At Gaines Plastic Surgery, we feel it’s important that our patients understand the pre-op and post-op surgical process in full detail. This is what makes us one of the leading providers of cosmetic surgery in the greater Gainesville area.
With this above concern in mind, let’s take a moment to go over the recovery process of breast lift surgery, a procedure that improves the perkiness and shape of the breasts. More detailed information will be provided during your consultation at the practice.
What Patients Can Expect Immediately Following the Breast Lift
Immediately after undergoing a breast lift, patients can expect to feel groggy and sore as they recover from the effects of the anesthetic. Patients will also feel sore following surgery, which is normal. Upon returning home, patients should rest. Rather than lying flat on the back or on the side, patients should rest with their backs propped up by pillows at an incline of roughly 45 degrees.
Activities That Patients Should Avoid
In the weeks after breast lift surgery, patients should avoid the following activities in order to ensure fast healing that is free from complications and reduce the duration and severity of side effects:
- Use of tobacco products
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Strenuous physical activities
- Sexual activity
- Heavy lifting
- Bending at the waist
Patients can resume these activities again when their plastic surgeon says it is okay to do so.
What Patients Can Expect In the First Days After Breast Lift Surgery
Soreness, bruising, and swelling are all common side effects in the early days after breast lift surgery. The soreness and discomfort can be addressed through the use of suggested pain medications. The bruising and swelling will subside with proper rest. It’s important that patients get a lot of rest and remain well hydrated so that they focus solely on healing and wellness.
What Patients Can Expect by the End of the First Week
By the end of the first week, patients will have returned to the practice for a follow-up visit. This will allow their plastic surgeon to monitor the progress of healing and ensure the patient is on the right track. New instructions for wearing surgical bras and changing of surgical dressings will be provided at this follow-up visit.
It is usually by the end of the first week of recovery that patients begin to notice a decrease in soreness and discomfort, as well as positive changes with regard to bruising and swelling. By the end of two weeks, most patients will be able to return to work depending on their job duties.
What Patients Can Expect by the End of the First Month
By the end of the first month, patients will have had additional follow-up visits with their surgeon and should be able to return to many of the normal activities that they engaged in prior to surgery. Healing is different for each patient, so it’s important that a patient doesn’t rush to return to normal activities and instead takes this slowly.
Patients may notice issues with the sensitivity of their breasts or nipples, such as tingling or numbness. These are normal side effects that will diminish with time. Scarring from surgery will similarly fade as patients continue to heal from surgery in the months ahead.
Contact Gaines Plastic Surgery for a Consultation
If you would like more information about recovering from breast lift surgery and how we can help you look years and years younger, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic plastic surgery and skin care center today. The team here at Gaines Plastic Surgery looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve the very best when it comes to the latest in aesthetic enhancement options.