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From Decision to Recovery: How to Prepare for a Breast Lift Surgery

As years go by, various factors such as force of gravity, age, pregnancy and nursing may cause your breasts to sag. The skin around the breast loses elasticity causing the breasts to lose shape and firmness. Mastopexy or breast lift is a procedure used to reshape and firm sagging breasts. This procedure can reduce the size of your areola- the dark skin around your nipple. After pregnancy, your breast could lose volume or reduce in size. Breast implants and breast lift surgery will help to increase your breasts’ firmness and size.

In this guide for patients, we’ll go over a few things you should think about before choosing to get a breast lift.

Firstly, take a moment to understand why you want a breast lift. Knowing your reasons helps you communicate better with a plastic surgeon and ensures your decision aligns with your personal goals.

An important factor in deciding whether you want a breast lift is determining whether the procedure will meet your needs. According to the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS), a breast lift could be for you if you are generally satisfied with the size but not the contour of your breasts or how they “sit”. If you want to increase the size of your breasts, you may wish to explore breast augmentation using implants.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Being a good candidate for this procedure isn’t just about your personal goals. Your stage in life and physical development can also factor into whether this procedure will be safe and satisfying. CSAPS recommends only getting a breast lift after breasts have finished developing. And if you are overweight, your surgeon may recommend stabilizing your weight before proceeding. Your surgeon will also need to assess your breasts’ size and shape of your breasts, skin quality, and the placement of the ‘nipple areolar complex’.

The Right Timing

Since a breast lift will require rest for the first week post-surgery and 6 weeks of avoiding strenuous activity, you should consider what you have planned in the months after a possible surgery date.

Plans to have children can also affect when you choose to have this procedure. CSAPS explains that a breast lift can sometimes reduce sensation, and some procedures may require detaching the nipples and areolas. These possible aspects of the procedure can affect your ability to breastfeed, so discuss any plans to breastfeed with your surgeon.

Breast Lift Cost

A breast lift in Canada costs approximately $13,500. If you’re certain that you want the procedure but can’t afford it in full, it could be worthwhile to look into the financing options that your surgeon’s office allows their patients to take advantage of. Now that you know the potential cost, you can look at your budget and plan accordingly. Check out our cosmetic surgery financing options.

Pre-Surgery Guidelines

Before the breast lift surgery, make sure you discuss your expectations with your doctor. Your expectations may not be realistic and they may help you see things in the right perspective. Here are ways to prepare for breast lift surgery.

  • Before carrying out the procedure, your doctor will carry out a medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy. You need to maintain a healthy weight weeks before the surgery.
  • Avoid smoking 6 weeks before your surgery (or sooner!) because it will slow the healing process. Keep in mind that after the breast lift surgery, you’ll have to some time to resume smoking. 
  • Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or other over- the- counter medication.
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks a week before and especially the day before your surgery. Most surgeons will not perform the procedure if you have had alcoholic drinks.

Related: Informational Guide About Breast Lift Scars

Arrangements After Surgery

  • Make sure you take enough time off your work to ensure that you’re completely healed by the time you resume your normal duties.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure; you’ll be dizzy and groggy, and it’s not safe for you to drive. This could last for 48 hours after the procedure, so you must avoid operating a vehicle.
  •  During the first few days of recovery, you’ll not be able to do any housework. Make sure you do your shopping, house cleaning and other tasks before the surgery. If you have someone looking after you, you can ask him or her to do these things for you. During recovery, you need foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • Compile a list of your medication, label them and set a reminder. You’ll be dizzy after the procedure and you could forget to take your medication.
  • Rearrange your house and make sure essential things are within reach.
  • Make sure you have some loose, comfortable clothing. Baggy pants and loose tops could come in handy.
  • Ensure you reschedule any upcoming events such as family meetings or parties.

Related: Breast Lift Recovery Guide

Breast Lift Consultation in Barrie

If you are considering a breast lift, we are available to discuss your options and to provide the care you need if you choose to proceed with the procedure. 

You can find more information about our breast lift procedure here.

Dr. Kenneth Dickie at the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery offers patients a personable approach to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical procedures. We proudly offer plastic surgery services to Barrie, Collingwood, Sudbury, Orillia, Huntsville, Bracebridge and surrounding areas.

Request a personal consultation here.