A breast lift (mastopexy) is a procedure that reshapes and raises sagging breasts, restoring a more youthful and proportionate appearance. While the surgery can deliver beautiful, long-lasting results, your recovery period plays a crucial role in the final outcome. Following your surgeon’s instructions and avoiding common mistakes can help ensure proper healing and the best possible results.
Here are five mistakes to avoid after a breast lift surgery procedure, based on guidance from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (IAAPS).
1. Ignoring Post-Operative Care Instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare guidelines, including wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Skipping or modifying these instructions on your own can slow healing, increase the risk of infection, and compromise results.
Best practice: Follow all recommendations exactly—this includes keeping dressings clean and dry, attending scheduled check-ups, and notifying your surgeon promptly about unusual swelling, redness, or pain.
2. Wearing the Wrong Support Garments
After a breast lift, supportive surgical bras or compression garments help reduce swelling, maintain your new breast shape, and support healing tissues. Wearing underwire bras or skipping your compression garment too soon can cause discomfort and affect results.
Best practice: Wear the prescribed support bra for the full recommended period—typically several weeks—before switching to a non-underwire bra.
For detailed guidance on choosing the perfect bras post-surgery, explore our blog “Tips to Buying New Bras After Breast Augmentation/Reduction”
3. Resuming Strenuous Activities Too Early
Engaging in heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or any activity that strains the chest muscles too soon can put stress on the healing incisions and breast tissue, potentially leading to swelling, bleeding, or delayed recovery.
Best practice: Avoid lifting heavy objects and high-intensity workouts until your surgeon confirms it’s safe—usually 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Start with light walking to promote circulation without straining the chest area.
4. Sleeping in the Wrong Position
Sleeping on your stomach or side in the early recovery period can put unnecessary pressure on your breasts, disrupt healing, and cause discomfort.
Best practice: Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated, using extra pillows for support, until your surgeon advises you can safely return to other sleeping positions.
5. Neglecting Scar Care
While scarring is a natural part of any breast lift surgery procedure, improper scar management can make them more noticeable. Sun exposure, picking at healing skin, or skipping recommended scar treatments can all worsen their appearance.
Best practice: Keep incisions protected from the sun, use silicone gel or sheets if recommended, and avoid applying unapproved creams or oils. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
For detailed information about a breast lift, explore our blog, “Understanding Breast Lift Surgery: Benefits and Insights”
Final Thoughts
A breast lift can be transformative, restoring a youthful shape and boosting confidence. But the success of the procedure depends on more than just the surgery itself—it’s also about how well you care for yourself afterwards. By avoiding these common mistakes and staying in close contact with your plastic surgeon, you can help ensure smooth healing and long-lasting, beautiful results.