Breast Lift Recovery: What to Expect While You are Healing
As we age, the skin loses elasticity. As a result, many women notice that their breasts begin to sag or droop. This can cause feelings of self-consciousness to surface.
Those desiring a more contoured and youthful look may benefit from a breast lift procedure to place the breasts in a more youthful and attractive position at our Manhattan, NY practice. Knowing what to expect during breast lift recovery is helpful for alleviating worries and fears of the unknown.
Here, our team discusses what patients can anticipate and how they can expedite healing for a successful outcome.
Immediately following Your Surgery
When you wake up after your breast lift procedure, you will have bandages and dressings around the surgical site. You will also be instructed to wear a compression bandage or surgical bra to support the healing tissues and minimize swelling. Your doctor may place surgical drains as well. These will prevent fluid from accumulating around the incision site and reduce inflammation.
It is important that you go home and rest as much as possible. You will need a friend or family member to stay with you for the first few days to help with routine tasks. Dr. Oren Z. Lerman will provide you with a detailed list of post-operative instructions, which should be followed closely for successful results.
The First Two Weeks
As with any surgical procedure, patients can expect some discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the first two to three weeks. These side effects can be managed with prescription medications and over-the-counter pain relievers. You will continue to wear your surgical bra until otherwise directed by Dr. Lerman, and you will be unable to sleep on your stomach for at least the first two weeks. Sponge baths can be taken until the stitches are removed. Until then, patients should avoid immersing the surgical site in water.
In most cases, patients can return to work in about one week. However, all strenuous activity should be completely avoided; elevating the heart rate can result in excess bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.
The First Months
Every patient is unique and will experience varying healing times. However, it is not uncommon for patients to see lingering bruising and swelling up to a month or more following the procedure. Once the inflammation subsides, however, the final results will become apparent. During this time, underwire bras should be avoided. Dr. Lerman will let you know which type of supportive bandage or bra is right for you. Patients should also avoid lifting objects over their head for at least one month and should not perform heavy lifting at all for the first six weeks.
In some cases, patients will experience numbness in the nipples following breast lift surgery. Typically, this diminishes in about six weeks. During this time, you may even notice a tingling or burning sensation as the nerves heal and regain normal function.
It is important to understand that although the scars from the breast lift will significantly diminish over time, they may never completely go away. Dr. Lerman will use the latest techniques and methods to minimize scarring as much as possible. To reduce the appearance of scars, patients can apply silicone sheeting or cortisone cream.
Contact Us to Learn More about Breast Lift Recovery
If you are considering breast lift surgery, or if you have already undergone the procedure, it is important to take care of yourself during the recovery process. As always, our team is here to help you every step of the way. If you have questions regarding your treatment or recovery, contact us online or give us a call at (212) 434-6980.