Breast Lift Aftercare

You've just had your breast lift procedure, now what? There are various steps that your doctor will take you through in order to facilitate faster healing as well as protecting incision sites.

Caring For Incision Sites after Breast Procedures

Immediately following the procedure, bandages or dressings will be applied onto the incision sites. It's important that the incision site be kept completely dry in order to let the wound close. A few days after your procedure, you will be required to visit your surgeon in order to have your dressings changed. If your wound has closed, your surgeon may remove the stitches as well. You may also be advised to begin wearing a compression garment. During your first post-operation visit, your doctor will advise you on the right kind of soft-padded bras to use in place of the compression garment.

Dealing With Swelling and Bruising

It's normal to experience some form of swelling or bruising after the procedure. Some patients report swelling up to 4 months following the operation.

How do you deal with this? You are advised to wear a support bra or an elastic bandage that can help reduce the swelling. If you notice that your swelling persists for longer than 4 months then you may want to reduce your salt intake, drink more water and exercise more. Applying warm compresses to the breast also helps to reduce swelling.

Pain

Some form of discomfort following the procedure is normal. Your surgeon will prescribe general painkillers to help ease the pain. It's important that you stick to the prescription medication and avoid any over-the-counter non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs as these tend to thin out blood; hence, increase the risk of bleeding. It's also normal to experience temporary loss of sensation around the incision site.

Limit Activity during Recovery

It's important that you do some light exercises such as walking around as soon as you can after the procedure. Slowly increasing blood flow helps in preventing blood clots. However, it is extremely important that you do not do any heavy lifting, as this will disturb the wound. Avoid picking up heavy objects including children and pets! Doctors advise that you can return to work after a week of rest; however, if the job is physically intensive then you are required to rest for longer.

Hygiene

It is advised that you only take sponge baths until your incision site starts closing and your stitches are removed. You should also note that it may be hard for you to wash your hair for a few days after the procedure because you will not be able to lift your hands above your head. If you need to wash your hair, ask for help or book a salon appointment.

Sleeping Tips

For a few days after the procedure, something as simple as sleeping may prove to be a challenge. You may not be able to sleep on your side. Instead, try propping up several soft pillows and sleep in an elevated position. By elevating your body, you will be helping in reducing the risk of swelling and bruising.

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