Breast lifting is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. It can be done for many reasons, including to improve the shape, size, or firmness of the breasts. The procedure can also be done after significant weight loss to restore volume. The recovery process takes some time and effort, but there are many things you can do to make it easier on yourself.
Without the support of their underlying tissue, the breasts lose their shape and begin to sag. The result can be an unsightly appearance that can affect the patient’s self-esteem and confidence.
Breast lift surgery is designed to restore firmness and volume to the breasts, which makes them appear more youthful and healthier overall. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, but requires several weeks of recovery time afterward.
The recovery process following breast lift surgery is generally uncomplicated and short in duration compared with other types of plastic surgery procedures. However, there are still some challenges that you may face during this time period — especially if you’re not prepared for them ahead of time.
Here are some tips that can help ensure your breast lift recovery goes smoothly:
1. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is great for helping you get back into shape after a surgical procedure like this one. It will also help speed up your recovery time by keeping your blood flowing through your veins and arteries while strengthening your muscles by working them gently but consistently with each exercise session.
2. Try To Eat And Drink As Often As Possible During Recovery
It is normal for your appetite to decrease after surgery, especially if you have undergone general anesthesia which makes you feel nauseous and dizzy. However, try eating small meals every few hours during recovery because this will help keep your energy levels up as well as prevent dehydration due to fluid loss from the incision site or nausea from anesthesia medications.
3. Keep Your Head Elevated To Reduce Discomfort From Sore Nipples
The nipples are very tender in the first few weeks after breast lift surgery, so make sure you’re keeping them elevated when sitting down or lying down to reduce discomfort from sore nipples. You can also wear soft clothing that doesn’t rub against your sensitive nipples and avoid wearing bras during the first few weeks of recovery if possible.
4. Get Some Rest – Do rest when you need to rest.
Do rest when you need to rest. If you feel like doing something active, try it out and see how your body feels afterward. If you feel no pain or discomfort and your energy levels are up again, then go for it! If not, then don’t push yourself too hard until you’re sure that your body is ready for more activity than it’s used to getting from day-to-day life.
5. Wear The Surgeon Recommended Bra
It’s important to wear the right bra after any type of cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon will recommend what type of bra is best for your recovery, but generally speaking, they’ll recommend some kind of sports bra (or no bra) for the first few weeks after surgery. Sports bras are designed to support your breasts while allowing them time to heal properly without putting too much pressure on them. Your surgeon may also prescribe some additional support if they feel it’s necessary.
6. Eat Healthy, Balanced Meals – Don’t let yourself get too hungry.
Don’t let yourself get too hungry. Eat small meals throughout the day, including protein and fats with each meal. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar.
7. Follow Doctors Orders
One of the most important things you can do during recovery is follow your doctors instructions to the letter. After surgery, youll be given instructions about when to remove bandages, when to take pain medication, when to take antibiotics and more. You shouldnt skip any part of these instructions or stop using them early just because they seem inconvenient or uncomfortable. It could interfere with your recovery and increase the risk of infection or other complications down the road.
8. Take It Easy For The First Few Days
The first few days after surgery are critical for your recovery. During this time, it’s important to avoid physical activity and rest as much as possible. If you’re planning on traveling, schedule your procedure so that you won’t have any activities planned until at least 72 hours after surgery. If you’re feeling too energetic or stressed, make sure to take time off from work as well.
9. Use Ice Packs As Needed For Discomfort
Ice packs can help reduce swelling after surgery. Use them as needed for discomfort and swelling following surgery, especially on the day of surgery and the first couple days afterward. Apply ice packs using a thin towel between your skin and the pack to prevent frostbite or skin damage from direct contact with ice. Leave them on for 20 minutes at a time until they’re no longer cold, then repeat the process.
10. Don’t drive while on pain meds.
It is very common for women to have trouble driving or operating heavy machinery after they get their procedure done. It is best that you leave driving to your husband or friend until you feel 100% better. If you are not able to find anyone who can drive you around, then it is okay to use Taxi, Uber or Lyft until you are completely healed from your surgery.
11. Keep Your Head Elevated While Sleeping
You will be instructed to sleep on your back for several weeks after receiving a breast lift surgery. This helps reduce swelling in your breasts as well as reduce pain in other parts of your body caused by gravity pulling down on fluids in the body. If you feel like sleeping on your side or stomach is more comfortable for you, place pillows under both sides of your head.
12. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds
You should avoid exposing yourself to the sun or tanning beds for at least three months after surgery as this may lead to wrinkling of the skin around your nipples or cause changes in coloration of your breasts that may be permanent. Always use sunscreen when going outside or visiting a tanning salon so that you do not get any sunburns while recovering from breast lift surgery!
13. Avoid Activities That Put Stress On The Chest Area
It’s important to avoid activities that put stress on your chest area while you recover from a breast lift. This means no lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds and no strenuous exercise until your doctor gives you the green light. Walking is fine as long as it doesn’t hurt too much. Avoiding strenuous activity will help reduce swelling and bruising after surgery. Swelling after a breast lift can last about three months or longer depending on how much time has passed since surgery.
14. Go out and get some fresh air.
Fresh air has been proven to help people feel better both mentally and physically. Your skin will be exposed during the healing process, so make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen if you are going outside.
15. Consider getting a massage
Massages can help reduce swelling and pain after surgery. They also help promote blood flow throughout your body, which promotes healing of wounds and reduces inflammation. If possible, try to get massages every day after surgery until your doctor tells you otherwise.
16. Take care of your skin while it’s healing.
Your surgeon will give you instructions about how to care for your incisions and drains, but you should also take some time each day to do some simple self-care tasks. For example, try putting a warm compress on your breasts after taking a shower or bath and letting it soak into your skin for at least 15 minutes before removing it again. This helps reduce swelling and bruising after surgery, which can make it hard for you to dress yourself properly or even get out of bed without assistance until the swelling goes down.
17. Try not to smoke.
Smoking can cause circulation problems, which can delay healing and increase your risk of infection or bleeding. Talk with your doctor if you’re having trouble quitting on your own; they may be able to suggest some helpful tips or resources that could help kickstart your quit plan.
18. Take Your Medications
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for you to take before and during breast lift recovery. Make sure you take the medicine as instructed by your doctor. This will help reduce any discomfort and keep you comfortable while recovering from the surgery.
19. Try to Reduce Your Stress
Stress can make any wound heal slower, so try to reduce it as much as possible. You can do this by reducing the amount of stressors in your life, such as work and family issues. If you find yourself worrying about something, do something relaxing like taking a walk or reading a book instead. If you have trouble sleeping at night because of stress, try deep breathing exercises or meditation before going to bed.
20. Protect Your Incision – Keep Clean and Moisturized
The first step in protecting your incision is keeping it clean. This means washing with soap and water twice daily and applying antibacterial ointment after each wash. You’ll want to avoid using lotions or creams around the incision site as well because they may trap bacteria under the skin which could lead to infection. This advice goes for both inside and outside your home; if you’re showering at home, make sure you wash thoroughly before stepping out of the shower so that any bacteria present won’t get into your house’s plumbing system. If you’re staying with family or friends while recovering from surgery, they should help keep your wound area clean while you’re away from home so that no infections start up in their house either!
21. Move Around
Movement is essential for circulation and tissue healing. If you’re recovering from surgery, it’s important to get up and walk around every couple of hours. This will help reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs or arms. If you have any questions about what activities are safe after surgery, ask your surgeon before going out into the world on your own.
22. Be Gentle With Yourself
Breast lifts are major surgeries that require weeks of healing time. Be gentle with yourself as your body heals from the procedure. Be sure to take it easy during recovery so you minimize swelling and bruising. This can be difficult when you’re excited about your new look, but it’s important to be patient with your body during this time.
23. Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages that are dehydrating.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids while recovering from breast lift surgery. Dehydration can lead to skin sores, constipation, fatigue and dizziness. If you don’t feel like drinking much, try taking electrolyte supplements that contain minerals such as potassium and sodium.
