Satisfaction levels in a cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast lift can increase if the patient is better informed and well-prepared for the recovery. As with any surgical procedure, breast lift will involve some downtime. The surgeon will discuss the recovery aspects during the initial consultation.
The patient should plan her surgery well and be committed to following the surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides breast lift surgery to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding locations.
First Two Weeks
Although most women will be able to return to their normal routine or go back to work in about a week or 10 days following breast lift plastic surgery, the overall recovery will take longer. Most of the bruising would resolve by the end of second week, but mild swelling can last for several more weeks. In the first few days, the patient may have to take prescription pain meds to stay comfortable.
She should avoid sleeping on her stomach in the first week or two to allow the incisions to heal without strain. Sutures and drain tubes may be removed at the end of the first week, after which she can take a full bath. The surgeon will advise her to wear a special surgical bra for a few weeks. Thereafter, it will be replaced by a sports bra.
Vigorous exercises, heavy lifting of weights, bending over, and strenuous activities must be avoided for at least two to three weeks to minimize pressure on the chest wall.
First Few Months
Breast lift results will continue to establish over a few months as the swelling resolves completely. The patient should avoid wearing an underwire bra for the first few months. Numbness or change of sensation in the incision sites and areolas may occur after the surgery, which will usually dissipate in about two to three months.
Some women may feel a burning or tingling sensation in the treated areas during recovery as the nerves begin resuming their normal function. The patient should avoid lifting anything over her head for at least one month after the surgery.
Working women may be able to return to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days. They should ideally complete any urgent tasks at home and office well ahead of the surgery in order to have a stress-free recovery. Even after the patient joins back at work, she should request her employer to allocate a sedentary job to her for a few days that does not involve much physical strain.
Scarring
Scarring will be more pronounced during the first few months after breast lift surgery, and the scars may appear red and lumpy. Over the next several months, the scars will continue to fade into thin white lines. Scar appearance can be mitigated with the application of cortisone cream and silicone sheeting.
Experienced cosmetic surgeon  receives patients from Chicago, IL and nearby areas for breast lift surgery and other aesthetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.