The recovery process is a vital element of any major cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast lift. The surgeon will inform the patient on various aspects of the breast lift surgery, including its estimated recovery process, during the pre-op consultation.
They will also provide the patient with comprehensive instructions and a timeline for a predictable and safe recovery.
The patient should ask questions without hesitation and acquire complete clarity on the recovery guidelines. She should carefully follow these instructions for desirable and safe results from the breast lift surgery. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast lift to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding communities across the horizon.
Approximate Downtime
The recovery process is relatively shorter and more comfortable if the patient undergoes a breast lift surgery. However, the recovery period will be slightly more extensive if this surgery is performed in combination with a breast implant procedure.
This procedure may involve downtime of around one week after which the patient can resume her routine and go back to work. Several factors determine the actual recovery duration, and the healing period can differ slightly between patients.
Pain and Discomfort
After the breast lift plastic surgery, the patient will feel mild pain and discomfort for a few days. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for the initial week to keep her at ease. Early in the recovery phase, the patient will experience inflammation, itching and bruising in the incision areas.
The patient should take adequate rest at home in the first week. However, she should take gentle walks around the home and perform light tasks to ensure appropriate blood flow in the incision sites.
Initial Few Months
The inflammation will take many weeks or months to dissipate entirely. After the swelling subsides, the patient will be able to see the complete outcomes of the breast lift procedure.
In the initial two or three months following the surgery, the patient should not wear an underwire bra. She may experience numbness or a change in sensation around the nipple region. This will gradually improve by itself.
Certain patients may feel a tingling or stinging sensation in the incision sites during the recovery period. This may occur when the nerves are being restored to their normal function. The patient should not raise her hands over the head or perform vigorous exercises in the initial three or four weeks after the surgery.
Instructions for a Safe Recovery
Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions diligently is the best way to ensure that the patient enjoys a quick and safe recovery after a breast lift procedure. She should avoid smoking for a few weeks after the procedure. Smoking impedes the healing process and heightens the probability of post-op complications.
The patient should use ice therapy for the initial few days in the incision sites to help the inflammation subside. She should sleep in a slightly upright position in the first week to ensure proper healing.
Committed female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and other towns and cities in the illustrious Lone Star State for a breast lift.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.