Breast lift recovery is a process that takes time. To help your body heal as it should, there are some important practical steps you can take.
The way you manage your recovery at home can make a significant difference to how your incisions heal, how long swelling and bruising last, and how comfortable you feel during those first weeks.
In this blog, we’ll talk through what to expect after a breast lift, how to care for yourself in the early stages, and some key tips to keep in mind as your body continues to recover.
If you would like to discuss breast lift recovery details according to your personal circumstances, we recommend asking all of your questions during a consultation with your surgeon.
If you’re looking for an experienced surgeon in Brisbane, Dr Justin Perron is a qualified Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who focuses on personalised care.
What is normal to experience during breast lift recovery
After surgery, it’s common for the breasts to feel tender, tight, and swollen in the first few days, and you may also see bruising develop. This is all part of the healing process as the body responds to the surgical changes.
Dr Perron usually recommends that you wear a supportive bra after your breast lift procedure. This bra helps support the tissues as they heal and reduces swelling.
For the first couple of weeks, you’ll need to limit physical activity. Heavy lifting, reaching overhead, or any movements that stretch the chest area can put strain on the incisions and slow down healing. Rest is highly important in the early stage, though light walking around the house is encouraged when you feel able, as it helps with circulation and reduces the risk of clots.
Caring for your incision sites
Looking after your incision sites will help to prevent infection and help to reduce the visibility of scarring. You’ll usually leave the surgical facility with the incisions already covered, so you typically won’t need to do anything straight away. You’ll receive detailed instructions about how to keep the area clean, when to change dressings if needed, and when you can shower.
It’s important that you keep the incision area dry until you’ve been told it’s fine to gently clean the area. When you are able to shower, be sure to pat the area dry gently with a clean towel. You’ll need to avoid soaking in a bath, swimming pool, or spa for at least a few weeks, as the water can soften the healing tissues and introduce bacteria.
You may find that your incisions look red or slightly raised in the first few weeks, which is expected. Over time, they will usually flatten and fade. If you notice increasing redness, warmth, discharge, or anything else that seems unusual, it’s important to contact your surgeon or their team immediately, as these could be signs of infection.
Swelling and bruising during recovery
Swelling and bruising are both normal and can vary quite a bit from patient to patient. In most cases, bruising improves within a couple of weeks, while swelling can take longer to completely subside. It’s very common for the breasts to feel firmer than usual as they heal, and you may notice that one side looks or feels a little different from the other, particularly in the early weeks. Temporary asymmetry can be due to small differences in how each side responds to surgery.
Wearing the supportive bra as instructed can help with swelling, as it provides gentle compression. Keeping your upper body slightly elevated when lying down can also help swelling subside and help you feel more comfortable as you heal.
Activity levels and what to avoid
Generally, your activity levels during breast lift recovery will need to stay relatively limited in the first few weeks. It’s important that you avoid anything that puts pressure on the chest area or strains the healing incisions. This means no heavy lifting, no upper body workouts, and no strenuous exercises.
Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous activities within about a fortnight, provided it doesn’t involve physical exertion. Driving is usually permitted once you feel comfortable enough to turn your body without pain and are no longer taking strong pain medication, but be sure to follow your surgeon’s personalised advice. When it comes to returning to exercise, walking is fine as soon as you feel up to it, but anything more strenuous should wait until you’re advised by your surgeon.
Why follow-up appointments will be important
Your follow-up appointments are an essential part of the healing process. These appointments give your surgeon the chance to check that your incisions are healing as expected, remove any sutures if needed, and answer any questions you have.
Even if you feel like things are going well, it’s important that you still attend these appointments so your progress can be properly assessed.
Your surgeon will let you know when it’s fine to return to your usual routine, including exercise, work, and wearing your usual bras. Healing can vary quite a lot between patients, so it’s best that you rely on your surgeon’s advice rather than general timelines you might have read elsewhere.
Longer-term recovery: The months after your procedure
Although the initial healing tends to be complete within the first few weeks, it can take months for your breasts to fully settle into their new shape. Swelling can take months to completely go down, and the tissues in the breast area can feel quite firm for some time before softening again.
Scars can take up to a year or more to fully mature. They will usually appear red or pink at first, then gradually fade. Your surgeon may recommend certain topical treatments or massage techniques to help with this, but it’s best that you wait for their guidance before using anything on the area.
Book a consultation with Dr Justin Perron: Brisbane Plastic Surgeon
While general breast lift recovery tips are helpful, it’s best to refer to the advice that your surgeon personally provides you with.
During a consultation with Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Justin Perron, he can tailor your recovery instructions to be suited to the details of your procedure. Every patient will have different needs, so it’s important to have your own list of instructions, provided by a highly experienced surgeon.
Please enquire with our team if you would like to schedule your consultation for a breast lift or another procedure offered by Dr Perron.
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