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Breast Lift Post Op Instructions

Breast Augmentation Breast Implants Surgery

Breast Lift Post Op Instructions

A breast lift procedure is a serious undertaking that can promise dramatic improvements to a woman's life. The question that's on every woman's mind, however, is: just how complicated is the recovery? The bottom line is that a breast lift takes a long time to heal from and you will have a strict set of breast lift post op instructions to deal with.

Even though the surgery is quick and safe, successful patients typically remark that it was the post op period that was the most trying. That's because a breast that's operated on is tender and extremely sensitive to the touch. Most patients receiving an outpatient procedure can go home immediately. Patients who were under general anesthesia have to stay at least overnight in the hospital before going home. That's because anesthesia leaves people drowsy and uncoordinated after a surgery.

Patients are usually instructed to avoid returning to work for at least a week. If constant physical activity is a requirement for the job, a patient is told to stay home for at least two weeks. During the first week, swelling and bruising will be at its worst. Usually the doctor instructs the patient to wear a compression garment. For a woman, a compression garment can be a simple as a sports bra, but can also be designed specifically for breast lift patients. The function of a compression garment is two-fold: it provides support for the new shape and keeps swelling down.

Follow instructions

Some surgeons will prescribe you a pain medication and an antibiotic. It's important to follow the instructions specific to each prescription.

Most patients are also instructed to use cold compresses for the first day following the surgery to help control swelling. Sleeping on the stomach should be avoided for at least two weeks. In fact, the proper sleeping position should be upright or somewhat elevated. This helps keep the area drained of any accumulating fluids. Another key breast lift post op instruction is to keep moisturizing the breast skin to prevent drying. Of course, moisturizer should not be applied directly on the sutured incision. Obvious physical activities like exercise that involve bending over should be avoided because this could cause additional swelling and bleeding.

Until your breasts have fully healed (and that could take about two months) you should not do any serious exercise. A compression garment will have to stay on for the whole time.

Even after the scars have formed, the underlying breast tissue can take up to six months to heal. That's why some patients don't see the results until months later. You should follow your surgeon's breast lift post op instructions to the letter to ensure that you achieve the breasts you want with the fewest complications.

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