Many women considering breast lifts are concerned about how long the recovery from a breast lift will be. Patients who have had breast lifts performed by Brian D. Cohen, MD can attest to the fact that the procedure, while surgical, only interrupts your daily routine briefly, is relatively easy to go through and well worth the time investment for those eager to improve their contours. 

Dr. Cohen, who has offices in both Great Neck and Manhattan, is a well-credentialed, experienced plastic surgeon with expertise in breast lifts. He has a reputation for providing both excellent surgical skills and genuine personal concern. 

Why Women Have Breast Lifts

While sagging breasts are a natural part of the aging process, they may occur prematurely due to weight loss, pregnancy, or genetic tendencies. In any case, every woman’s breasts are, over time, affected by gravity’s pull and skin’s decreasing elasticity, but not every woman is willing to take these changes sitting down. If you are interested in having a breast lift (mastopexy) to revitalize your appearance, you are not alone. Dr. Cohen performs a great many breast lifts each year for grateful patients. 

Conditions that typically bring women to Dr. Cohen to consult about breast lifts are:

  • Breasts that have sagged or lost volume
  • Nipples that point downward
  • Large areolas or stretched breast skin
  • Breasts that sag asymmetrically 
  • Flat, elongated or pendulous breasts

Once Dr. Cohen performs a breast lift, you will be pleasantly surprised by the firm, uplifted appearance of your breasts. Like others who have been through the process, you will likely feel not only more attractive, but more self-confident.

The Early Days of Recovery from a Breast Lift

Every individual patient has a slightly different recovery pattern, but you should plan to be off work or away from your active routine for 3 to 7 days after your breast lift. For a few days after the procedure, your breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable, but this will soon pass. Dr. Cohen may suggest cold packs to help relieve pain and reduce swelling .

You will probably experience numbness in your breasts and nipples, but this, too, will subside as the swelling decreases. Immediately after surgery, you will wear a support bra 24 hours a day to protect your breasts and reduce swelling, and will have to avoid lifting your hands over your head for about 10 days. During this period, it is essential that you follow Dr. Cohen’s directives carefully in order for healing to take place as quickly as possible and so that you experience as little discomfort as possible.

Dr. Cohen will explain how to care for your incisions and bandages and how and when to begin showering. You will have to avoid swimming, bathing, or using a hot tub until he gives you the go-ahead. It is important not to apply any lotions or creams to your breasts or incisions until you are completely healed.

Remember that it will be unsafe to drive after your breast lift until you are no longer taking prescribed painkillers. Also, when you are a passenger, make sure to position your seatbelt so that it doesn’t compress your breasts.

Watch Out for Complications

Having any surgical procedure may result in complications, so you should report any of the following symptoms to Dr. Cohen or your primary care doctor:

  • Fever of 100.4° F ( 38°C ) or higher
  • Bleeding or drainage through your bandage or bra
  • Symptoms of infection at an incision site (e.g. increased redness or swelling, warmth)
  • Pain that persists in spite of medication
  • More soreness, swelling or bruising on one breast than the other

If any of these symptoms are extreme, or if you experience hard chest pain or trouble breathing, you should call 911 or be taken to an emergency room immediately.

Moving Forward in Recovery

Dr. Cohen will advise you about when you can switch to a sports bra; usually, you will need to wear this bra around the clock for about a month. When you return to work, you will likely experience some soreness for a few weeks and should avoid strenuous activities and movements that require raising your arms, bending, straining, stretching, or heavy lifting for at least 10 days. 

Although you will no doubt be pleased to view your perkier breasts as soon as the bandages are removed, it will typically take 6 weeks for your breasts to reach their optimal shape. By the time these weeks have passed, you will be able to return to your normal exercise routine.

How long will my breast lift remain effective?

The results of breast lift surgery are generally long-lasting. Again, there are individual differences, depending on several factors, such as:

  • Genetic tendencies
  • General health
  • Dietary habits
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Smoking
  • Skin elasticity
  • Skincare

After 4 to 6 weeks, you should be feeling back to yourself, but with improved curves. Not only will you see the benefits of your breast lift in the mirror, you will also notice how much better you look in clothes, and how much better you feel about appearance. Though your breast lift will likely remain effective for quite a while, some patients find that they want revisions after only a few years.

Follow-Up Visits After a Breast Lift Procedure

Dr. Cohen will want to see you make sure you are healing properly during your breast lift recovery and his office will set you up with one or more postsurgical appointments. Your recovery is likely to be short and uneventful, but never hesitate to call him with any questions.

Thinking of a Breast Lift? Contact Brian D. Cohen, MD for a Consultation

If you are considering getting a breast lift, Dr. Cohen will be happy to discuss the idea with you. Why not call us to set up a consultation as soon as possible? Such a meeting involves no commitment and may improve your life.