Recovery from Breast Lift Surgery

As with any surgery, breast lift recovery takes time. You will most likely be drowsy and sore for a day or two so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative to drive you home and help you for a couple of days until you feel a bit better. Although you should be up and around after about 48 hours, there may be some side effects which can last for a couple weeks to a month so you should follow your surgeon’s instructions closely during this healing period.

You can be quite swollen and bruised after surgery and your breasts may also be quite sensitive and tender for a few weeks. You will usually be sent home with bandages and surgical bra, which will be removed after a couple of days. You may also have a drain (to drain excess fluid) as drainage of fluid and crusting is a normal side effect.

You will wear the surgical bra for the first few days after surgery. This bra is then replaced with a support bandage or sports bra, which is to be worn at all times for at least four weeks after surgery.

Discomfort, swelling, and bruising usually lasts from two to three weeks so you may be prescribed pain medication during your first week of recovery.

You should avoid bending over, exercising or performing any strenuous activities that put unnecessary pressure on the chest for at least four weeks, as this can slow the healing process and lead to excess swelling and bleeding. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach for the first two weeks, and are advised to sponge bathe until the sutures are removed one to two weeks after your surgery.

Most people are able to return to work a week after having a breast lift, but for some people it may be longer. Don’t attempt to rush your recovery however as it may have the reverse effect and prolong things. If you need to take more time off work, do it.

It can take a couple of months to fully recover from your surgery and the final results can be seen.

There tends to be some numbness in the nipples and skin after breast lift surgery, which usually disappears in six weeks or so. However, in some rare cases this numbness can be permanent. Some patients experience a burning or tingling sensation in the breasts during breast lift recovery as the nerves begin to return to normal function.

Breast lift scars will be very noticeable for the first few months, often appearing red and lumpy. The scars will continue to fade into thin white lines over the next several months, but will never go away completely. Several treatment options are available to reduce the appearance of scars, including cortisone creams and silicone sheeting.
When considering the long-term results of breast lift surgery, many women feel that scars are a fair trade-off for firmer, younger-looking breasts. However, in some cases, abnormal breast lift scars can form, causing undesirable results.

The surgical technique used during your breast lift procedure will also influence the appearance of your scars. Your surgeon can help you understand the typical scarring associated with the standard (anchor) breast lift surgery, doughnut mastopexy, and laser bra lift techniques and determine which is appropriate for you.

To make sure your scars heal as well as possible, make sure you stick religiously to the recovery instructions given to you by your surgeon. If you have any concerns during your recovery discuss them with your surgeon.