Breast lift recovery can be relatively easy, or may become a very difficult journey, depending on the level of lift achieved and the invasiveness of the procedure. Mastopexy operations are steadily increasing in popularity, as more and more women desire to improve the shape and firmness of their natural breasts, rather then simply revising their size. However, mastopexy can be a stand alone surgery or might be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.
This report helps breast lift recipients to recover as quickly and safely as possible, using the combined resources of mind and body.
Breast Lift Recovery Journey
Patients commonly awake from any surgical procedure feeling nauseous, sore and disoriented. Do not be alarmed if this is how you feel; it is completely normal.
As you wake, your breast surgery will be complete and you will already be wearing a compression garment which has been specifically fitted to your particular needs.
The first few hours after surgery you will be advised to rest, relax and sleep, if possible. Finding a comfortable position might be difficult when reclining.
It is a good idea to use several pillows to elevate your upper body when lying down. This will prevent fluid buildup around your surgical wounds and help to fight inflammation. Make sure to surround yourself with additional pillows to prevent rolling in your sleep and potentially injuring your fresh incisions.
Procedure-Specific Recovery Process
Modified mastopexy operations will not require the extensive recovery time of more invasive vertical or full breast lift procedures.
Crescent and Donut lifts will heal far more quickly and with less discomfort than techniques which actually utilize more than one incision in the breast.
The more invasive the procedure, and the more lift is enacted, the longer and more restrictive the recovery process will typically be.
Regardless of the procedure you had performed, just remember that this recovery process is a normal part of achieving the breast aesthetics you truly desire. Make sure to discuss specific procedure-based recovery requirements with your doctor prior to the operation.
Breast Lift Recovery Expectations
You must be vigilant during your healing process and keep a close eye on your surgical wounds. It is normal to experience severe pain during the first few days and steadily reduced pain for weeks, or even months, after the operation.
Bruising and swelling are normal and should resolve within a few days to several weeks, depending on the particulars of your procedure.
Your breasts will look strange and might feel tight or numb. This is normal.
Sensitivity in the breasts or nipples might be temporarily reduced or lost. Most of this sensation should come back slowly over the next few days or weeks. Some permanent loss of sensation is possible, although complete permanent loss of feeling is rare.
You will be provided with antibiotics and pain medications to assist you in the healing process. Make sure to take these medications exactly as prescribed.
Do not stay on pain medications any longer than absolutely necessary, since they are poisonous to your body and have a considerable risk for dependency. Try to switch to non-prescription meds ASAP and cease those when humanly possible.
Warning Signs During Recovery
Keep an eye on your incisions, and your breasts, in general. You must be trained to look for any sign of a problematic complication, since some of these health concerns can be very severe.
The most common signs that something is wrong include:
Fever, chills or dizziness
Redness, odor, discharge or change of skin color
Feeling of heat near the incision site
Bleeding from the incision or a jagged appearance
Uneven swelling, mass development, seroma or hematoma
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.
Breast Lift Recovery Tips and Advice
Depending on the breast lift procedure you had performed, you will have a variety of behaviors which are contraindicated for several days to several weeks. Make sure to understand your specific restrictions to avoid compromising your final aesthetic results.
The most common of these prohibited and advised behaviors include:
Do not raise your arms over your head.
Do not lift anything or exert yourself for several weeks.
Do not get your incisions wet. Do not allow the general surgical region to remain moist for any length of time.
Wear your compression garment, as advised by your doctor.
Use moisturizer on the breast skin, but do not allow it to get in any open incision.
Stay active, but be careful with activity. Do not do anything strenuous. Walking is good and will help to increase healing response through increased circulation.
Avoid unhealthy behavior, such as alcohol or drug use
Making a Successful Breast Lift Recovery
The healing process takes time and considerable patience. Your breasts will hurt after surgery and continue to be painful for some time. They will look odd and might feel strange to you for several weeks to several months. Eventually they will find the aesthetic form that the surgeon created during the operative process.
Have a positive emotional mindset, even if this is a challenge. Do not doubt your reasons for undergoing cosmetic surgery or regret it due to discomfort. Remember that this pain will provide considerable gain when you are healed.
Stay healthy throughout your recovery time: mind, body and spirit. Get help from friends and loved ones to assist you with the physical tasks which you can not do for a few weeks.
Most importantly, just let the time pass. Each day during your recovery is one day closer to enjoying your new fully healed and beautiful new breasts.
