Breast Lift Recovery
By Dennis Hurwitz on November 02, 2012
At the Pittsburgh plastic surgery practice of Dr. Dennis Hurwitz, there is nothing more important to us than the safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction of our patients. While we do whatever we can on our end to ensure that each of our patients has the most positive and fulfilling experience possible, it is important to note that patients do play an important role in their own healing. It is vital that patients who undergo plastic surgery follow the aftercare instructions provided to them by Dr. Hurwitz to the letter. This is especially true for patients who undergo major breast surgeries such as breast lift.
As a patient of our plastic surgery practice in Pittsburgh, breast lift recovery will be explained to you in detail during your initial consultation with Dr. Hurwitz. Dr. Hurwitz wants you to be able to make the most confident and educated choices possible about your care. The better you understand every stage of your procedure before proceeding, the more likely you are to be pleased with your final results.
The Timeline of Your Breast Lift Recovery
You are likely to feel a bit groggy in the day or two after your breast lift due to the lingering effects of your anesthesia. Although this effect will pass relatively quickly, you may still wish to have someone nearby to help during this time. As with any major surgery, you will probably experience at least some discomfort. This can be managed with pain medication, which Dr. Hurwitz will prescribe to you.
Most patients need to take at least one week off from work. During this first week after surgery, you should take it easy, being careful to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise, bending, and lifting. After this first week, you should be able to return to most of your usual activities; however, you should avoid heavy exercise for at least a month.
You will probably have to wear a surgical bra for at least a week or two after your surgery. This will help to ensure proper healing as well as your comfort.
Most side effects of breast lift surgery subside within two to three weeks and are relatively minor. These include bruising, itching, swelling, and numbness. The results of your breast lift will become increasingly apparent over time, with final results appearing between six months and a year.
At our practice in Pittsburgh, breast augmentation is often combined with breast lift to produce more comprehensive results. In such cases, healing may require more time.
How You Can Help Yourself to Heal
In addition to following the specific instructions provided by Dr. Hurwitz, breast lift patients should also:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
- Not smoke
- Follow a healthy diet
- Not take any medications without Dr. Hurwitz’s knowledge and approval, as some medications can interfere with healing
- Keep their chests elevated, even while sleeping
Learn More about Breast Lift Recovery
To learn more about breast lift surgery and what is involved in the healing process, we urge you to contact our Pittsburgh plastic surgery practice today.
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