Your recovery after breast lift surgery will be unique to you. Some factors influence how quickly and comfortably you recover, including age, health, and the severity of the surgery.
Regardless of these differences, there are things everyone can do for a safe and easy recovery. Here are nine steps for recovering after breast lift surgery.
1. Wear Protective Padding
Continue wearing a compression bra following surgery. Your compression bra is necessary as it puts just enough pressure to ensure that swelling is minimized as your breasts heal.
Your experienced surgeon will let you know when to remove it to avoid or minimize breast lift scars.
2. Keep Your Incisions Clean
You’ll want to keep your incisions clean following surgery. Be sure to rely on sponge baths to ensure that the incisions remain dry. You might need to take these sponge baths rather than a shower for a few days as your body heals. Follow your plastic surgeon’s directions on when to try showering again.
3. Get Enough Rest
Although breast lift surgery is not the most painful cosmetic procedure you can endure, it does result in some pain for a period of time. Most women choose to take about a week or so off work as their body heals.
How long it takes to recover depends on the individual. It is important to minimize the amount of movement you partake in to ensure that your breasts heal correctly and that you do not hurt yourself in the process.
4. Stay Away From Salty Foods
To reduce the amount of breast swelling you experience, keep away from salty foods and drink water throughout the day. Ask your doctor if taking magnesium supplements during this time is helpful to avoid
swelling and constipation from lack of movement. Magnesium Supplements are known to help ease fluid retention and support muscle function, which can be beneficial during periods of physical discomfort or limited activity.
For scar management, ask your surgeon about their scar massage techniques or any related products that can speed up scar healing faster for you.
5. When Cleared, Complete Slow Movements Only
Once you are given the green light to include more movement into your days, be sure to begin with slow, shortened walks to get your body moving gradually. You want to move slowly to avoid swelling and irritation.
6. Don’t Lift or Push Heavy Objects
Ensure that you avoid lifting anything heavy, as this may cause strain as your breasts heal, prompting more swelling. You should also avoid pushing anything heavy like a stroller.
7. Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Please stay away from alcohol for two weeks following your surgery, as its consumption can result in water weight gain and dehydration. Do not smoke cigarettes during your healing process or risk potential complications such as blood clots.
8. Sleep on an Incline
When you sleep, prop up a pillow and rest on an incline to alleviate the amount of pressure displaced on your breasts. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or your side for the same reason.
9. Expect Emotional Setbacks
Expect to experience many different emotions during your recovery stage. Remember that surgery results in more than changes in the mirror. There are also additional proper home care if your surgery is scheduled during the holidays. Make sure you review the guidelines to recovering over the holiday season.
You may have difficulty sleeping and feel frustrated with the activity restrictions. Stick to the game plan to ensure that you heal correctly and in the least amount of time possible.
Remember that soon you will be done with recovery and will have moved onto enjoying how you look. Keep up your patience to get to the other side.
Just a Phone Call Away
If you are interested in breast lift surgery, consider reaching out to a plastic surgeon today and schedule a breast lift consultation. They can explain the procedure in detail and describe what recovery looks like, so that you can determine whether breast lift surgery is right for you.
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