Breast Lift Recovery: What to Expect While You Are Healing
Factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations compromise skin elasticity and may result in drooping and sagging breasts. Dr. Michael Devlin offers breast lift surgery at his cosmetic surgery practice, which serves individuals in Little Rock, AR, Conway, AR, and Hot Springs, AR.
A breast lift eliminates excess skin and fat to lift the breasts and create a perkier bustline. Before undergoing breast lift surgery, patients should have a good understanding of anticipated breast lift recovery and what to expect while healing. Here we provide an overview of the typical breast lift recovery.
Side Effects
Side effects are a normal part of any surgical recovery. The most common breast lift side effects are discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The skin around the breasts may also feel tight and itchy, and the nipples may feel numb.
Side effects are most severe during the first several days of recovery. As the patient heals, side effects gradually diminish. Discomfort and bruising usually subside within a couple of weeks. Inflammation may linger for several weeks but should dramatically improve after a week or two.
There are steps that patients can take to minimize breast lift side effects and promote healing, including:
- Take prescribed medication (pain medication and antibiotics) as directed
- Stay well hydrated
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the treatment site
- Get plenty of rest
Wound Care
Dr. Devlin covers incision sites with surgical tape and dressings that protect the lower half of the breast. Wound dressings should not be removed or cleaned until directed by Dr. Devlin. Surgical drains are usually not necessary after a breast lift. If drains are needed, they will likely remain in place for a few days. We provide patients with explicit care instructions regarding bandages, drains, and other surgical coverings.
Compression Garments
Patients can expect to wear compression garments or a surgical bra during breast lift recovery. Compression garments support the breasts and hold them in their intended position while they heal. Compression garments also help minimize swelling. Patients generally wear a compression garment or surgical bra for four to eight weeks following breast lift surgery.
Physical Restrictions
Rest is a vital part of breast lift recovery. Patients should adhere to certain physical restrictions while healing. Patients should avoid lifting their arms, especially above the head, while the breasts heal. Breast lift patients can resume light activities such as walking after one week of recovery. Strenuous activities like jogging and heavy lifting are usually permissible after four to six weeks.
Surgical Results
Patients are often anxious to learn when breast lift results are noticeable. About 10 days after surgery wound dressings are removed, and the majority of inflammation has subsided, giving patients their first glimpse at their rejuvenated bustline. The shape and position of the breasts continue to change as recovery progresses. Final breast lift results are expected six to 12 weeks after surgery.
Contact Us
Breast lift surgery lifts and tightens the breasts to restore a youthful-looking bustline. If you have questions about a breast lift procedure or its recovery, Dr. Michael A. Devlin can provide you with answers. Contact our cosmetic surgery practice online or call (501) 227-8811 to schedule a consultation.
