Women who have disproportional breasts, experience volume loss, have excess skin, or want to improve their nipple position may struggle with self-confidence.
At DeLozier Plastic Surgery, we believe everyone’s body is beautiful, but if you’re interested in a surgical procedure to help you love the way you look, a breast lift near Brentwood, TN, could be just what you need.
But the process doesn’t end once the surgery does. Following your procedure, both you and your provider need to take some important steps to ensure you heal as effectively as possible.
The recovery process is perhaps the most important step of the entire procedure. Not only is it important for ensuring you heal properly, but it also allows you to foster long-lasting results. Read on to learn more about how a proper recovery can impact the results of your breast lift.
Note: while we serve the people of Brentwood, our surgical procedures take place at our Nashville clinic.
The Immediate Recovery Process
The recovery process usually lasts anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, and the beginning days of this process are very important. At DeLozier Plastic Surgery, we prepare you for the recovery process in a number of ways.
First, our team members will call ahead and fill your prescriptions so you can pick up any necessary medication before your surgery.
Immediately following your breast lift, you’ll need a family member or a friend to get you home safely. We communicate with both you and this person all of the necessary information to ensure you stay safe and well cared for following your procedure, including calling you after you return home to ensure you’ve settled in properly and remind you about all of the important steps to taking care of your breasts and body.
We also provide thorough, thoughtful guidance and recommendations to help the recovery process not only feel expedient, but comfortable.
For example, we recommend patients buy a supportive, high-quality, front-closing bra before their procedure, as they will need to wear this for 24 hours a day until their 6-week post-op appointment. This won’t just keep patients comfortable, but supporting their breasts following an exam can keep them looking taut and natural.
We also recommend patients meal prep before surgery day, ensuring they have nutritious meals on hand during recovery. We can provide guidance on the best foods to fuel the body’s healing process. It also relieves both you and your caregiver from worrying about cooking during your first few days, allowing you to focus instead on rest.
Short-Term Recovery
In the first week after your surgery, you should:
- Avoid greasy or spicy foods for 24 hours
- Wear compression hose and an ACE wrap around your chest for 3 days
- Refrain from driving for 1 week or until cleared by your provider
- Reach out to your provider if you have fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive swelling, bruising, or bleeding
We’ll meet with you after this first week to check in on your progress. During this first post-op appointment, we’ll remove the steri-strips, perform an examination of the incision sites, and offer additional advice if needed.
You’ll likely want to lie back and relax after your surgery, but you will need to get up and walk around your house every few hours to promote circulation and lessen the risk of blood clots.
While taking pain medication, avoid driving, working, consuming alcohol, or making any important decisions.
Antibiotics may also affect oral birth control, so switch to an alternate contraceptive method until you finish taking painkillers.
Long-Term Recovery
In the first two weeks after your breast lift near Brentwood, TN, you’ll need to sleep in an elevated position. You can achieve this by putting 3 pillows behind your back. This keeps the breasts in a more natural position, reduces swelling, and relieves pressure from the incision sites.
To avoid pneumonia or other unwanted illnesses in the days and weeks following your procedure, periodic deep breathing exercises will be an important part of your routine.
Most patients resume light activity 10 to 14 days following their treatment, but that doesn’t mean you should head straight back to the gym. You should refrain from serious exercise, like weight lifting or cardio, for at least 4 to 6 weeks, or until your provider gives you the okay.
We’ll meet with you several more times over the course of this long-term recovery period to minimize the risk of any complications and ensure you are well on your way to achieving results you’ll love.
Learn More About Breast Procedures at DeLozier Plastic Surgery
The recovery process following a breast lift is more important than most people think. Sleeping in the correct position, eating a nutritional diet, wearing the right clothes, and following the recommended care plan are all vital for fostering the best possible results. By allowing their bodies to rest and heal, patients can get the most out of their breast augmentation surgery.
If you’re interested in a breast lift near Brentwood, TN, or one of our other surgical procedures like a breast augmentation or reduction, reach out to our team. At DeLozier Plastic Surgery, our consultations are physician-led, so you can be sure you’re receiving expert advice every time.
