When planning for surgery, it’s essential to be aware of the steps necessary for a speedy recovery. After breast lift surgery, special precautions must be taken in order to guarantee an expeditious recovery process.
Your plastic surgeon will provide instructions on how to recover from your procedure. Following these guidelines can make you more comfortable and enable you to resume regular activities quickly.
1. Rest
After breastlift surgery, your body needs plenty of rest to heal fully. For the first week following surgery, avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
Before your best Plastic Surgeon approves, avoid getting your incisions wet by showering or swimming. Furthermore, do not apply ice packs or cold compresses directly on the incision until after healing has begun.
2. Ice
Ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after surgery. Apply ice intermittently, for 10-15 minutes every half-hour or as often as you are able to manage.
Sleeping on your back with the breasts elevated can help reduce pain and swelling after surgery. You should be able to resume normal sleeping positions two weeks after completing recovery.
3. Compression garments
Compression garments, when properly fitted, can reduce swelling and improve blood flow after surgery. They come in various sizes and styles to meet the needs of patients undergoing breastlift surgery.
They help reduce bruising and the potential risk of hematomas or seromas by applying constant pressure during the early stages of healing. Furthermore, they boost circulation, aiding wound recovery and decreasing the potential for blood clot formation.
4. Light exercise
After breast surgery, it’s essential to do some light exercise. This helps increase circulation and reduce swelling.
Patients are encouraged to begin light walking immediately after surgery and gradually increase their activity level as they feel comfortable. This helps avoid post-surgical stiffness or blood clots.
After about one month of rest and recovery, it is safe to resume light strength training such as lower body weights and cardio, including walking on a treadmill with an incline.
5. Take prescribed medications
After surgery, your doctor may suggest taking pain medication to help alleviate the swelling and tenderness in your breasts. Mastopexy is one such drug and can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription.
Additionally, you should discontinue taking any blood-thinning medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen before your surgery or immediately afterwards. These can pose serious risks during and after the procedure.
6. Get plenty of rest
Resting is paramount for healing after any type of cosmetic breast surgery, particularly after undergoing a breast lift or other form of breast augmentation.
Patients are advised to sleep on their back with their upper body elevated, as this position helps reduce swelling and fluid buildup. Pillows can also be used for support while sleeping, helping keep your spine aligned while you rest.
7. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a nutritious diet after surgery can speed up the healing process of your body. Make sure to incorporate plenty of vitamin-rich foods and limit salt consumption for best results.
A high-protein diet can be especially beneficial during recovery. Foods like eggs, poultry, fish and beef provide essential amino acids your body requires to build new tissue and heal wounds.
Eating plenty of fresh produce like fruits and vegetables can aid healing by decreasing swelling. These nutritious items are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which promote reduced inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
8. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is an essential component of recovery after cosmetic breast surgery. When you sleep, your body goes into repair mode and prioritizes more blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to injured muscles and tissues.
In the initial weeks after a breast lift procedure, we suggest sleeping on your back with your head elevated. This helps promote healing and reduce swelling.
9. Be patient
Sleep is an integral part of recovery from breast lift surgery. It allows your body to do much of its healing while you’re sleeping at night, giving it time to do its most beneficial work.
Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can cause your breasts to sag, so it’s essential that you remain patient and adhere to all instructions provided by your doctor during treatment. Doing so will enable you to resume daily activities sooner and prevent any potential complications from arising.
