2-3 days Following Surgery
These will likely be the most difficult days of your recovery as you experience post-surgical pain and possible side effects from the anaesthesia like nausea and headaches. Your pain can be managed with prescription or over the counter medications and the nausea will usually subside on its own. Your plastic surgeon will typically remove drains and bandages sometime in the first few days and will clear you to shower. After the bandages are removed, you will be required to wear a surgical bra and/or compression bandages to help healing and promote optimal results. After breast lift surgery you should avoid side or stomach sleeping, but use pillows or supports to lay flat or slightly elevated on your back for sleep.
1 Week Following Surgery
Your post surgical pain is most likely subsided or drastically reduced by one week post surgery, but you will still have significant bruising and swelling. You can begin to engage in easy household tasks and even return to light activity like walking. You may still have achiness and trouble raising your arms and you should avoid any strenuous activities like lifting, pushing, and bending down. Incision care is very important to promote healthy healing and minimize scarring. Follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions for wound care.
2 Weeks Following Surgery
By week two you should be feeling more like yourself, and more comfortable moving and performing your daily routine. Your incisions will be close to fully healed, but you should still be wearing your surgical bra. It is not yet time to return to your full, regular exercise routine, but moving daily will help with your healing process.
6 Weeks Following Surgery
By the six week mark you should be feeling pretty good and near the end of your recovery. Your bruising and swelling will have mostly subsided and you should have a good idea of the results achieved with your breast lift surgery. At this point your doctor may clear you to return to your normal workout and exercise routine, try returning to your favourite sleeping position, and treat yourself to some beautiful new bras that enhance your newly lifted breasts.
As you progress through your recovery journey towards healing here are some tips for optimal recovery:
Give yourself time: Healing takes time. You should consider taking at least 1-2 weeks off of work and give yourself the grace to slow down and take the time to recover at a pace that is healthy for you.
Follow your doctor’s orders carefully: Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a very detailed list of what to expect after mastopexy, how to manage pain, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to return for follow ups. Heed this advice to ensure your healing process is as short as possible and to avoid any complications.
Have support: Consider asking a friend or family member to stay with you for at least 2-3 days after your mastopexy. You will be unable to perform certain basic tasks and will benefit from the support of a trusted caregiver.
Manage your pain: Don’t suffer in pain. Most patients report mild to moderate pain, and this can be easily managed with over the counter or prescription medications. If your pain increases dramatically or suddenly, reach out to your surgeon for further guidance.
Avoid showering bathing until cleared: Your plastic surgeon will advise you to abstain from showering and bathing until the wounds have healed sufficiently to avoid infection.
Don’t touch: Avoid touching your wounds or peeking under bandages until your doctor has cleared you. You could reopen incisions, cause infection, and impede healing.
Eat well and keep up fluid intake: Healthy eating and sufficient fluid intake will nourish your body and support healing.
Dress comfortably: Initially you will be advised not to raise your arms to risk opening your incisions, but even as you heal, you may be unable to comfortably lift your arms for some time. Plan for clothing that is comfortable and easy to put on, especially in the very early days.
Wear recommended compression garments and surgical bras: The bras and compression garments recommended by your doctor are key to healing and attaining optimal results from your breast lift. Wear them as recommended, for as long as your doctor requires.
Sleep well: Sleep is a vital part of healing. Your body will need extra rest especially in the few days immediately after your breast lift. It is also very important to sleep on your back until cleared by your plastic surgeon. If this is difficult for you, try supporting your body with extra pillows or foam wedges.
Attend all follow up appointments: Do not miss any scheduled appointments with your doctor post surgery. These follow ups will allow your surgeon to make sure you are healing and decide if you can be cleared to take on more activity.
Amazing Breast Lift Results In Edmonton, Alberta
Understanding the recovery process is an important factor in deciding if a breast lift is a right choice for you. If you are considering mastopexy to achieve a more lifted and naturally contoured breast profile
reach out to the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery. Dr. Adil Ladak is a top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta and is highly skilled in helping patients achieve the breast lift results they desire. Dr. Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon and his team is committed to providing patients with the information and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options for breast surgery and many other surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQs
Q: How long does a breast lift take?
A: Mastopexy typically takes between one and two hours depending on the complexity of the procedure and it is performed under general anaesthetic.
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 both together, you only need one anaesthetic and one recovery period.
Q: How long till I can see the results?
A: Six weeks post surgery, most of your swelling and bruising will have subsided and you should be able to see pretty clearly the results of your breast lift. But for some patients it can take up to six months before the final results are fully apparent.
