To ensure you experience the best possible results following breast lift surgery, Dr. Matt Chhatre and our compassionate staff provide thorough follow-up care. For many women, breasts can begin to sag after having children, losing a significant amount of weight, or as a natural part of the aging process.
In these cases, a breast lift, or mastopexy, can help patients achieve a more youthful-looking bust line and enhance their overall confidence. To learn more about what to expect during breast lift recovery, schedule an appointment at our office serving the greater Kansas City, MO, area.
Potential Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, patients who have undergone a breast lift may experience some temporary side effects. These can include:
- Tingling or itching around the treatment site
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Numbness of the nipple and surrounding skin
In most cases, these symptoms will gradually subside the first few weeks following surgery. However, some residual effects could last up to three months. If you experience any significant pain or other causes for concern during recovery, please contact our office immediately. To help minimize your risk of complications, you should follow Dr. Chhatre’s post-operative instructions thoroughly.
The First 48 Hours
Immediately after breast lift surgery, the effects of anesthesia may cause you to feel groggy or disoriented. Soreness and tenderness around the treatment area should be expected. Dr. Chhatre may prescribe pain medication to control any discomfort.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled on the first or second day following your surgery. At this appointment, Dr. Chhatre will remove your bandages. If he placed surgical drains in your breasts during surgery, these will be taken out at this time. Your post-operative compression garments will also be removed, and you will be required to wear a support bandage or surgical bra at all times for the next two to three months.
The First Two Weeks
During the first couple of weeks after your breast lift, you will need to avoid sleeping on your stomach, and we recommend taking sponge baths until the sutures are removed. Your sutures will be removed one to two weeks after your surgery, and you should be able to return to work and light activities at this time. However, during the first week, you will need to refrain from bending over or performing any other movement that puts strain on the surgical area. Most patients can resume lifting objects over their head after three to four weeks.
The Next Several Months
In most cases, patients can stop wearing their supportive bandage or bra after four to six weeks. At this time, Dr. Chhatre will typically allow you to begin lifting heavy objects, but this will vary from patient to patient. You should refrain from wearing bras that have an underwire for the next few months, since the added pressure can cause discomfort. The results of your breast lift surgery will become more apparent over the first few months, and routine follow-up appointments with Dr. Chhatre will allow us to monitor your recovery.
Contact Us
When you visit our practice for a breast lift consultation, Dr. Chhatre will discuss the steps of recovery in detail and address any concerns you may have. Contact Summit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today to schedule an appointment.
