What to Expect During Breast Lift Recovery
Breast surgery is one of the most popular categories of cosmetic procedures at Dr. Gregory T. Mesna’s practice. Amongst these highly sought after procedures is a breast lift, which repositions the breasts to create a more youthful appearance to the bust line. A breast lift is a great solution for anyone who has noticed a loss of firmness in the breast skin and a sagging or drooping of the bust line. This procedure can dramatically improve a patient’s confidence and self-esteem by restoring the breasts to a firmer and perkier state. Following breast lift surgery, patients should be prepared for a lengthy recovery period. We prepare our Minneapolis patients for breast lift recovery by letting them know what to expect in the days, weeks, and months following surgery.
First Few Days after Surgery
Within the first few days immediately following breast lift surgery, patients are likely to feel the greatest amount of discomfort. Aside from the soreness of surgery, patients may be dealing with side effects of anesthesia, which can include nausea and dizziness. While the effects of anesthesia should wear off within 24 hours, the surgical side effects will last much longer. Although side effects such as bruising, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort will persist for quite some time, the first few days after surgery are when these side effects will be most severe. During this initial recovery period, it is important to rest as much as possible (while lying on the back and not the stomach), stay well-hydrated, and use pain medication as prescribed. It is also important to care for surgical dressings as instructed in order to keep the incision area clean and avoid infection.
First Few Weeks After Surgery
After the first week of recovery, patients should notice a significant decrease in discomfort. Although bruising and swelling may persist for quite some time, patients should notice an improvement in these conditions. Within a week of recovery, patients should have their surgical bandages removed and will be able to switch to a compression or sports bra. Most normal activities (including work) can be resumed within a week or two following surgery. However, we do advise that patients avoid strenuous activity, bending over, and any other activities that may increase the amount of strain or pressure on the breasts for at least six weeks.
Months After Surgery
Swelling, bruising, and numbness around the nipple area are likely to be the side effects of breast lift surgery that linger the longest. Within a few months after surgery, these symptoms should have subsided and the final results of surgery should be apparent. The scars of surgery should have faded a bit, but will still be obvious at this point. Although these scars will be permanent, they will continue to heal and fade over the next several months and can be easily hidden beneath a bra or bathing suit.
Schedule an Appointment
A breast lift procedure can raise the bust line and restore firmness that has been lost as a result of aging, changes in weight, pregnancy, or breast feeding. If you are interested in bringing back a more youthful and attractive bust line, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory T. Mesna at your earliest convenience to learn if breast lift surgery is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you!
