Often patients about to undergo any type of surgical procedure naturally experience some butterflies. Lots of questions and concerns tend to spring up about what they are about to go through.
Often patients about to undergo any type of surgical procedure naturally experience butterflies. Lots of questions and concerns tend to spring up about what they are about to go through. In this article we will focus on the three areas that patients stress about the most regarding a breast lift: the pain,
the scars, and the recovery.
The Pain
To put it simply, by following your surgeon’s advice you should experience minimal discomfort. To begin your breast lift, you will be given an IV. This should be the only uncomfortable portion of the actual procedure. Once the IV is set up, you’ll be sedated and will not remember anything until you wake up in the recovery room. Pain medications given during surgery will hold you over until you get home and settled, as this is an outpatient operation.
From that point it is up to you to follow the recommendations of your doctor and take your prescribed pain medications as directed. Never wait until the pain is severe to begin taking them, as this will not only delay relief, but also require an increased amount to reach the desired level of pain management.
Following the doctor’s activity restrictions is the next step in a comfortable recovery.
The Scars
A breast lift doesn’t come without its share of scars, and this must be taken into consideration when weighing your options. Though most scars fade a great deal over time, they are still present. However, several scar minimizing creams can be found at drug stores or online.
This procedure includes incisions around the areola, under the breast crease and down vertically to connect the other two openings. Another simpler alternative is available, called the donut maxtopexy, and results only in the areolar scar. This version is mainly for patients with less extensive tissue amounts to remove.
The Recovery
Though you can possibly return to work after only one week, physical restrictions must still be observed. Stitches will be removed after around a week, but you are still required to wear a sports bra to immobilize the area for up to a month. You should be cleared to return to your regular physical activities after one month.
Bruising, swelling and redness, possibly some bleeding is normal for the first few days following your breast lift. Move your arms as little as possible to minimize pain and discomfort. You may drive after two weeks and return to heavy lifting after a month. Tenderness may still linger for a few months, but is no cause for alarm.
For further information on this cosmetic procedure, contact your local plastic surgeon or perform on online search.
