Recovering After Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery (also known as breast mastopexy) is performed as a day surgery under general anaesthetic. The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours, but you will likely spend 1-2 hours at the clinic prior to surgery and 3-4 hours after the procedure as the surgical team monitors you and prepares you to return home.
Day Of Breast Lift Surgery
Immediately following surgery you may experience the side effects of anaesthesia such as nausea, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. You may not feel pain, but rather numbness due to the anaesthetic and pain medications. Your breasts will be bandaged and your surgeon may have placed some drainage tubing near your incision to remove excess fluids. Your surgical team will put you in a surgical compression bra to manage swelling and aid in healing. It is recommended that you continue to wear your compression garment for 6 weeks. You will require a friend or family member to drive you home and help care for you at home for at least 24 hours post-op.
Three Days After Breast Lift Surgery
You will likely experience some mild to moderate pain or discomfort, swelling, and bruising during the days immediately following your breast lift surgery. You may have very limited mobility in your arms and reaching and lifting will be compromised (and not recommended). Usually on about day three, you will return to your plastic surgeon’s office for a post-operative assessment. Your drainage tubes may be removed at this time. It is ideal to avoid showering for the first few days after breast mastopexy.
One Week After Breast Lift Surgery
As you end your first week after breast mastopexy, you should feel significantly better. Unless your plastic surgeon has advised otherwise, you can return to your normal showering routine. You should be moving around every day, but avoiding rigorous activity. You should have some restored mobility in your arms, but steer clear of heavy lifting, raising your arms too high, and bending over. Your surgeon will recommend that you sleep on your back until fully healed.
Two Weeks After Breast Lift Surgery
Much of your discomfort, swelling, and bruising should be gone by week two. If you have non-dissolving stitches, your surgeon should have removed them by this time and your incision should be healing nicely. Most people feel able to return to work after two weeks of recovery and your surgeon should clear you to resume driving. Keep wearing that compression bra.
One Month After Breast Lift Surgery
At the one month mark, post-surgery, you should feel mostly healed and you can probably get a pretty good idea of how your breasts will look when they are completely healed. Your surgeon will probably clear you for a return to exercise and sports with a few caveats such as avoiding weight lifting and intense sports that may put strain on your chest.
Six Weeks After Breast Lift Surgery
You can say goodbye to your compression garment and try on some of the fancy bras or bathing suits you have waited patiently to wear. Your surgeon can make recommendations for incision care to minimize scarring. It is not as vital to sleep on your back any longer, but it is a good practice to maintain the results of your surgery over time.
The Final Results After Breast Lift Surgery
As you move beyond the six weeks, you will be very pleased with the look and feel of your breasts. Your incisions will be healed and fading and any bruising should be resolved. Most women are very happy with their results just a couple of months after breast lift surgery, but some women will still have very slight swelling and final results may not be apparent for six months to a year.
Breast Mastopexy At Alberta Plastic Surgery
Breast lift surgery can help you achieve symmetrical, lifted, and fuller breasts. If you are dissatisfied with your breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight changes, or due to genetics and the natural process of aging, the team at Alberta Plastic can guide you in exploring your options for breast mastopexy (lift), breast augmentation, and breast reduction. Book your complimentary consultation today.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: Am I a good candidate for breast lift surgery?
A: If you are healthy overall and are realistic with your goals for breast mastopexy, you are likely a good candidate. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak to discuss your concerns and what outcomes you hope to achieve from surgery.
Q: Can I have a breast reduction and lift at the same time?
A: A breast reduction will usually include a lift to help patients achieve the results they desire. A lift can also be performed with augmentation or fat transfer. The bonus is that when you do combine breast surgeries, you only need one anaesthetic and one recovery period.
Q: What kind of scars will I have after breast surgery?
A: The type of scars you will have is dependent on the technique your plastic surgeon opts for in your breast lift surgery. Most scarring is undetectable within your areola or your breast fold and other scars will be easily hidden under a bra or bathing suit. Follow your doctor's post-surgical care instructions to heal well and minimize scarring.
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