Healing and Looking Your Best: Breast Lift Recovery
People throughout Dallas know that they can count on our practice for expert cosmetic plastic surgery treatment. We offer numerous rejuvenating and restorative procedures, such as breast lift surgery (mastopexy) for drooping and sagging breasts.
A breast lift is quite effective at giving women the boost they need to look young and refreshed. Let's take a moment to consider the recovery process after the surgery so you have an understanding of the first month or so after the procedure is performed.
What to Expect Immediately After a Breast Lift
Just after a breast lift surgery, patients can expect to feel groggy and tired. This is quite common, and it's a natural side effect of coming out of the effects of general anesthetic. Patients should get ample rest, lying with their back propped up by some pillows to avoid being completely prone.
Activities to Avoid as You Recover
As you heal from breast lift surgery, try to avoid the following activities since they can lead to serious side effects and make complications more likely:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Saunas
- Pools
- Hot tubs
- Sexual activity
- Heavy lifting
- Vigorous exercise
- Major cardio
- Bending at the waist
Pain and Discomfort After Breast Lift
After undergoing a breast lift, it is not uncommon to experience a certain amount of soreness and discomfort. This is natural, and most of the pain should diminish within the first week or so, with improvements from day to day. To manage the pain and discomfort, pain relievers may be taken as directed.
Bruising and Swelling After Breast Lift
Bruising and swelling are both common issues that accompany any surgery. Thankfully most of the bruising and swelling can be managed through proper rest and wearing your surgical dressings/surgical bra as instructed.
Patients should notice a reduction in bruising by the end of two weeks. Major swelling should go down by the end of the second week, with additional swelling gradually reducing by the end of the first month. Some minor swelling may persist for several weeks after that.
Changes in Breast Sensation
Since incision are made on and around the breasts during the procedure, it's not uncommon for patients to experience numbness, tingling, or sensitivity of the nipples or along the incision sites. These issues will last for a few weeks and possibly even a few months. Thankfully these matters tend to get better as healing continues.
A Word on Post-Surgical Scarring
All surgeries result in scarring to some degree. Thankfully the scars tend to fade with time, in some cases being extremely hard to notice. With breast lift surgery, the incisions are made along parts of the breast that are easily concealed by many tops, bathing suits, and undergarments.
Some patients may experience poor healing after a surgery, with pronounced or upraised scarring known as keloids. Since these are congenital in nature, a full assessment of medical history will be made before performing any sort of breast enhancement surgery.
Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery
For more information about breast lift surgery and how it can help you look your absolute best, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. Our entire team will help you achieve a trimmer, toned, and more rejuvenated appearance.
