Mastopexy generally takes between two to four hours, as an outpatient plastic surgery. Afterwards, you will spend some time in the Recovery Room of the surgical facility. When you wake up, you will have gauze dressing over your breasts, and a support bra.
Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery, including what medications to take and how to limit your activities.
§ After Breast Lift surgery the best comfortable position for the first 2-3 days is to be lying semi-reclined. Elevation of the upper body and chest reduces the swelling and aching of the breasts.
§ After one week you can sleep on your sides, and after two weeks, on your abdomen.
§ I encourage you to be mobile and not to be sedentary in order to reduce the chance of forming blood clots in your legs.
§ Some women develop back pain or muscle spasm as a result of sleeping propped up. If you experience this put a heating pack on your back and have your family member massage your back.
§ Take your nausea medications about one hour before taking your antibiotics and pain medication in order to lessen the extent of nausea.
§ It is good to stay well hydrated, but avoid drinking too much plain water because it can make you more nauseated.
§ Avoid eating greasy or spicy foods for the first three days, and have anti-acids available if you get an upset stomach.
§ Your gauze dressings will be removed in two days and afterwards you will be able to take a shower and get your breasts wet. After showering, you should blow dry the steri strip paper tapes that cover your incisions so that they don’t come loose. You will be keeping them on for about three weeks.
§ Apply heavy lotion to your breast and abdominal skin away from your wounds to lessen the skin dryness that follows surgery.
§ Recovery varies for each patient, as will the timing for resuming exercise and normal physical activities. Although you will probably be able to return to work within one to two week, your cosmetic surgeon will instruct you to avoid heavy physical exertion, including heavy lifting, frequent bending, reaching high over shoulder, and jogging for the first three to five weeks.
§ Do not wear underwire bras or sport bras for the first several weeks because they tend to cut into your incisions (Inverted-T Mastopexy) and may push your breasts to set in a location too high. Your surgeon will tell you when you can get these bras. The best type of bra to wear during this period is a “sleep-in” bra. If you can’t find them, just get soft bras, and remove the under-wire.
§ Be aware that your menstrual cycle may be altered for a month or two, but should return to normal.
§ You can not get nipple or breast piercing, tattoos, or tan for at least six weeks after your surgery.
§ You can have sex after one week, as long as you don’t overly exert yourself, and keep your incision clean and dry for up to 3-4 weeks.
§ Be aware of doors when opening them. Often times, I hear women complain that after surgery they accidentally hit their breasts against them because they were not aware of the change in their body shape.
§ You can not use a public pool, Jacuzzi, or go into the ocean for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery, including what medications to take and how to limit your activities.
§ After Breast Lift surgery the best comfortable position for the first 2-3 days is to be lying semi-reclined. Elevation of the upper body and chest reduces the swelling and aching of the breasts.
§ After one week you can sleep on your sides, and after two weeks, on your abdomen.
§ I encourage you to be mobile and not to be sedentary in order to reduce the chance of forming blood clots in your legs.
§ Some women develop back pain or muscle spasm as a result of sleeping propped up. If you experience this put a heating pack on your back and have your family member massage your back.
§ Take your nausea medications about one hour before taking your antibiotics and pain medication in order to lessen the extent of nausea.
§ It is good to stay well hydrated, but avoid drinking too much plain water because it can make you more nauseated.
§ Avoid eating greasy or spicy foods for the first three days, and have anti-acids available if you get an upset stomach.
§ Your gauze dressings will be removed in two days and afterwards you will be able to take a shower and get your breasts wet. After showering, you should blow dry the steri strip paper tapes that cover your incisions so that they don’t come loose. You will be keeping them on for about three weeks.
§ Apply heavy lotion to your breast and abdominal skin away from your wounds to lessen the skin dryness that follows surgery.
§ Recovery varies for each patient, as will the timing for resuming exercise and normal physical activities. Although you will probably be able to return to work within one to two week, your cosmetic surgeon will instruct you to avoid heavy physical exertion, including heavy lifting, frequent bending, reaching high over shoulder, and jogging for the first three to five weeks.
§ Do not wear underwire bras or sport bras for the first several weeks because they tend to cut into your incisions (Inverted-T Mastopexy) and may push your breasts to set in a location too high. Your surgeon will tell you when you can get these bras. The best type of bra to wear during this period is a “sleep-in” bra. If you can’t find them, just get soft bras, and remove the under-wire.
§ Be aware that your menstrual cycle may be altered for a month or two, but should return to normal.
§ You can not get nipple or breast piercing, tattoos, or tan for at least six weeks after your surgery.
§ You can have sex after one week, as long as you don’t overly exert yourself, and keep your incision clean and dry for up to 3-4 weeks.
§ Be aware of doors when opening them. Often times, I hear women complain that after surgery they accidentally hit their breasts against them because they were not aware of the change in their body shape.
§ You can not use a public pool, Jacuzzi, or go into the ocean for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
