What to Expect After a Breast Lift?

Gravity and other factors take their toll on your breasts, especially if you have been pregnant or had a significant weight loss. A breast lift is the most effective way to correct drooping breasts and restore them to their higher, more youthful position. This procedure can make you feel more confident and give you proportionate, shapely breasts. 

What is a Breast Lift?

If you have sagging breasts, your skin has most likely stretched, allowing your breast volume to move downward on your chest. A breast lift tightens the skin and removes excess skin if needed to restore your breasts to their proper position. It also restores your curves and contours to give you an overall more balanced figure.

How is a Breast Lift Performed?

A breast lift is performed in different ways depending on your needs. It will take place under general anesthesia in Longwood Plastic Surgery’s accredited surgical suite or a hospital surgical center. Incisions may be made around the areola, vertically from the areola to the breast crease, or horizontally along the crease. Your surgeon will discuss what to expect during the procedure so you feel comfortable.  

What to Expect After a Breast Lift

A breast lift is usually an outpatient procedure, so you can leave the facility and recover at home. You will need someone to transport you and may want them to stay for the first 24 hours to assist you. Your surgeon will prescribe medication as needed to manage your discomfort for the first few days. 

You can expect to feel soreness and swelling in the area that will improve significantly after the first few days but can last a few weeks. Most people can return to work after one or two weeks, but strenuous exercise, especially lifting, should be avoided for four to six weeks. 

While your breasts will be noticeably lifted after your procedure, they will also be swollen for several weeks. Your results will look more like you expect after the first few weeks. Residual swelling may take six months or more to resolve, so your results will keep evolving and improving as your breasts settle into their new position.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

A breast lift may be right for you if you are bothered by drooping breasts and want to see them look perky and shapely. Good candidates have no major health problems and reasonable expectations. Ideal candidates plan to maintain a stable weight to prevent their results from changing due to weight fluctuations. 

Do I Need a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?

If you have sagging breasts but are happy with their volume, a breast lift alone may achieve your goals. If your breasts have lost volume along with sagging, as often happens after pregnancy or weight loss, you may benefit from a breast lift with breast augmentation. This combined procedure will provide the full, shapely breasts you desire.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning about breast lifts? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.