Breast Lift Surgery: Timeline and Recovery Tips

Are you planning to have a breast lift in Phoenix – also referred to as mastopexy? Learning what is expected prior to, during and after the surgery can go a long way to improve your experience and outcome of the procedure. In this post, we breakdown the breast lift surgery timeline and share a few excellent tips for a speedier recovery.

Breast Lift Procedure Timeline 

2-3 weeks before the surgery

→ Quit smoking & Share Medications and Supplements Information

Completely desist from smoking because it can increase your risk of complications before and after surgery. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and any medication that can raise the risk of bleeding should also be avoided. Let your Dr. Jude LaBarbera MD, Plastic Surgery of Phoenix know if you are taking any fish oil or herbal supplements. Your doctor will give you clear instructions regarding what to avoid at this point as you prepare for a successful mastopexy procedure.

→ Arrange for help

It is very important to arrange for help well before the day of the surgery. Pool planning can deny you the peace of mind you need to recover promptly from this cosmetic procedure. Ask a friend, colleague, or close family member to drive you home after the surgery, as well as stay for a day or two so they can help with basic chores. This way, you will have all your time and energy to yourself without having to think about running errands or going to the store.

→ Purchase supplies

Of course, you are going to need a lot of supplies during the recovery duration, whether you are just undergoing a standard breast lift or augmentation of the breast with implants. Comfortable clothing, favorite magazines, lots of healthy fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, lean meat, and more. Make a list of everything you will need to eat well, stay comfortable, keep yourself hydrated, and get them in advance. And while you are at it, don’t forget frozen peas/ice packs, a sports bra, and gauze.

→ Share your medical history

Honest communication between yourself and the surgeon is paramount to ensure a successful surgery. To make a plan that will yield the expected results, your doctor needs to take measurements and learn about your medical history and health status. Tests such as a mammogram, EKG, and other lab work will be necessary before the operation. Make sure to disclose any other information relating to prior illness, symptoms, or surgery. It’s for your very own good.

→ 24 Hours before the surgery

About a day before the surgery, you will most likely be feeling a little anxious. Try to relax. If you have done everything to prepare for this procedure, as well as selected a highly experienced breast lift surgeon, then the surgery should go according to plan. Make sure to confirm the surgery time, arrange for transportation, and fill prescriptions about a day before the operation.

→ Night before surgery

Your surgeon will ask you not to eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before the surgery. So make sure you shower, go to bed early and get as much sleep as you can manage. It helps when you feel well-rested and calm right before the procedure.

After the Breast Lift Surgery

→ 2-3 days into recovery

At this stage, you went through the procedure and came out strong. It is time to give your body the allowance it needs to regain its strength. You may experience a degree of pain and discomfort over the first few days. Over the counter pain medication can help increase your comfort level. Any nausea as a result of the anesthesia will subside within no time. Your surgeon will make sure to remove surgical dressings during this time. However, you need to keep wearing your compression garment in order to keep the incision sites safe.

→ 1 week into recovery

Pain levels will have significantly declined by now. You still may have a little bit of bruising and swelling though. If everything is going according to plan, you should be cleared to return to light daily activities such as walking. Keep in mind that you should NEVER engage in any heavy lifting or strenuous movements until long after full recovery.

→ 2 weeks into recovery

You are feeling pretty much normal at this juncture. You can engage in routine daily activities without any pain. Incisions are also healing well and you may be cleared to take a bath.

→ 4 weeks into recovery

If everything goes according to plan – which we hope it does – you are healed and able to engage in moderate activity, including playing golf. Take it slow though because your chest area is still recovering.

→ 6 weeks into recovery

Most – if not all – of the bruising affecting your breasts has subsided. You can be able to engage in moderate exercise without any restraint. You can now ask your doctor whether you are free to lift what you want and do as you wish!

Aftercare tips for recovery

The above recovery time is realistic for the majority of patients. But you have to take proper care of yourself during the recovery stretch to make sure that your recovery is prompt and incident-free. Below are some clear-cut, helpful recovery tips after mastopexy.

• Wear a compression garment – you need to wear the compression garment because it can accelerate the healing process. The purpose of this garment is to improve blood flow to the wound, minimize swelling, and provide support for the treatment area. What’s more, it also helps flush out harmful fluid from the body.
• Keep calm – keeping calm and relaxed can be easier said than done, especially when you are eager to witness the outcome of your mastopexy. Keep in mind though that your body needs as much rest as it can. So find a comfy recliner seat and read your favorite magazine.
• Take short walks – your breast lift surgeon will encourage you to take short walks as soon as you are able to (usually after the first 24 hours). This can help improve circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. Keep the activity light and don’t engage in any heavy lifting.

These aftercare tips are very important to ensure that your recovery is quick and uninterrupted. Other tips that can help include sleeping on your back, avoiding smoking, limiting travel, eating right, and monitoring your healing.