The breast lift is a prevalent cosmetic procedure in the U.S., with over 100,000 procedures performed annually. Lifting the breasts and repositioning them higher on the chest wall, the procedure delivers more youthful-looking, firmer breasts.
To get the best results from a breast lift, a patient needs to do three main things:
- Choose the right plastic surgeon to perform the operation
- Follow recovery best-practices
- Lead a continued healthy lifestyle of balanced nutrition and exercise
Here, expert plastic surgeon and breast augmentation and lift specialist Dr. Scott Farber offers ten tips for optimal recovery from a breast lift.
1. PREPARE YOUR HOME AND SCHEDULE
One of the most critical steps in preparing for a breast lift, or any cosmetic surgery, is ensuring the house is in order so that you don’t need to worry about anything after your procedure.
Have your prescriptions filled, meals prepped, schedule cleared, and plenty of entertainment lined up, so you can immediately start resting and recovering in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
2. GET PROPER R&R
Rest and relaxation are essential to successfully recovering from breast lift surgery and optimizing your results.
If you start physical activity too early, you’ll compromise your incisions and the position of the breast tissue. It takes between six to eight weeks for incisions to heal correctly and the tissue to settle into its permanent setting.
If you don’t give your body the R&R it needs during this critical time, you could risk opening your incisions or displacing the breast tissue. Rest more than you think you need to, and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
3. BE GENTLE WITH YOUR INCISIONS
Your incisions need tender love and care during the healing process. This means keeping them clean, dry, and protected.
Avoid showering or getting the area wet for the first two to four days, and then, when you do shower, don’t let the water stream directly onto the incisions. Pat them dry with soft tissue and be careful not to remove any scab that forms over the incisions.
The longer a scab stays on a wound, the better that wound heals.
4. USE COMPRESSION GARMENTS
Compression garments help support the breasts and protect the area during recovery, so they’re a great idea to use after a breast lift. Discuss compression garment options with Dr. Farber during your consultation before your procedure.
5. WATCH FOR COMPLICATIONS
While complications are rare with breast lift procedures, the earlier any complication is identified, the sooner it can be fixed. Usually, a complication might be an incision opening, but sometimes internal bleeding or other problems might occur (mainly when a less experienced surgeon performs the operation).
Keep an eye on how you feel, and if you feel anything out of the ordinary, be sure to contact your surgeon immediately.
6. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SURGEON
Keeping up regular communication with your surgeon post-procedure is a great way to manage any nerves or worries you might experience.
Tell your surgeon how you feel and communicate how the recovery process is developing. The best surgeons will be highly responsive during your recovery, and you should look for a surgeon who offers this kind of post-operational support to their patients.
7. EAT HEALTHY FOODS AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Staying hydrated and eating plenty of greens, fruits, healthy fats, and proteins gives your body the nutrition it requires to heal quickly. Simply getting one piece of fruit and a salad per day, along with regular meals, is generally sufficient to get the required vitamins.
8. AVOID ALCOHOL AND CIGARETTES
Alcohol and cigarettes compromise the body’s ability to heal. Alcohol also thins blood and prevents coagulation, leading to a greater chance of bleeding.
A small glass of wine is okay after a week, but don’t overindulge during your recovery—it’ll only make things take longer.
9. WALK, BUT SLOWLY DOES IT
Light exercises, such as brief walks, are a great way to get the blood flowing, but discuss this with your surgeon first. Take things as slow and steady as possible. Don’t engage in any exercise that elevates your heart too much, as this might lead to stretching open incisions or other potential complications.
10. CARE FOR YOUR SCARS
Getting the proper medication for scars, particularly vitamin E creams and other cosmetics, can help minimize, if not wholly eliminate, scarring from a breast lift. Also, following the above tips goes a long way to ensuring you don’t experience bad scarring following your breast lift.
YOUR BREAST LIFT EXPERT IN BOCA RATON, FL
Recovering from a breast lift is easy if you follow the right advice. Stick to these ten tips, and enjoy a relaxed, straightforward breast lift recovery.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Farber at (561) 503-2700 or complete our online form to arrange your private consultation and start your journey towards looking your best.