Breast Lift Recovery
Approximately 2-4 hours will be needed for your breast lift. Sacramento plastic surgeons Dr. David Kaufman and Dr. Christa Clark perform breast procedures in their outpatient surgical facility adjacent to their offices in Folsom.
After surgery, you'll spend some time in the recovery room where we'll monitor you and help you get ready to return home to rest and heal. You'll have gauze dressings over your breasts and a soft support bra.
Dr. Kaufman, Dr. Clark and their professional staff will ensure you have instructions for your recovery and that you're fully prepared before surgery begins. You'll know which medications you need and how to return to your activities gradually.
Breast Lift in Sacramento - Recovery Basics
- For the first 2-3 days after surgery you'll be most comfortable in a semi-reclining position. Swelling and aching will be reduced in this position as well.
- After about one week you can sleep on your side. After about two weeks you should be able to sleep on your abdomen.
- You should move about and not be completely sedentary in order to reduce the chance of blood clots forming in your legs.
- Some women develop back pain or muscle spasms from sleeping in a semi-reclined position. If this happens to you, try a heating pad and have a loved one massage the area.
- Your stomach may be somewhat delicate for a few days, so we advise avoiding greasy and spicy foods at first. It's a good idea to have antacids on hand just in case.
- On your first day after surgery, we'll change your dressings and make sure you're healing well. Thin bandages called steri strips will remain to help the incisions heal.
- Every patient's recovery period is different. If you pay close attention to what's going on with your body, you'll know what you can do. You should be able to go back to work within 1-2 weeks, but we ask you to avoid heavy lifting, frequent bending, jogging and reaching high overhead for the first 3-5 weeks.
- Do not wear sport bras or underwire bras for several weeks. They may impede proper healing by putting uneven pressure on incisions and pushing your breasts too high. The best type of bra to wear at first is a "sleep-in" bra. If you can't get one, just find soft bras and remove any underwire.
- Your menstrual cycle may be different at first, but should return to normal in a month or two.
Dr. Kaufman or Dr. Clark will give you complete pre-operative and post-operative instructions before surgery, and their staff will help ensure you're ready as well. The whole team has your safety, comfort and privacy in mind as they help you achieve your surgical goals.
After Your Procedure
After your breast lift in Sacramento, most women feel good in about a week and totally recovered by 8 weeks or sooner. You don't need to worry about "doing too much" - if you don't allow enough rest you can make yourself uncomfortable, but you won't damage your breasts. But we urge you to take several days to relax and focus on healing.
Dr. David Kaufman and Dr. Christa Clark are both board certified Sacramento plastic surgeons. They're highly experienced in breast surgery and derive great pleasure from creating results that delight their patients. Request a consultation with one of them soon in their offices at 2220 East Bidwell Street in Folsom. Or, give us a call at (916) 235-8838.
