Naples Plastic Surgeons Offer These Breast Lift Recovery Tips

Thousands of women undergo cosmetic breast lift surgery every year to restore the youthful appearance and firmness of breasts that are sagging due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or genetic disposition. While the successful outcome of every breast lift—also known as “mastopexy”—is mainly dependent upon the skills of your chosen plastic surgeon, your pre-op preparation and aftercare go a long way in helping optimize results.

With a solid reputation for performing outstanding breast lift surgery in southwest Florida, Drs. Leo Baccaro, Mark Walsh, and Andrew Bonett of Naples Plastic Surgery encourage their patients to be diligent in their pre-op preparation and in following all aftercare instructions. By following pre-op prep work and aftercare instructions, patients can help ensure the best aesthetic results from their breast lift.

Breast Lift Pre-Op Preparation

To prepare for your breast lift procedure, start by choosing the right surgeon. In particular, you should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in an established practice with a reputation for delivering personalized and compassionate care.

Once you’ve picked your surgeon, start preparing for your recovery by taking care of your overall health and planning for your downtime. In the weeks leading up to your scheduled breast lift surgery, practice a healthy lifestyle by getting plenty of exercise and eating nutritious meals. If you smoke, your surgeon will be adamant about quitting, as smoking inhibits wound healing and may compromise results.

Plan for your downtime by scheduling time off work and arranging for childcare, if needed. Don’t forget to make sure that all of your prescriptions are filled and try to arrange plenty of pre-prepared meals and other easy-to-access food. You will also want to set up your recovery room with all the comforts and entertainment you might need while recovering.

Keeping Healthy During Your Breast Lift Recovery

Following your breast lift surgery, most patients need to take at least a week off of work, during which time you should get plenty of bedrest, continue to eat healthy meals, and stay hydrated. Along with not smoking, you should avoid alcohol, as it thins the blood and compromises its ability to clot, which can impair recovery.

During this first week, you should rest in a bed or a comfortable reclining chair, however avoid staying in bed for long hours at a time. You should walk around the house at several times a day, for about 5-10 minutes at a time, to improve blood flow. Avoid heavy lifting, pushing or pulling, or any activity that requires excessive movement of your arms and shoulders.,. While you will be physically capable of being more active after the first week, you should restrict any strenuous physical activities for at least four to six weeks to ensure that they do not affect incisions or breast tissue positioning during the healing process. In particular, avoid activities that raise the heart rate or put stress on chest, shoulder and arm muscles.

Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions about what activities you can engage in during the course of your recovery. This will include recommendations on walking and other light movements that help stimulate healthy blood flows to promote healing.

Protect Your Sutures

To promote healing and limit scarring, you must protect your sutures by keeping them clean, dry, and properly supporting the breasts during your recovery.. When you resume routine bathing, don’t use excessively hot and steamy water or submerge your breasts in water (i.e.- taking a bath). After your shower, gently pat the incisions dry with a soft, absorbent towel, and be careful not to disrupt any scabbing.

Be Diligent About Wearing Supportive Bras

Your surgeon will provide you with a bra to support the breasts and protect the surrounding area during your recovery. These garments are essential during recovery by improving blood flow, helping flush bodily fluids, and providing crucial breast tissue support.

Pay Attention to How You Sleep

During your recovery you will need to refrain from sleeping on your stomach or sides, as this puts pressure on your chest and incisions that could compromise surgical results. To avoid inadvertently shifting to your side or onto your stomach, try propping yourself on your back in the bed with extra pillows to maintain your position.

Consult with Naples Plastic Surgery About Your Breast Lift

Following these breast lift pre-op prep and aftercare instruction recommendations will help ensure a smooth recovery and the optimal appearance of your reshaped breasts. To learn more about breast lift surgery at Naples Plastic Surgery, Dr. Leo Baccaro, Dr. Mark Walsh, or Dr. Andrew Bonett would gladly consult with you in their Naples, Florida-area office. To schedule your consultation, contact Naples Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611.