Breasts can lose their shape and firmness due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or losing weight. Breasts can be lifted and reshaped through a procedure called Mastopexy, or a breast lift. Proper recovery from a breast lift is very important and there are steps a woman can take to help her body speed up the recovery process.
To help yourself recover faster, read about these 12 things during your recovery from breast lift surgery.
#1. Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Each woman is unique and although the following points are an overview of best practices, your doctor may give you additional information specifically for you.
#2. Medication can help reduce pain
It is normal to experience pain and discomfort the first several days after breast lift surgery. Your doctor may prescribe some medication to help you rest.
#3. Keep your back slightly tilted back
Relaxation and resting on the couch or in a chair with your back slightly tilted back, as if you were sitting in a beach chair, is recommended.
Learn the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation.
#4. Take small movements
It is important to take deliberate steps to avoid a potential blood clot or DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Avoid any unnecessary movements but small movements like moving your feet up and down as if you are pressing on something or taking a short walk around the room once in a while will help to maintain your lower body circulation.
#5. Feeling nauseous is normal during breast lift recovery
After your breast lift surgery, you might feel nauseous. This is normally a result of the anesthesia used during the surgery. This is fairly common and can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.
#6. Provide support for your breasts
Breasts recovering from breast lift surgery still need support but gently. If the breast lift also contained an implant, having support is increasingly important. For the first 3 weeks, patients are instructed to wear a sports-type bra that does not contain any wire. After the initial 3 week period has passed a wire-enhanced bra can be worn if it is comfortable and the doctor approves.
#7. Avoid heavy lifting at the beginning
After breast lift surgery it is imperative that you wait at least three weeks before you do any heavy lifting or activities considered strenuous. For some of you, this means do not even pick up your children. The rule of thumb is nothing heavier than a gallon of milk. Normally a patient can return to work after about one week as long as the job does not require substantial physical activity or lifting.
#8. Get your doctor’s permission to workout
After about two weeks, some light lifting is permitted but before any heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or anything that requires force is undertaken, your doctor must give you the “all clear” that it is safe to do so. This normally is around the 6-week mark.
#9. Don’t sleep on your stomach
When recovering from breast lift surgery you should not sleep on your stomach or have any type of added pressure on your chest.
#10. Avoid getting wet during breast lift recovery
The first few days after your breast lift avoid getting your sutured area wet. Take sponge baths to keep your sutures dry and preserved.
#11. Keep on track anything happening to you
Keep a journal of anything you want to ask or tell your doctor. Especially any unusual side effects like swelling, bleeding, discharge, or unusual bruising
#12. Scars healing takes time
About two weeks after your breast lift surgery your sutures will most likely be removed. You may want to use a cream that will help diminish the look of any scarring that might occur. It will take several months for the incision site to become less noticeable. You can discuss creams or any scarring issues you may have with your doctor to determine a course of treatment for you.
Read next: Breast Reduction Scarring and Recovery: What to Expect?
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer a breast lift to women in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and other surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia.
