The final results of your breast lift surgery can often be determined by how well you adhere to the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor. Following the surgery, it is important to pamper yourself and take the necessary precautions for the first six weeks to attain the best possible results.

In this article, we will take a closer look at breast lift recovery, including all the information you need to know about the side effects of the procedure, the recovery timeline, and the most effective methods of easing the healing process.

How Long is Breast Lift Recovery?

In general, you can expect to make a full recovery from breast lift surgery after six weeks. The initial swelling and soreness in the breasts should gradually dissipate within the first couple of weeks post-procedure, enabling you to return to work and resume most of your activities.

Many surgeons advise waiting for six weeks before engaging in any kind of strenuous activity or returning to your normal exercise routine. However, after this, a full recovery is expected.

What to Expect During Breast Lift Recovery

You Can’t Raise Your Arms

During the first ten days of recovery, avoid bending over and raising your arms above breast level. These movements can all place strain on the incision sites, which may lead to wound breakdown and delay your recovery.

Bruising and Swelling Are Normal

You may experience side effects such as post-operative swelling and bruising around the incisions during the first couple of weeks of the healing process. This is completely normal and should gradually disappear. You may also experience some itching and dryness as your breasts recover.

You’ll Need to Sleep On Your Back

It is important to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on your chest that may slow down the healing process. Therefore, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach while you heal for the first six weeks after surgery.

A Compression Garment Is Worn All Day

You will need to wear a compression garment during the first six weeks of recovery. This helps to minimise swelling, improve blood flow in the area, and keep the breasts in proper alignment – allowing the tissue to settle into their natural position.

Breast Lift Recovery Timeline

Day One After Breast Lift

You may experience some mild to moderate discomfort during the first day of recovery, so be sure to rest your body as much as possible. Your breasts will also be covered in post-operative bandages and a surgical bra.

Week One After Breast Lift

The discomfort should gradually subside by the end of the first week, allowing you to move around the house. However, continue to avoid bending over, lifting heavy weights, and raising your arms. You may be able to return to work if the nature of your job isn’t physically taxing.

Two Weeks After Breast Lift

Your discomfort will continue to ease by the end of week two. Strenuous activities are still prohibited at this time, although you can resume your normal showering routine.

One Month After Breast Lift

You will be able to resume most of your activities, including bathing, as the incision should be nearly healed. Any swelling around the surgical site should also be minimal, but continue to avoid highly intensive sports that place a significant amount of stress on the chest.

Tips to Reduce Breast Lift Recovery Time

There are several tips to ease your breast lift recovery:

Ensure Your Incisions Heal Properly

Keep your incisions clean and inspect them on a daily basis for signs of infection. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, making sure you don’t resume certain activities before it’s safe to do so.

Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Your body needs healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to help fuel the recovery process.

Try to consume plenty of fibre and vitamin K-rich foods to help reduce swelling and encourage wound healing. Also, aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to remain hydrated – the last thing you want is for your energy levels to fall.

Go on Slow Walks

Light exercise, such as slow walks, can increase circulation, reducing the chance of blood clots and improving lymphatic drainage. This can also be good for your mental health, as it raises your heart rate and increases endorphins.

Cover Incisions While Bathing

When showering during the early stages of recovery, avoid aiming the water directly at your breasts, as this can place unnecessary pressure on the incision sites.

Once you’re able to resume bathing after a month, be careful to avoid over-scrubbing, as this may lead to wound breakdown.

Take At Least Two Weeks Off Work

To give yourself the best chance of making a quick and straightforward recovery, aim to take at least two weeks off work. This is particularly important if your work involves a considerable amount of physical activity.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise

You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least six weeks after surgery. Any kind of exercise involving lifting weights or periods of intense physical exercise can place a significant amount of stress on your chest. Therefore, it’s best to refrain until you’ve made a full recovery.

Is a Breast Lift Worth It?

Breast lift surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure, as the breasts are an area of the body that many women look to alter and improve in order to achieve their ideal figure.

Most patients are satisfied with the results of their surgery and consider a breast lift to be a worthwhile procedure, as it leaves them with perkier and more youthful-looking breasts.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

If you’re interested in breast lift surgery and feel confident about the limitations and duration of the recovery process, contact us to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with CREO Clinic today.

Our double board-certified surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo, specialises in all types of breast lift surgery and will be able to design a bespoke treatment plan for you.