What Can I Expect From the Breast Lift Recovery Process?

Breast lift surgery restores a youthful look to the breasts, making it an extremely popular procedure. Still, many patients are nervous about the recovery process. This blog addresses some of the most popular questions that patients have about breast lift recovery.

5 Min Read:

Table of Contents

• Breast Lift Recovery FAQs
  • What is the first day of breast lift recovery like?
  • Which day of breast lift recovery is the most painful?
  • When can I expect to see my complete breast lift results?
  • When can I return to regular activities like exercise?
  • Will I need a follow-up appointment after my breast lift surgery?
• Want to Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery in Southern California?

Breast Lift Recovery FAQs

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic breast enhancement procedure that rejuvenates sagging breasts by lifting the tissues and removing excess skin for a youthful perkiness. This transformational procedure is commonly combined with breast augmentation for a lift and increase in volume, or with a tummy tuck to restore a woman’s body after childbirth with a Mommy Makeover.

But what can you expect from recovery? The recovery process is essential in establishing a safe and effective aesthetic result. Below, we will discuss the most common questions regarding breast lift recovery so patients can feel confident in their choice to undergo this rewarding procedure.

What is the first day of breast lift recovery like?

After your procedure, you’ll have a friend or family member drive you home from the surgical center. You’ll be very tired, groggy, and maybe a little nauseous from the anesthesia. Your breasts will be bandaged with some surgical gauze and support bandages.

Once you get home, your only responsibility is to rest that first day. You may be recommended to be on a liquid diet for the first day, as you’ll be nauseated and it might be difficult to eat. It’s also important to keep hydrated.

You should incorporate short walks as soon as possible. Have your friend or family member help you walk around the room every hour or so to help induce healthy blood circulation—but don’t push yourself. You’re going to be very weak in those first few days as your body expends all its energy on healing.

Which day of breast lift recovery is the most painful?

It depends on you, the healing process, and the extent of your revision. Additionally, pain may be different if you have combined your breast lift with another procedure, such as breast augmentation. If you also had breast implants placed at the same time as your lift, you may experience more pain in the recovery period as the body adjusts to them.

For breast lift, most patients note that days two or three of recovery are the most painful, as that’s when bruising and swelling are at their peak. However, breast lift recovery is not too painful, especially with pain medication for the first few days. If your aesthetic surgeon prescribes medication, be sure to take it as directed. Patients who follow their surgeon’s instructions find that after the first two to three days, breast lift pain is nominal.

When can I expect to see my complete breast lift results?

Breast lift results appear quickly compared to other cosmetic procedures, but it will still take about 6–12 months for final results. When we talk about final results in cosmetic surgery, it refers to the point when the treatment area is fully healed. For a breast lift, the recovery time can vary within that time frame. Your body needs to recover fully, with no residual swelling, the incisions sealed and flattened, and the tissues fully healed, for your final results to be evident.

When can I resume regular activities like exercise?

You’ll be able to gradually incorporate more activities with the clearance of your aesthetic surgeon. Generally, breast lift patients can return to work and easy, daily activities like household chores after two weeks. A good rule of thumb is to avoid movements that engage your pectoralis muscles or that cause the breasts to shift.

You can go back to some basic exercises (jogging, body weight exercises) after two months, and can resume lifting weights and chest exercises after month three.

Will I need a follow-up appointment after my breast lift surgery?

Yes. You will be seen for your first follow-up appointment the next day after surgery so that your surgeon can check on your healing progress and make sure everything looks good. You will then be seen regularly for follow-ups after that.

Want to Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery in Southern California?

If you want to learn how a breast lift can restore your confidence and youthful perkiness, the team at AesthetiCare is here to help. Our experienced aesthetic surgeons are committed to delivering results that are both beautiful and natural-looking. Call us at (949) 661-1700 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.