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After a breast lift, many women have questions about their recovery. How long will it take? What should they do or avoid to speed their recovery?
Dr. Andreasen has the answers you are looking for.
Just After Surgery
Immediately after your breast lift operation, you can expect to feel woozy and cold. These are normal side effects of general anesthesia. Most of these side effects should fade over the next four to eight hours. You will be released a few hours after your surgery. You must have someone to drive you home and monitor your condition for the first 24 hours. We suggest that you avoid cooking, cleaning, or driving for two or three days after your procedure.
First Two Weeks
You should begin light walks around the room periodically as soon as you feel capable. Most patients will have their sutures removed about a week after the surgery, and you should expect to take off about a week of work. In most cases, patients resume work between three and 10 days after surgery, depending on their health, the strenuousness of their job, and the complexity of their procedure.
Patients are advised to wear a sports bra or compression garment for at least two weeks following their operation. Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort is expected during this period. Most symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter medications. If necessary, Dr. Andreasen can prescribe stronger medications to treat more severe discomfort. By the end of the second week, you will be able to resume light exercises and daily activities.
Fourth Week
Most bruising and swelling will resolve by the fourth week. The incisions should be fully closed by this point, and you will be able to resume bathing normally (in baths and showers). Light and moderate exercises may be performed, though you should still avoid exercises that place tension on your incisions. As your breast lift incisions heal, it is important to follow Dr. Andreasen’s instructions on caring for them and keeping them clean. This will ensure that they heal quickly with minimal scarring.
Sixth Week
At this point, you should be fully recovered. Rigorous exercises may be resumed, and you may begin wearing underwire bras once more. You may require new bras and other clothing to fit your new contours. Around this time, it will also be safe for you to resume sleeping on your stomach if you so desire.
Interested in Learning More?
If you have questions about breast lift surgery or the recovery process, please contact Dr. Andreasen’s office by calling us at 909-291-4900 or filling out our online contact form.
