How To Prepare For Breast Lift Surgery
Two Weeks Prior To Surgery
- Don’t Take Blood Thinners
During your breast lift consultation, you will discuss your health history with your plastic surgeon, including any medication you are currently taking. Make sure that you don’t take ibuprofen or fish oil in the two weeks leading up to your breast lift surgery, as these can affect blood clotting. If you normally take blood thinners at your doctor’s recommendation, you will need to discuss this ahead of time with your plastic surgeon and your doctor to discuss temporary alternative medication. - Don’t Drink Alcohol
Alcohol thins your blood. If you drink alcohol within 2 weeks of your surgery, you increase your risk of a longer healing process and excessive bruising. - Don’t Smoke
Tobacco will make the healing process longer while increasing your risk of developing post-surgical complications. Smoking marijuana 2 weeks prior to breast lift surgery is also not recommended, as marijuana can change the dosage of anaesthesia that you need. If you regularly smoke tobacco or marijuana, disclose this to your plastic surgeon well in advance of your breast lift surgery. - Arrange For Care
After your breast lift surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Make arrangements well before your surgery date for someone to pick you up. You may also want to consider if you will need any child or pet care during recovery, as you will not be very active after the procedure and you will not be able to pick up much weight or raise your arms above shoulder height.
The Day Before Surgery
- Don’t Eat
Make sure you don’t eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before your breast lift surgery. This includes water. When you are under anaesthesia, your body’s natural reflexes are stopped. If you happen to vomit while under anaesthesia, any food or liquid can go into your throat and enter your lungs. - Bathe
You will not be allowed to bathe for 24-48 hours after your breast lift surgery so it is advised to do this before you go for your procedure.
The Day Of Surgery
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
Once you’re cleared to go home after the surgery, you will want to put comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on that are easy to get into. Clothing that zips up or that you don’t need to raise your arms to put on is best.
Breast Lift Surgery With A Top Kelowna Plastic Surgeon
Your plastic surgeon will go over everything you need to know before your breast lift surgery and will give you instructions for after surgery for optimal recovery. If you have any questions about your breast lift surgery, your plastic surgeon will be able to answer these during your consultation. After your breast lift surgery, you will visit your plastic surgeon for follow-ups so your recovery can be monitored carefully. If you are ready to improve the appearance of your breasts with a breast lift, book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brian Peterson. During the consultation, Dr. Peterson will discuss your long-term goals for your appearance. Together, you will create a recovery plan that will lead to optimal results for years to come. To schedule a consultation and start planning your breast lift, call 1-250-868-9099 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: How complicated is breast lift surgery?
A: Breast mastopexy is performed as a day surgery under general anaesthetic and can take between 1-3 hours depending on the degree of refinement needed. Some of your incisions will be concealed in the natural contours of your breasts, and others will be visible, but will significantly fade over time. Recovery is different for everyone, but you will feel mostly healed around the 2-week mark. By week four the majority of your swelling and bruising should be gone, but you may not see the final results of your surgery for 6 months or even up to a year.
Q: When will my final breast lift results?
A: After your breast lift surgery, you will need to take some time to heal. You will be able to see improvement 3 to 6 months after surgery although final results may not be seen until 1 year after surgery.
Q: Can a breast lift relieve my back pain?
A: Breast lifts can help to distribute weight higher on the chest, but many women who have back pain from their breasts choose to get a breast reduction to help alleviate back pain. You can also combine a breast reduction and breast lift to help relieve back pain. Speak to your plastic surgeon to determine what option is best for you.