AFTER BREAST LIFT SURGERYPURE Cosmetic Center

Your mind and your body need plenty of rest to recover after surgery. You will feel tired more easily, and you will not have your full level of energy for the first 6 weeks after surgery. This is normal. You may be bruised and swollen after surgery. Bruising gets better in about 1-2 weeks. Much of the swelling improves in 6-12 weeks.

• You can shower 48 hours after surgery. Soap and water can run over the incisions and the surgical tape, but be careful not to scrub or rub directly on the incisions while washing or drying off. Be gentle. Pat dry.
• NO baths, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, swimming, or submerging the incisions until after the incisions have completely healed. This is typically at least 4 weeks after surgery.
• Leave all tapes on the incisions. These stay on for 4-6 weeks.
• Wear a soft support bra day and night for 3 weeks, except when you shower.
• After 3 weeks, you may remove the bra to sleep but continue to wear it during the day until 6 weeks post-op.
• You may want to purchase one or two extra bras to have on hand at home. You should look for a sports bra that hooks or zips in the front (not one that has to be pulled overhead), with no underwires, a wide band on the bottom, and soft, comfortable material. Look for a size where the lower band fits comfortably; generally, the cups will fit accordingly after surgery. Some brands that have worked well are Avia (sold at Walmart), TekGear (sold at Kohl’s), Fruit of the Loom, Jockey, and SheFit.
• Underwire bras should be avoided for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Underwire bras are OK to wear once you are 6 weeks post-op.
• Sleep on your back and slightly elevated for the first week after surgery. 
• You may start sleeping completely flat after 1 week. You may sleep on your sides after 2 weeks.
• Driving is typically OK 5-7 days after surgery. You must be able to safely get in and out of the car, move your body enough to see behind you, and not be taking any of the following medications: gabapentin, tramadol, oxycodone, and diazepam (Valium).
• Do not lift/push/pull anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first week after surgery.
• Avoid large or wide stretching and reaching motions or overhead raising of the arms for the first week.
• Activity Timeline
  • Week 1: Light walks.
  • Week 2: May begin cardio-based exercise (treadmill, bike, elliptical). May start lifting 5-10 pound weights.
  • Week 3-6: Increase weights by 5 pounds per week. Increase cardio-based exercise as tolerated.
  • Week 6: No restrictions. May resume all activities and exercise.