Following breast lift surgery patients generally report mild to moderate discomfort, which is easily controlled with medications. This will vary somewhat depending on the extent of surgery and procedure performed.
When breast implants are used in conjunction with a breast lift procedure, increased swelling and fullness in the upper part of the breast or chest area and in the midline between the breasts maybe noted. Varying degrees of swelling, bruising, and firmness subside over several weeks to months.
The circumareolar-vertical and circumareolar breast lift techniques often result in varying degrees of "pleats" or folds around the incision, which will resolve over time. Sutures (stitches) are removed after seven days. Patients can generally return to work after several days to one week. Light exercise may begin after four to six weeks. A support bra is generally worn for two to three months following breast lift surgery and is encouraged as much as possible thereafter to maintain the contour.
Following breast lift surgery, recovery, and healing will vary from patient to patient and depend on the extent of the surgery. It must also be remembered that complete healing takes time and patience, taking up to one year or longer before realizing the final results of the surgery. It can take this amount of time for scars to soften, lighten, and fade as well as for the breast tissue to soften, relax, and remodel itself. If implants were used, they too will settle over many months to come.
The breasts will get slightly smaller and descend to a certain extent as swelling subsides and the effects of gravity and tissue relaxation act on the newly tightened skin envelope. Most patients find this beneficial in that the breasts look more natural over time. The ability to breast-feed after a breast lift (mastopexy) is generally preserved, but cannot be guaranteed.
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Content provided by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Sam Gershenbaum. Dr. Gershenbaum is a plastic surgeon in Miami Florida
