What’s that expression? If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 

Let’s look at what to expect for recovery from a breast lift because no one likes to be caught off guard. 

After a breast lift, you should plan to have 7-10 days of downtime. That looks a bit like:

• Taking your medications
• Small walks around the house
• No heavy lifting 
• Binging TV or your favorite book 
• Having a capable adult to help you with daily tasks 

Remember that if you are removing breast tissue, also known as a breast reduction, or adding a breast implant, your recovery protocol and timeline may be slightly different.

Be sure to have an open and honest conversation with your board-certified plastic surgeon about your specific surgical procedure and recovery plan. 

For some, this little stay-cation is a dream. For others, the cabin fever is real. The good news is, the Bustmob Community is always there to support you. 

Whether it’s a question about the recovery process or just a cure for boredom, with over 55,000 members and counting, there is no shortage of support, advice, and virtual high-fives. 

Membership is free and easy. Simply click here to get started. 

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Every surgeon has a different recovery protocol. Be sure to ask a lot of questions during your consultation so you can be prepared.

It’s important to know things like: 

• When can I work out? 
• When can I go swimming?
• When can I pick up my kids and pets?

You can learn more about the breast lift recovery timeline in the free Bustmob Academy app. 

What is the difference between a breast lift and augmentation recovery?

Breast lift surgery recovery is a little longer, 7-10 days, than breast augmentation, which is only around 3-5 days because a breast lift is a bit more invasive than implants alone. 

A breast lift removes excess skin and requires a few more incisions, which means you may need a few more days to be back in full swing. 

Is the recovery different based on the type of lift you have?

Nope, you can expect around the same recovery time regardless of your lift type. At Amelia Aesthetics, the most common types of breast lifts are:

• Lollipop lift
• Anchor lift 

Each type is named after its incision. A lollipop lift goes around the areola and down the front of the breast and an anchor lift goes around the areola, down the front of the breast, and along the breast crease. 

To learn more about breast lift types and incisions watch the full series in the free Bustmob Academy app. 

How painful is breast lift recovery?

When comparing the recovery from a breast lift to breast augmentation, a lot of women actually find that the breast lift recovery is a little easier and more comfortable, if not a little longer. 

A breast lift without implants is only removing excess breast skin and doesn’t involve the muscles like breast augmentation does. So for a lot of women, the discomfort is more superficial, rather than deep in the chest.

Plus, there is no added volume so you avoid the tightness and stretching that comes with implants.

Either way, most women are glad they took some time to rest before jumping into work and daily life. 

Let’s take a look at breast lift recovery week by week. 

As we mentioned for the first week or so, you’re going to keep things pretty low-key with limited physical activity. 

After about 10 days, most women feel ready to ease into daily life and work. However, for the first 6 weeks, it’s common to have limitations.

Your surgeon may ask you to:

• Keep scar tape on the incisions.
• Avoid submerging in water.
• No heavy lifting or intense exercise. 

After around 6 weeks post-op, most women are cleared to exercise, swim, remove the scar tape, apply scar salve, and return to their full lives.

However, it’s important to always check with your plastic surgeon before adding or subtracting anything from your recovery. 

We hear all of the time in the Bustmob Community that the recovery from breast lift is well worth the trade-off. The Community is constantly sharing tips, recovery must-haves, and their personal experiences and encouragement. 

Our advice...

• Take your breast lift recovery day by day.
• Take lots of before and after photos so you can see all of the progress your body has made.
• Lean into the support of over 55,000 women who get it. 

Interested in a breast lift but not sure where to start?

We've got just the thing for you - check out the free Bustmob Academy app! It's packed with super fun and informative videos that'll make your cosmetic surgery journey a breeze.

Whether you're curious about busting common myths, have burning questions, want to know about recovery time, or simply want to get the lowdown on costs, we've got your back! 

Jenny Eden, the founder of Bustmob, and Gretta Nance, lead educator at Amelia Aesthetics, are here to help you out.

The team at Amelia Aesthetics designed this app to provide easily digestible content that's enjoyable to watch.

In the app, you'll find great resources like the Bustmob GoalFinder to help you get inspired and find your wish picture.

Plus, you'll get access to the Bustmob Community and Ask a Surgeon Group. And hey, there's even a shop where you can grab Scar Salve and much more.

With our free resources right at your fingertips, you'll be armed with confidence, education, and a supportive community every step of the way.