Breast lift surgery is an ideal procedure for women who’ve lost a significant amount of weight or been through multiple pregnancies and are done having children. The surgery removes excess skin, tissue, and fat, adjusting the location of the areola and nipple on each breast for a more lifted appearance.
Weight fluctuations (plus time, aging, and genetics) can often cause breast sagging and droopiness. And typically, the only way to repair such issues is with surgery.
If you’ve be considering this breast surgery, you’ll certainly want to know what to expect from your breast lift before and after surgery. So, without further ado, here are 15 tips to follow when preparing for your breast lift procedure.
15 Tips Before and After Breast Lift Surgery
Don’t go into breast lift surgery unprepared. Follow these tips to gain knowledge and feel ready for your upcoming procedure.
Before Breast Lift Surgery Tips
1. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
You should only undergo this procedure with a board certified plastic surgeon. Look for those who specialize in breast lift surgery.
2. Ensure you are in good overall health.
Patients undergoing breast lift surgery should have strong physical health. It’s important to be without serious medical conditions or ongoing treatments.
3. Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
Smoking can present challenges during surgery and may make healing properly more difficult.
4. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications and supplements that can increase bleeding.
Prior to surgery, your surgeon will review any supplements, vitamins, or medications you are taking. They may end up altering some of these (or discussing alterations with your primary care physician) as certain medications can complicate surgery and the healing process.
5. Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you after surgery.
Although breast lift surgery is outpatient (meaning you can go home on the same day), you’ll need to have a friend or loved one drive you home.
6. Prepare your home with easy-to-reach essentials.
Buy some loose-fitting clothes, any recovery garments you may need, and healthy snacks and bottles of water. You may also want to create some make-ahead quick meals for easy eating while you heal.
7. Prepare your at-home recovery space.
Set up a comfortable area in your home for your recovery. Make sure you have plenty of pillows and a nice place to recline and watch a movie, work on your computer, or sleep.
After Breast Lift Surgery Tips
1. Limit strenuous activities.
You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during the first few weeks of your recovery. Even after you ease into exercising again, you’ll need to add in upper body exercises very slowly.
2. Wear your surgical bra as recommended.
A surgical bra (also known as a compression garment) will ensure that your breasts stay in place and your incisions heal well during recovery. They’ll also help to reduce swelling, and many patients find them particularly comfortable as they heal.
3. Attend all post-operative appointments.
You’ll need to attend several followup appointments with your surgeon during your breast lift recovery time. Be sure to be at all of these appointments as they are important for ensuring you are healing correctly.
4. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines for pain management.
For serious pain in the initial days after surgery, pain medication can be prescribed. Fortunately, soreness and discomfort should become a thing of the past after only a short time in recovery.
5. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
Drink a lot of water, and eat healthy foods, including plenty of protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
6. Monitor for signs of infection and contact your surgeon if needed.
A high fever, ongoing pain that doesn’t go away with medication, one-sided swelling, or hot-to-the-touch skin may signal an infection. Be on the lookout for infection-related symptoms.
7. Treat incision sites with silicone to minimize scarring.
Breast lift scars are one of the major drawbacks of breast lift surgery. Fortunately, silicone gel or silicone sheets can assist with minimizing scar appearance.
8. Be patient with the healing process.
Initial healing can take several months, so be prepared to be patient. For some patients, it may take up to six months (or even one year) for all swelling to dissipate and for your full results to reveal themselves.
Breast Lift: Before and After
FAQ: Breast Lift Surgery
How much is a breast lift on average?
The cost of a breast lift can vary drastically, so it’s best to first choose a few board-certified plastic surgeons to meet with in person (for consultation appointments) and then review costs with them to see how your budget matches up.
Can you get a breast lift with implants?
Yes, many patients opt for breast lift surgery with implants. For an idea of what this may look like, check out some breast lift before and after without implant photos and compare them to breast lift with implant before and after photos.
Are there different types of breast lifts?
Yes, there are several different types of breast lifts available, including lollipop breast lifts, anchor breast lifts, vampire breast lifts, and non surgical breast lift surgeries.
For examples of each one, take a look at online before and after photo galleries. Just be sure to specify which lift you want to see — for example, vampire breast lift before and after photos vs traditional breast lift before and after photos.
Book a Breast Lift Consultation Today
You deserve to discover your best self. Schedule a breast lift consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg today and allow our expert plastic surgery team to guide you on your journey toward more confidence and enhanced beauty.
Dr. Steinberg performs breast lift surgery and other procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, and more for patients in the Houston area. Call today to schedule your consultation appointment.
