Recovery tips for Mastopexy
Mastopexy is also known as a breast lift. This procedure is designed to help rejuvenate the shape of the breast and often raise and reposition the location of the nipple. By removing and tightening breast skin and repositioning breast tissue, a breast lift can make the breasts more compact, less droopy, and overall perkier and younger looking.
Things to do to prepare yourself for surgery:
- Ask yourself what your ultimate goal is. Did you want more fullness on top or do you just want your breasts to not droop anymore?
- Figure out what size you would like to be. Do you want to go smaller (reduction with lift) or do you want more volume (implant with lift)?
- Make sure you are not smoking. This includes second hand smoke. Smoking can increase the risks for wound healing issues.
Things to do during recovery:
- Drink plenty of water. You should be using the bathroom every 1-2 hours if you are not then you are not drinking enough water.
- Sleep on your back.
- Wear the surgical bra that you are placed in after surgery or any other sports bra with good support that you are comfortable in.
- Keep the tape covering your incisions in place
What should you expect during the first week:
- Your incisions will be taped. Leave the tape in place.
- You will be placed in a surgical bra. Please keep this bra on until the first postoperative visit.
- You will have some swelling through your breasts and possible through your rib cage.
- Possible tenderness.
- Possible temporary hypersensitivity or decreased sensitivity through your nipples.
Most commonly asked questions:
- When can I go swimming? You need to wait to submerge into any water for at least 2 weeks,. Jacuzzi or ocean/lake for about 6 weeks.
- How much can I can I lift? No more than 10lbs for the first 6 weeks.
- Do I need to get an implant with the lift? No you do not need to. This depends on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want more volume/upper pole projection you will most likely want an augmentation with either an implant or fat transfer. Some people have enough breast tissue to allow a lift to give them more upper pole volume.
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