Breast Lift Recovery
Denver, Colorado
Plastic surgery is not just a single procedure, it's a journey, and your recovery is an important part of that journey. Following post-operative instructions is crucial to ensuring you get the results you desire with the lowest possible risk of complications. The information on this page is for general reference and for people considering the breast lift procedure.
If you are a current patient at Broadway Center for Plastic Surgery, we encourage you to refer to your detailed postoperative instructions, and if you have concerns about your recovery, please call us at 303-680-8989.
Right after Breast Lift Surgery
After your breast lift surgery, you will be taken to our recovery room, where we will monitor your condition to ensure you are sufficiently recovered from anesthesia to be released. You will have to have a responsible adult drive you home and agree to stay with you for at least the day of your surgery, though a few days is best. We will review your detailed postoperative instructions orally and in writing with you and your driver.
You will be wearing a surgical bra to support your breasts and encourage them to heal into their desired shape. Surgical drains will be installed. The day of surgery, you are encouraged to go home and rest. Make sure you sleep on your back with your head and torso propped up. You can eat and should drink to keep hydrated.
The First Week of Recovery
The first week after your breast lift surgery should be devoted entirely to recovery. You should take time off work, arrange for someone to care for your pets and children, and, ideally, you. The more time you can dedicate specifically to recovery, the better. You are encouraged to begin light exercise, such as short walks, as you feel up to it. You should not perform any strenuous activity or lift your arms over your head during this week. Other instructions for this time include:
- Keep your incisions dry. Do not shower for two days, and do not immerse your incisions in water until cleared to do so.
- Monitor your temperature and report any fever immediately.
- You will be fitted with a pain medicine pump that will automatically supply you with medication to control your discomfort.
- Take only medications prescribed. No over the counter pain medications or vitamin supplements until cleared.
- Take your full course of antibiotics as instructed.
- Keep surgical drains clean
At your first follow-up appointment, your drains and sutures will be removed. At this point, Dr. Broadway will be able to assess the state of your recovery and make custom recommendations about your level of activity. Many of the issues for your first week of recovery are similar to breast augmentation, and you can look at our first week of recovery from breast augmentation page.
Breast Lift Recovery Weeks 2-12
After the first week, you will likely feel considerably better. You will be able to return to many normal activities, including nonstrenous work. However, it is important to remember that you are still recovering at this time and you should avoid the following activities until cleared by Dr. Broadway:
- Taking over-the-counter medications and supplements
- Getting in baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools
- Exercise, especially running, aerobics, and other activities that can put stress on your breasts
- Heavy lifting
- Sex
Bruises, swelling, and tenderness will continue to resolve during this period. By the twelfth week, bruising and swelling should be resolved. Your breast tenderness, nipple numbness or oversensitivity should also be gone by this point. Your incisions will likely still be pink at this point. They will continue to improve until about a year after surgery.
If you have more specific questions about the breast lift procedure, please call or email the Broadway Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today.
Lone Tree 9777 S. Yosemite Street, Suite 200, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Cherry Creek North 255 S. Detroit Street, Suite 200 Denver 80206