A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure focused on removing loose and sagging breast tissue, repositioning the areola, and changing the shape of the breasts to restore a youthful appearance.

While a breast lift alone does not change the size of the breasts, it can be combined with breast augmentation or breast reduction procedures to enhance or reduce your cup size.

There are a few reasons why you may elect to undergo a breast lift procedure:

You have downward-pointing nipples and want them to be repositioned
Your breasts appear “deflated” after breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging, and you would like them to have a firmer appearance
Low-sitting or sagging breasts have led to skin irritation and painful chafing
You have uneven or asymmetrical breasts and would like them to be more equal in appearance

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to discuss your expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will also give you the necessary information to best prepare in the days and weeks leading up to your surgery date.

Preparing for a breast lift

As you prepare for a breast lift procedure, be sure to follow all of your plastic surgeon’s pre-operative instructions. This could include starting or stopping certain medications, undergoing any lab testing or medical evaluations, and scheduling a baseline mammogram before and after surgery.

If you are a smoker, you must stop smoking 6-8 weeks prior to your surgical procedure, as smoking can impair your body’s ability to heal. You will also need to discuss any use of alcohol or recreational drugs with your plastic surgeon.

While mentally and physically preparing for your breast lift surgery is important, you will also need to make logistical arrangements for support during your post-surgery recovery period. For example, you should coordinate rides to and from your surgery, and even someone to stay with you the first night to ensure things go smoothly. It is also helpful to have someone available to help care for children and/or pets, prepare meals, and do other household chores during the immediate post-op period as you heal.

On the day of your appointment (as well as during your recovery period), plan to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove any piercings or jewelry. If there is something you cannot remove, let your plastic surgeon know as soon as possible.

Are there dietary restrictions?

In the days leading up to your surgical procedure, avoid any food or supplements that may interfere with blood clotting—ginger, cayenne, eggplant, garlic, and tomatoes, for example. Additionally, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.

It is also a good idea to be at a healthy, sustainable weight prior to the procedure for ideal long-term results.

Are there medications to avoid?

Along with foods that interfere with blood clotting, you should avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, or any herbal supplements as they may increase bleeding.

This can include:

Oral contraceptives
Aspirin products/ NSAIDs
Estrogen supplements
Vitamin E supplements
St. John’s Wort
Fish Oil/ Omega-3s

If you have any questions or concerns about a particular medication, talk to your plastic surgeon for personalized insight. Note that you will be given prescription painkillers following your procedure.

Adjusting your lifestyle for recovery

As you prepare for a breast lift, you should also anticipate downtime following your surgical procedure. It can take anywhere from six weeks to a few months to fully recover, so plan for lots of rest—sleep is an essential part of your body’s natural healing process.

Prepare a comfortable recovery space where you can rest and gently recline, whether at home or in a hotel near your plastic surgeon’s office. You will experience some discomfort, such as swelling and bruising, so plan to spend time sleeping, reading, watching TV or movies, playing board games, or doing any other low-impact activities to keep you entertained as you pass the time. Do not be afraid to ask for help with daily activities such as caring for children or doing household tasks like cooking and cleaning.

If you have a sedentary job, you may be able to return to work after a few weeks. However, you may not be cleared for vigorous activities such as exercise and heavy lifting for up to six weeks.

Be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, from the clothing you wear to the way you sleep and more. You should be able to go back to wearing a regular bra approximately eight weeks after surgery.

Achieve your ideal aesthetic with a breast lift procedure

Before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure, be sure to thoroughly discuss your expectations—including what is involved in preparing for and recovering from surgery—with a board-certified plastic surgeon. It also helps to look at before and after photos of other clients to gain an understanding of what to realistically expect.

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