Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery: What to Expect

Whether due to age, genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, the breasts can start to sag and can significantly affect a woman’s self-confidence. Luckily, with the help of a breast lift, you can have the perky, nicely shaped-breasts you desire.

As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift comes with a recovery period. Understanding what to expect is crucial to minimizing concerns and stress. 

What to Avoid During Breast Lift Recovery

There are several things you will want to avoid or limit during your breast lift recovery to ensure proper healing and optimal results. You will need to refrain from strenuous activities for up to six weeks, and that includes pushing, pulling, and heavy lifting, including children, groceries, and pets.

Additionally, you will want to get plenty of rest, however, avoid sleeping on your stomach, as extra pressure on the breasts can lead to complications. Consider placing a pillow under or in between your knees to ensure you don’t accidentally roll over onto your stomach while you’re sleeping. Prop yourself up with a few pillows so you in an elevated position, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Smoking is also prohibited. You will be advised to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery, as it can restrict blood flow and affect the healing process, such as wound healing issues.

Daily Maintenance During Breast Lift Recovery

To reduce swelling and discomfort, avoid using ice packs on your breasts as they can decrease blood flow to incisions. Instead, use cold compresses for 20 minutes at a time, with a 40-minute pause. 

For proper healing, your sutures will also need special care. After surgery, your incisions will be covered with surgical tape. Avoid submerging the incisions in water. Showering is fine, but no baths are allowed for up to six weeks. As you get further into your recovery, you will be advised when it’s ok to clean the incisions with gentle soap or cleanser. After your shower, make sure your incisions are completely dry and properly bandaged.

Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is also vital to help the healing process. Reduce your intake of salt and processed foods as they can increase the risk of inflammation. Choose items like leafy greens, eggs, berries, and yogurt. Increasing your Vitamin C is also great for healing.

At the beginning of your recovery, you’ll be given a compression garment to wear to support your breasts and aid in the healing process. You will want to wear it at all times or as instructed unless you are bathing, of course. Avoid underwire bras until advised otherwise. 

Medications During Recovery

Dr. Cruise will prescribe and recommend certain medications to help with your recovery as well. Take these medications as prescribed to ensure they work as they should. You will receive antibiotics as well as prescription pain medication. As you recover, you can switch over to over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol but avoid aspirin for at least two weeks after surgery.

Activity Levels During Recovery

For the first week, much of your time should be spent taking it easy. Be sure to sit or sleep propped up.  To reduce the risk of blood clots, take short walks in between your rest periods. You can either walk outside or simply walk around your living room.

As for work, Dr. Cruise will let you know when returning to work is possible. If you work at an office, you will likely be able to return within one to two weeks.

As long as you follow Dr. Cruise’s post-op instructions, your breast lift recovery should go smoothly, and you’ll see the perkier, more youthful-looking breasts you desire!

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more, take the first step today and schedule a consultation. Call Dr. Cruise’s Newport Beach, CA office at (949) 446-1421 or use the online contact form.