Recovery from Breast Lift

Tips on Speeding Your Breast Lift Recovery and Optimizing your Result

Dr. Loftus recommends the following for all of her patients following breast lift, and her patients have found that this expedites their recoveries.

• Ace wrap and bras: Please purchase and bring with you a large or extra large zipper-front (or clasp-front) sports bra. You will want one that is fairly loose around your chest because of anticipated swelling, so choose at least one size larger than you would normally wear, even if you are a very small person. You will want a bra with a front closure (it will be easier to get off and on). If you cannot find one or if you choose not to bring one, we will place you in an ace wrap at the completion of your procedure. This will provide support and comfort. You will be able to remove the bra or ace wrap on the first day after surgery and you may shower that day. Wear your ace wrap or sports bra continuously (except when showering) for at about 1 week following surgery. After that, you may switch to another bra, but please avoid an underwire for a full 4 weeks. After four weeks, you may wear an underwire, provided your healing is uneventful.
• Sleeping position: Sleeping with your head elevated minimizes breast swelling, so do this if possible. You may turn from side to side to sleep in a position of comfort. Within a few days of surgery, you will feel comfortable sleeping flat. You may choose to sleep on your stomach as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
• Coughing and deep breathing: It is important to cough and deep breathe during your recovery to prevent lung problems. However, because of your surgery, you may find this uncomfortable. If you support your abdomen with a pillow while coughing, it may be easier.
• Lifting: Try not to lift anything larger than 10 lbs. for 2 weeks – with the exception of your children, no matter how big they are – just lift them slowly.
• Breast sensitivity: You will likely find that your nipples seem too sensitive, beginning a few days or weeks after surgery. This is very common, and will improve with time. Massaging your nipples during scar massage will help significantly – but this should be done regularly.
• Sharp breast pains: Many women report sharp pains or twinges that occur suddenly and for no apparent reason. If this occurs, it usually begins about a month after surgery. Each twinge lasts only a moment, but can be so sharp as to startle you. The twinges occur periodically, and will gradually improve.