Breast Lift Surgery Recovery- Timeline, Diet, & Lifestyle Changes

Recovery Timeline After Breast Lift

The post-op recovery after a breast lift is a long journey. The general timeline will look as below- 

Week 1:

• Immediately after the procedure, the patient will be taken to the recovery room and monitored by medical staff for a few hours before being allowed to go home.
• The patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and soreness, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
• The patient will need to wear a special supportive bra to minimize swelling and promote healing. The surgeon will instruct on how long the patient needs to wear it.
• The patient should avoid any strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects during this period. 

Week 2-3:

• The follow-up appointment with the surgeon will be scheduled in the 2nd or 3rd week. The doctor will check the patient’s progress and ensure that the incisions are healing properly.
• The patient may still experience some swelling and bruising, but it should start to subside during this time.
• The surgeon may allow the patient to begin light activities such as walking but avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
• The patient is advised to continue wearing the supportive bra as instructed. 

Week 4-6:

• Most of the swelling and bruising will subside by this point, and the patient will start to see the results of the breast lift.
• The patient will be able to resume light exercises or activities but still avoid any strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects.
• The surgeon may advise the patient to switch between a sports bra and a supportive bra throughout the day, depending on the activities.

Week 7-8:

• The incisions will be almost healed by now, and only minor swelling or bruising will be present. 
• The patient still needs to avoid strenuous activities that can put a strain on the chest but can resume regular activities and work. 

After Week 8:

• Most patients are able to resume their normal activities, including exercise and lifting heavy objects, by this point. However, the patient is still advised to listen to their bodies and avoid activities that cause discomfort or pain. 
• It’ll be safe to stop wearing the supportive bra entirely and wear a regular bra. 
• The surgeon will advise when or if the patient needs to make another follow-up appointment. 

It’s essential for the patient to follow the surgeon’s instructions for a smooth recovery and to achieve optimal results. If any signs of complications, such as high fever, blood or pus drainage, persistent pain, etc., are present, the patient should immediately contact the doctor. 

Exercises Recommended After Breast Lift

Generally, all strenuous exercises must be avoided for at least six weeks after the surgery, as exercising can lead to complications, such as bruising, swelling, pain, tenderness, and infection. Thus, the doctor will advise the patient to resume exercises gradually. Some exercises that will be safe for the patient during the recovery period include the following- 

• Gentle Stretching- Start with gentle stretching to improve the range of motion and prevent stiffness in the joints after the surgery due to immobility. 
• Walking- Start by taking short walks to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots. As walking is a low-impact exercise, it won’t increase the risk of complications. 
• Arm and Shoulder Exercise- The surgeon may recommend light arm and shoulder exercise to prevent muscle atrophy in the treated region and improve mobility. Try doing shoulder rolls, arm circles, etc.
• Low-impact Cardio- As the body heals, it’ll be safe to include low-impact cardio exercises, such as cycling, using the elliptical machine, etc. Discuss with the doctor which activities are safe to perform.

The patient can also resume doing household chores within 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery. But doing high-impact workouts, lifting heavy objects, and engaging in strenuous exercises will still be restricted until the recovery is complete. Always listen to the body and stop the activity if it causes pain, discomfort, and swelling.