetic and the nature of the procedure. Patients should return home and rest, sleeping on their back but with their body propped upright by two to three pillows. Lots of rest is recommended immediately following surgery.
Activities to Avoid as You Recover
As you recover, you will want to avoid the following activities until your surgeon tells you otherwise:
- Vigorous exercise
- Heavy lifting
- Sexual activity
- Sleeping on your side or your stomach
- Bending at the waist
- Taking showers
- Using tobacco products
- Consuming alcoholic beverages
What to Expect In the Days After Breast Lift Surgery
Discomfort, swelling, and bruising are all common after you undergo a breast lift surgery, though patients can expect these side effects to diminish as the healing process continues. Patients should wear their surgical bra for the first few days as instructed; this undergarment will help provide support to the breasts as they heal.
While strenuous physical activities are to be avoided, patients are encouraged to walk around their home a bit in order to improve circulation.
What to Expect by the End of the First Week
Patients will have returned to the cosmetic surgery center by the end of the first week after surgery for a follow-up visit. This will be to monitor the early recovery progress and determine what else can be done to improve the healing process.
Typically by the end of the first week, patients will have replaced their surgical bra with a support bandage or a sports bra, both of which will still provide support to the breasts as they heal.
What to Expect by the End of the First Month
As the weeks progress, patients will notice a reduction in pain and discomfort and will be able to gradually return to normal activities. Patients should be back to work by the end of two weeks (depending on their regular job duties). The appearance of the breasts should significantly improve by the end of the first month as well. Additional follow-up visits will take place during this time.
Breast Lift Recovery in the Months Ahead
In the months ahead, patients may notice a few issues with tingling or numbness of the breasts, which is a normal part of healing. These sensations will fade as time goes by. In addition, any minor swelling or residual swelling from the surgery should diminish in the months ahead.
Patients should see surgical scars fade during this period as well, and they will continue to fade as time progresses.
Keep In Contact with Our Team as You Heal
During the healing period at any time, patients are encouraged to keep in touch with our team to ask questions and voice concerns. This will allow pressing matters to be addressed as soon as possible, and for patients to receive the care they need when it is most needed.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Constance Barone
For more information about breast lift surgery and how it can help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery practice today. Dr. Barone and her team look forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best aesthetic results possible.
