What Should You Do Before Getting a Breast Lift?

Many factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gravity, cause women’s breasts to lose their shape over time. The lack of elasticity in the skin causes the breasts to lose their form and firmness, causing them to sag. Mastopexy, often known as a breast lift, is a surgical technique that reshapes and lifts sagging breasts in women. Within the scope of breast lift surgery, it may be possible to reduce the size of the areola, that is, the dark skin surrounding the nipple. Breast implants can be used in conjunction with a breast lift if the drooping breasts are also smaller than desired or have lost volume. The firmness and size of the breasts can be improved as a result.

Breast lift surgery should be planned on a case-by-case basis.

The patient’s complaints are carefully listened to and expectations are properly grasped during the initial meeting before breast lift surgery. Then, in terms of reality, their surgical needs and expectations are assessed. The breasts are checked and appropriate measures are taken while the patient is sitting or standing during the physical examination. Age, skin condition, shape, and size of the breasts are all factors that may affect the breast lift operation. As a result, it’s decided whether a breast implant should be utilized in conjunction with a breast lift and which surgical technique will be performed. 

Mammography may be performed before breast lift surgery, depending on the patient’s age and family history. The patient is given instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including diet, smoking, and vitamin/drug avoidance. 

Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery

An elastic bandage covered in gauze or a surgical bra is applied to the patient after breast lift surgery. Swelling, bruising, and soreness in the breasts are possible after the operation. Mild discomfort is also possible. Medication provided by the doctor helps alleviate the discomfort and agony. 

For 4 to 6 weeks, a surgical bra should be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Moisturizer can be applied multiple times a day if the breast skin is excessively dry following surgery, as prescribed by the doctor. During the application, however, the skin should not be pushed or stretched, and the moisturizer should be kept away from the suture areas. 

Due to swelling in the nipples and breast skin, there may be some loss of sensation after surgery. As the edema begins to reduce, this normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. It may take longer in certain people based on a variety of conditions, but it is rarely permanent.

Breast lift surgery recovery is a gradual procedure. Within a few days, most patients are back on their feet. Returning to work for at least one week is, however, not advised. Depending on the nature of the work, this period may be prolonged. For 3 to 4 weeks, lifting heavy objects and putting tension on the arms should be avoided. For two weeks, refrain from sexual activity and for four weeks, refrain from rigorous sports. These activities can be started and continued progressively with the doctor’s agreement.

The surgeon’s experience and expertise are critical to the surgery’s success.

The surgeon’s skill and experience are critical in determining the result of breast lift surgery. Furthermore, how effectively the postoperative instructions are followed is a significant determinant in the success of the desired outcomes. 

It is particularly noticeable in the first three days following breast lift surgery. Anesthesia can cause nausea, which is a typical adverse effect. By the end of the first week, any potential discomfort will have subsided dramatically. Bending over, elevating arms, and carrying heavy objects, on the other hand, should be avoided. 

Sutures that are not self-dissolving are usually removed at the conclusion of the second week. The incision sites begin to heal during this time. Showering can resume, but bathing, swimming pools, and saunas should be avoided due to the danger of infection.

Patients begin to feel entirely normal four weeks following breast lift surgery and have no discomfort. Even if they are able to continue with most of their activities, they should avoid lifting weights and participating in sports that place a lot of strain on the chest. Within a month, the majority of the swelling in the surgical area will be gone. 

After a Breast Lift, Here Are Some Recovery Tips

It is critical to follow a healthy eating plan both before and after surgery. Sodium-rich foods should be avoided because they can cause edema. Fiber-rich foods should be ingested, as well as enough of water. 

Smoking and drinking alcohol might slow down the healing process and cause bruises. As a result, smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages should be avoided as much as possible before and after surgery. By limiting blood flow to wounds, smoking might delay healing. 

After the procedure, you should begin to move cautiously and take brief walks with the doctor’s clearance. This procedure, which aids in blood clotting prevention, should not be overlooked.

It should not be slept on its side or face down since it will put pressure on the breasts and cause the incisions to deteriorate. Sleep on your back with a couple of pillows beneath your head.

Breast lift surgery incisions typically heal in 3 to 4 weeks. It should be noted, however, that the healing process varies from person to person.