If you’ve been considering a breast lift, you’ve probably also wondered what the healing process of a breast lift involves. One of our patients’ biggest concerns about a breast lift is the pain that comes along with it. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to be afraid of post-operative pain and discomfort. Let’s take a deep dive into what a breast lift is, what you can expect during your breast lift procedure, and how you can best manage your discomfort following your surgery.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves lifting the position of the breasts on the chest without adding or removing volume from the breast itself. Unlike other breast procedures, a breast lift does not increase or decrease your breast size at all – rather, a breast lift simply creates a more flattering shape and appearance that better compliments your natural frame.
What Can I Expect During my Breast Lift?
Your breast lift surgery will be completely tailored to you, your body, and your desired results. That being said, there are a few things that you can expect during your procedure. Your breast lift will be performed under general anesthesia. Once asleep, Dr. Emily Pollard will make a series of incisions around the breast, through which she will be able to better shape the breasts to enhance their overall shape and position on the chest. She will then close your incisions, and your healing process will begin.
What is Recovery After a Breast Lift Like?
Following your breast lift, you will be asked to wear a special surgical bra. This bra is specially designed to be comfortable and soft enough to not cause irritation following your procedure, but supportive enough to ensure you heal correctly. Dr. Pollard will be happy to provide you with a list of post-operative care instructions prior to your breast lift to ensure you have a quick and easy healing process. Patients typically make an initial recovery after about six weeks, and a full recover after about three to six months.
How Can I Manage My Pain After a Breast Lift?
When it comes to managing your pain following your breast lift, there are a few steps you can take. Dr. Emily Pollard and her team encourage the following:
- Take prescription medication as instructed. Prescription pain medications can be intimidating, but are prescribed for a good reason. In small doses, these prescription medications allow for pain relief without causing blood thinning or bleeding. Keep in mind that these medications may cause constipation in small doses and can be dangerous when taken outside of Dr. Pollard’s instruction.
- Over-the-counter medications are great too. Pollard, along with many other surgeons, may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen within the first few days of recovery to reduce swelling and help your prescription medications work more smoothly.
We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about breast lifts. If you still want to learn more about the procedure, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard today. We are also offering virtual consultations, so you can get all of your questions answered in the comfort and safety of your very own home.