If you are thinking about getting a breast lift, questions concerning post-surgery recovery are probably high on your list.  Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that is done to lift sagging breasts, giving them a perky, more youthful appearance.  But how long is recovery from a breast lift?

What’s Involved In A Breast Lift?

During breast lift surgery, excess skin is removed from the breasts, and the nipple and areola are repositioned.  The breast tissue is also lifted and reshaped, giving the breasts a firm, youthful appearance. 

How Long Is Recovery From A Breast Lift?

In general, full recovery from a breast lift takes 4-6 weeks.  Most patients can return to work one week after surgery, but patients with physically demanding jobs may need to take more time off. 

Although  a breast lift recovery timeline is helpful, recovery will differ for each patient because a lot depends on how their body heals.   

What To Expect During Recovery?

The first week of recovery after a breast lift is usually the most difficult, as there is typically swelling and bruising and patients may also experience some pain.  Pain medication is prescribed to ease the discomfort, but the swelling and bruising take several days to resolve. 

A surgical bra or sports bra is worn for at least one week after breast lift surgery to minimize pain and swelling, and accelerate the healing process.   It also provides support for the new breast shape.  

Light exercises can be resumed about 3 weeks after surgery, but strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. 

Some breast lift patients experience loss of nipple sensation after surgery.  This is temporary in most cases and sensation should return within a few months.  

If you are thinking about breast lift surgery, it would be helpful to spend some time learning about the recovery timeline so that you can plan accordingly.