Breast Lift - Care After Surgery
- The incisions drain a yellowish fluid and a small amount of blood for several days after surgery. Use gauze inserts in your bra to collect this fluid and change as necessary at least twice a day.
- Leave your dressing on and keep it dry until you are seen by the doctor for your first follow-up appointment, usually the day after surgery.
- The local anesthetic works for several hours. Your breasts will start to get sore on the evening after surgery. Take one painkiller every 4 hours as necessary. You can take two at one time if needed. Be sure to take the medication with a light snack - crackers or toast. Avoid aspirin or products containing aspirin (Anacin®, Excedrin®) for two weeks.
- It is normal for your breasts to be swollen, sore and bruised. Gradually, your breasts will look more natural and the contours will start to round out over the next few months. The swelling takes up to a month to resolve, but most of it goes away in the first two weeks. Breast soreness gradually goes away over about a month. Notify the doctor if one breast becomes much more swollen, painful, tight or bruised than the other. This could indicate a hematoma (postoperative bleeding) that needs prompt attention.
- At the time of your follow-up appointment at the office, the dressings are removed. The semitransparent tapes on the skin (Steri-StripsTM) are left on and your bra is put back on with gauze inserts. You can replace the gauze pads as necessary. It is now okay to start bathing. If any of the Steri-StripsTM come off in the water, that's okay. Wear the bra both day and night for two weeks for comfort and protection. Lie on your back to sleep. Avoid lying on your tummy or side for a few weeks until this becomes comfortable.
- It is okay to wear a sports bra other than the garment provided at the time of surgery. Because of the pressure from the wire, avoid wearing underwire bras for one month.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for at least two weeks after surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting (more than 20 pounds) during the first week after surgery. Postpone doing heavy housework, mowing the lawn, or lifting heavy bags of groceries for at least two weeks.
- You may resume exercise gradually, performing light cardiovascular exercises two weeks after surgery, such as walking on a treadmill. Full aerobic exercise may be resumed one month after surgery. Keep in mind that everyone heals at a different pace. Your body will tell you (with pain and swelling) when you are overdoing it.
- A low-grade fever (under 100 degrees Fahrenheit) is normal during the first 48 hours. Report any persistent fever, increasing rather than decreasing pain or swelling, or any malodorous drainage from the incision.
- Most women are able to return to work one week after surgery. If you have a more physical job (server, nurse, factory worker), a period of at least two weeks will be necessary. Remember that you will be sore for about one month.
- Wait until the bruising is gone before using a tanning bed. Protect the incisions from ultraviolet light with a bikini top and sunblock. The incisions will heal with a less conspicuous scar if they are protected from UV exposure for at least six months. Ultraviolet light can make them darken.
- The stitches dissolve on their own. Sometimes suture ends that become exposed are trimmed by your surgeon at the time of your follow-up visit. Antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin® or Neosporin® may be applied to any open areas or crusts.
