After Breast Lift Surgery

Following a breast lift surgery procedure, you should expect some pain, including swelling, bruising, possible itching, and general discomfort. The pain should diminish quickly just a few days after surgery.

What to Expect after the Breast Lift Procedure

Major complications are extremely rare following breast lift surgery; however, some pain can be expected in the days following a breast lift procedure . Mastopexy patients will need to arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery, as they will not be allowed to drive themselves. They may have difficulty bending for a few days and should avoid lifting heavy objects for three to four weeks. Following breast lift surgery, patients should expect to take at least a week off work and should be prepared to wear a support bra over gauze bandages during their breast lift recovery period.

Discomfort

General discomfort after a breast lift procedure is typically minor. Consider having someone help at home for a few days, as the ability to lift and bend will be limited. Following the breast lift procedure, pain can usually be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers or medication prescribed by a doctor. Patients experiencing extreme pain should contact their doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of breast lift complications.

Swelling and Bruising

After your breast lift surgery, your breasts may be swollen and tender with bruises along the incisions. The pain should clear up within a couple days, and the swelling should go down within one to two weeks. Bruising along incisions will disappear in seven to ten days.

Altered Sensation

Complications following a breast lift procedure are uncommon; however, at times there may be temporary loss of feeling or heightened sensation around the nipple and areola. This will generally dissipate after a few days. Because the surgeon will not be removing the nipple and areola from the breast mass during the breast lift procedure, there is generally little concern for permanent loss of feeling. Although this is one of the small risks of breast lift surgery, rarely is the loss of feeling or altered sensation permanent after breast lift surgery.

Itching

Following the breast lift procedure, there may be some itching and redness along the healing incisions. Those who experience itchiness should apply an antibiotic ointment and avoid scratching the area.

Scars

Cosmetic surgeons are often trying new incision techniques to reduce scarring following a breast lift procedure. Currently, the major drawback of a mastopexty is the resulting scars on the breast. If your surgeon utilizes the standard anchor-shaped breast lift surgery procedure, you will have a circular scar around the areola, a vertical scar below the nipple, and a scar that extends along the breast crease. The doughnut mastopexy incision leaves only a circular scar around the areola and nipple. Breast lift scars will diminish with the passing of time; however, patients should understand that the scars will be permanent. Most patients find that the benefits of a breast lift outweigh the negative appearance of scars and are pleased with their final breast lift results.

Locate a Cosmetic Surgeon with DocShop

Before undergoing a breast lift procedure, research the surgery and consult with a qualified surgeon. Search DocShop today to find a cosmetic surgeon that specializes in breast lift surgery.