Breast Lift Recovery Timeline By Vishnu Rumalla on March 01, 2016

Woman’s torso with her hand over right breast, black background After mastopexy, commonly known as breast lift surgery, you will need to follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions to ensure a comfortable, prompt, and safe recovery. Preparing for the results of your procedure is exciting, but you also need to prepare for the procedure itself, and the healing process that will follow. Because every patient is different, recovery experiences vary. Here, Dr. Vishnu Rumalla provides an overview of what to expect during the breast lift recovery timeline. For specific information, contact our Fort Worth, TX practice today.

Week One

Optimize Your Comfort

For most patients, redness, tenderness, and significant swelling last for a few weeks, improving day to day. Controlling swelling is usually the main concern for the first three days after mastopexy, but swelling may linger for up to a few months. You will spend a good amount of time in bed as you recover. Lie only on your back or side, and prop your torso up with a wedge pillow or regular pillows, even when sleeping. This position helps circulation, which aids in reducing swelling. For the first 24 hours following surgery, an ice pack should help reduce swelling. Place a towel over the swollen area, then apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, and allow 40 minutes between applications. Using ice too long or too often can negate the benefits.

If you were prescribed painkillers or instructed to use over-the-counter pain relievers, do so as needed. Staying ahead of your discomfort is wise after any surgery. If Dr. Rumalla placed drains, you will be instructed on when to return to our office so that they can be removed. In most patients, bruising lasts a few weeks.

Weeks Two to Six

Exercise and Activity

Plan to avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. You can begin walks after a couple of days. Abstain from sex for two weeks, and then only participate if you feel physically up to it. Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for six weeks.

Wear the Right Support

You will wear a surgical bra following your breast lift procedure, but you can change into a more comfortable compression bra (without underwire) if you choose. A front-closure bra with wide shoulder straps is the best option, if you prefer not to wear the provided bra. You will need to wear a soft bra for two weeks. As swelling recedes and your breasts recover from surgery, they will become smaller, and you’ll need new bras. The ones you wore before surgery may still fit, if you did not opt for breast augmentation with your lift.

Week Four to One Year

Minimize Your Scars

While Dr. Rumalla will assuredly use the most inconspicuous incisions for minimal scarring, expect to have some scars after surgery. Usually, scars fade with time. You can aid in scar reduction by refraining from tobacco use, tanning, and using over-the-counter scar treatments after the incisions completely heal. Be sure to also eat a balanced diet and take a multivitamin for proper nutrition. Scars will continue to fade for up to two years.