How Can I Reduce Swelling After A Breast Lift?

It may surprise you to find out that breast lift procedures are almost as common as breast augmentation in this country. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, can have a dramatic effect on how a woman's breasts look. With an increasing number of women considering a more natural look to enhance their breasts, a breast lift procedure is a viable option for breast augmentation. It can lift and tighten a woman's natural breasts to create a more youthful, perky appearance. Dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi performs this transforming procedure at his Louisville, KY office. Women who are considering a breast lift often have questions about breast lift recovery. During a one-on-one consultation, Dr. Mizuguchi will take the time to answer questions, review the procedure, and help patients set expectations for breast lift swelling and breast lift recovery.

Read on to find out more about breast lifts, including the answers to what happens in a breast lift and how to reduce swelling after breast lift surgery.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the breasts and tightens loose skin to rejuvenate their appearance. With today's advancements in surgical techniques, breast lift results look more natural than ever and are lasting longer. A woman's natural breasts can change over time, losing elasticity and shape. In some cases, women experience extreme breast sag, or ptosis, causing their nipples to point downward. While a breast lift, unlike augmentation, won't change the size of the breasts, it will relocate them to a higher position on the chest. Although it may not be talked about as frequently as breast implants, it is an impactful surgery that helps women reach their aesthetic goals and feel more self-confident about how they look in Louisville, KY.

Reasons to consider a breast lift

There are different reasons why a woman's breasts change over time. One of the top reasons women consider a breast lift is that breast tissue can become stretched or thinner, which causes them to sag or droop. Women also consider a breast lift when their breasts change shape due to:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Weight fluctuations
• Genetically large breasts (more prone to breast sag over time)
• Age and gravity

What happens in a breast lift?

The primary goal of a breast lift is to relocate a woman's natural breasts to an elevated position by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissue. The nipples are also repositioned to give them a more natural, symmetrical appearance once the breasts are lifted into the correct place. Dr. Mizuguchi works with patients during a consultation to determine the best surgical methods to reduce breast sag and eliminate excess skin, helping each patient reach their unique needs.

Breast lift swelling after surgery

With breast lift procedures, patients will see results in the shape of their breasts following surgery. However, the final results won't be fully visible until after the swelling subsides. So, how long does swelling last after a breast lift? The recovery period will vary by patient. In some cases, patients may even opt for a breast lift in combination with a breast reduction or breast implants. There are a few factors that can help patients have a smoother recovery, allowing the breast lift swelling after surgery to subside quicker, including:

• Wear the provided compression garment as instructed to accelerate the healing process
• Get plenty of rest during the first few weeks to allow the body to heal
• Resume light activities, such as walking, to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling
• Wait at least six weeks, or until cleared by the surgeon to resume more strenuous exercising
• Avoid pulling, lifting, or pushing anything during the healing process to avoid any additional swelling
• Avoid using ice packs for breast lift swelling; only use a cold compress for 20 – 30 minutes in intervals throughout the day
• Avoid hot showers or baths as this can worsen breast lift swelling

Breast lift surgery can provide outstanding results that can last for years, especially when it's performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. It can give women perkier breasts and a more youthful profile. After surgery, women can enjoy their breast lift results as long as they maintain their current weight and a healthy lifestyle. If you are considering a breast lift surgery, or have additional questions about other cosmetic breast procedures, we invite you to call today to schedule a consultation with dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY.