Following breast lift surgery, many patients report mild to moderate discomfort, which is easily controlled with medications. This varies depending on the extent of surgery and procedure performed.
When breast implants are used in conjunction with a breast lift procedure, increased swelling and fullness in the upper part of the breast or chest area and in the midline between the breasts may be noted. Varying degrees of swelling, bruising, and firmness subside in several weeks to months.
The circumareolar-vertical and circumareolar breast lift techniques often result in varying degrees of "pleats" or folds around the incision, which will resolve in time. Sutures (stitches) are removed after seven days. Patients can usually return to work after several days to one week. Light exercise may begin after four to six weeks. A support bra is worn for two to three months following breast lift surgery and is encouraged as much as possible thereafter to maintain contour.
Following breast lift surgery, recovery, and healing will vary and depend on the extent of the surgery. Total healing takes time and patience, and could take up to one year or longer. It can take this amount of time for scars to soften, lighten, and fade, as well as for the breast tissue to soften, relax, and remodel itself. If implants were used, they will also settle in several months.
As swelling subsides and the effects of gravity and tissue relaxation act on the newly tightened skin envelope, the breasts will shrink slightly and descend to a certain extent. Most patients find this beneficial because the breasts look more natural. The ability to breast-feed after a breast lift (mastopexy) is usually preserved, but cannot be guaranteed.
Breast Lift Complications
As with most cosmetic surgical procedures, complications are unlikely when performed by a skilled and competent surgeon. Complications can include, but are not limited to: anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, tissue loss, delayed wound healing with obvious wide and/or raised scars, numbness, altered nipple sensation, asymmetry in breasts and/or areolas, enlarged areolas, and need for revisional surgery. If breast implants are used, all the potential risks/complications for breast augmentation will also apply.
Also rare, but possible, are blood clots or emboli (blood clots which dislodge and travel in the blood stream to distant sites), which can be fatal.
Venodyne calf compression devices are often used for breast lift surgery (as well as other surgeries). A Venodyne is a pressure cuff that fits over each lower leg from the ankle to the knee, circulating every one to two minutes to reduce the pooling of blood in the lower extremities and further reduce the possibility of blood clots or emboli.
Smokers must stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Smoking seriously decreases blood circulation in the skin, which increase the risks of complications and poor healing.
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