What can I expect during breast lift recovery?

Typically patients are able to leave the hospital the same day as surgery.  Routine antibiotics and pain relief will be prescribed for the first few days. All sugery will result in some pain and discomfort, swelling and bruising which slowly settles. Most patients will aim to have 1- 2 weeks off work (depending on the line of work). It is important to get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat small regular meals.  Heavy upper body activities and exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks after surgery.  I recommend my patients to wear a post surgery garment for 6 weeks, following this they can return to normal bras.
The surgical incisions will be slightly red for a few months before fading to fine white lines.  Most of the swelling has settled by 6 weeks however The “final” results can take 3-6 months.

Recovery time will vary from person to person and what your daily activity involves. We tell our patients here at plasticsurgeryoahu recovery time is average 7 days for office job or light activities. It may take 2-6weeks for more strennous activities. Scars begin to fade after ~6weeks, but can take 6-12 months for complete healing.

Women report minimal discomfort after breast lift surgery. That’s because a breast lift involves removing only loose, stretched skin. If implants are added at the same time, the skin and muscle will be stretched, which may cause a little more discomfort. By the third day, many women are comfortable enough to lift their children and to drive. More than 90 percent of my patients are back to work on the fifth day after surgery if they work in an office setting. Women whose work requires lifting, pushing or pulling usually go back to work toward the end of the second week. They might be a little sore at the end of their work day, but by Week 3, they feel pretty much back to normal. If you're considering a breast lift, I recommend that you ask your plastic surgeon if he or she performs the I.D.E.A.L. Breast Lift.