The average breast lift recovery time is around two to four weeks. Do keep in mind, however, that this is an average.
Some patients may need more time to recover, as is frequently the case with patients who undergo a breast lift with a mommy makeover surgery or those who need a more extensive lift.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at recovery time for breast lift surgery as well as tips for making the experience smoother and ensuring outstanding results.
But first, what is a breast lift?
Breast Lift Overview
The main goal of breast lift surgery is to create more youthful looking breasts. This goal is achieved by getting rid of excess breast skin and breast tissue, tightening and readjusting the tissue so that the breasts sit higher up on the chest wall, and sometimes, repositioning the nipples and areolae.
Breast lift surgery is usually performed on mature women who have sagging breasts due to aging, women who have lost a significant amount of weight, or mothers who are done having children. Mothers often seek breast lift surgery due to drooping breasts caused by breastfeeding.
Of course, any woman can undergo breast lift surgery. It is also a commonly performed procedure in mommy makeovers, alongside breast augmentation, along with breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients, or with breast reduction surgeries.
Breast Lift Surgery Recovery Time
Breast lift surgery usually takes around two weeks to recover from. If you plan to have additional procedures performed, the healing process may be longer.
Most breast lift patients will go home with a surgical bra to help keep the breasts in place and minimize swelling. Wear your surgical bra and any subsequent compression garment as directed. This will help you achieve optimal results and reduce complications and poor scarring.
Bruising, swelling, soreness, and changes in breast sensation are all normal during recovery. Pain medications can be prescribed for initial soreness of the tissue, areolae and breast skin, and surrounding area. Sometimes, discomfort may be felt for several weeks, but most of the time, the initial few days carry the worst pain. Prescription pain medication will help.
Use the following tips to help your recovery process along.
Tips for Your Breast Lift Recovery Time
Keep your upper body elevated.
Especially when you sleep, be sure to keep your upper body elevated. You’ll also want to sleep on your back for about a week or more as sleeping on your stomach or side may negatively affect your results. Ask your surgeon for details about how to sleep properly during recovery from breast lift surgery.
Take brief, easy walks.
Once you are cleared to do so, start taking short gentle walks around your house or outside. This will help to increase healthy blood flow (not too much!) and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Do not engage in heavy exercise.
Heavy lifting and exertion are to be avoided for a few weeks (up to about six weeks or more). Wait until your surgeon clears you to start being physically active again (running, lifting weights, etc.).
Wear your compression bra as directed.
For a successful recovery, be sure to wear your compression garment as directed by your surgeon.
Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
Choose nutritious meals with plenty of protein to aid with proper healing. Do not drink alcohol, abstain from smoking, and focus on more water consumption.
Have patience.
Complete breast lift results may take up to a year to appear. Have patience, and allow your body to heal properly without pushing it too hard — especially in the early weeks and months.
FAQ: Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)
What is the average breast reduction and lift recovery time?
Cosmetic surgery patients who undergo breast lift and breast reduction NYC will want to take at least one week off from work. Initial recovery usually lasts two to three weeks or more.
What is the average recovery time for tummy tuck and breast lift surgery?
Patients who undergo breast lift with tummy tuck surgery can expect a more extensive recovery period of two to three weeks or more.
How is a breast lift different from breast augmentation?
As far as breast lift vs augmentation goes, just remember that a breast lift aims to lift sagging breasts, and a breast augmentation is meant to add volume (make the breasts appear bigger). A breast augmentation achieves this goal using breast implants.
How much is a breast lift?
There is no one-size-fits-all breast lift cost. Every patient is different, every surgeon is different, and every procedure is different. For this reason, please call to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Shulman so that we can give you an accurate price quote for your unique surgery.
Set Up Your Consultation Appointment with Dr. Schulman
Women often consider a breast lift procedure when their breasts sag after having children or losing a lot of weight. It’s also a common procedure for mature women who’ve lost perkiness in their breast tissue and elasticity in their breast skin simply due to aging and gravity.
No matter your reason for seeking this surgical procedure, we invite you to start your journey by giving our office a call and setting up a consultation appointment with Dr. Matthew Schulman. Dr. Schulman is board certified and has many years of experience performing breast lift surgery and other breast and body procedures at his NYC practice.
Please call today to schedule your appointment — we look forward to hearing from you!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/recovery
