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A breast lift is a common rejuvenation procedure that enhances the appearance of the breasts. While all patients and all breast surgeries are unique, the renowned plastic surgeons at Sarasota Plastic Surgery are here to help you along every step of your breast lift journey. Here are a few tips we found to help you plan for an easier recovery.

What is Breast Lift Surgery?

The aftereffects of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations can impact the appearance and structure of breasts, leaving them with a saggy, deflated appearance. A breast lift is a surgical rejuvenation procedure that:

• Lifts and repositions breasts on the chest wall
• Raises nipples and areolas to a youthful position
• Creates a better-proportioned breast contour
• Improves breast shape
• Resizes the areola

The surgical technique to restructure breasts depends upon anatomy, tissue quality, and aesthetic goals. Breast lifts address:

• Sagging or uneven breasts
• Decreased breast volume
• Stretched or drooping areolas
• Nipple and areola location
• Nipples that point downward
• Nipples that sit below the breast crease
• Pendulous or elongated breasts

1. Support Your Breasts

Following surgery, patients should wear surgical or sports bras to adequately support healing breasts for 4-6 weeks, including while sleeping. During recovery, avoid underwires, as they can irritate incisions. The doctor will discuss the best bra for you.

2. Manage Your Discomfort

It’s essential to ensure you manage pain and discomfort as the first few days following a breast lift can be quite difficult. You may be prescribed pain medication that you should take as directed. Use this time to rest, relax, and avoid unnecessary movement. However, it will help if you begin slowly walking as soon as possible.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activities

For at least 4-6 weeks following a breast lift, patients should avoid all strenuous activities, including exercise or other activities that require chest muscles or increase the heart rate. However, walking is highly encouraged. Most patients are cleared to return to work 1-2 weeks following surgery unless they have a physically demanding job.

4. Sleep Correctly

For 4-6 weeks after breast lift surgery, avoid sleeping on your stomach or any other position that places pressure on your chest. Instead, try sleeping on your back, slightly elevated with pillows.

5. Keep It Clean

While you must avoid showering for 24 hours after a breast lift, it’s important to keep incisions clean after that. Follow the postoperative directions. Use caution when cleansing the skin around the incisions and while handling any dressings. Until your incisions are fully healed, avoid taking baths, showers are ok.

Are You a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

Good candidates for breast lift are women looking to enhance the appearance of their breasts following pregnancy and breastfeeding or weight loss. Typically, breast lift candidates should:

• Be in good overall health
• Be at a stable, healthy weight
• Be non-smokers or willing to quit the months before and months after surgery
• Be finished with childbearing and breastfeeding
• Have realistic expectations
• Understand surgical risks

We’re your Breast Lift experts

Choosing the right provider is the first step to ensuring optimal results from any plastic surgery procedure. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center are committed to helping you through your breast lift journey. Ready to partner with Sarasota’s best breast lift surgeons? Contact us today to learn more.