Aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can all contribute to loss of elasticity and sagging breasts. At Golden Hills Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Seth Eberlin, can help you achieve a more lifted look by tightening your skin and breast tissue through a breast lift. You may be wondering what a breast lift recovery in Walnut Creek looks like. We are here to walk you through the process and answer all your questions, so you feel empowered to make an informed decision.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that primarily aims to raise and reshape your breasts for a perkier and more youthful appearance. Dr. Eberlin achieves this by removing your excess skin and tightening your breast tissue without altering volume. You can choose to undergo a breast lift surgery alone or in combination with another breast surgery. For instance, you may opt for a breast augmentation or breast reduction if you are looking to change the size of your chest. Depending on the extent of the breast lift surgery, both the process and recovery may vary for patients in Walnut Creek.
Prior to your mastopexy, Dr. Eberlin will mark the incision lines while you are standing to ensure excellent shape and symmetry. After you receive general anesthesia, Dr. Eberlin will remove your excess skin and tighten your tissue. At this point, he can also reposition your nipple-areola complex, if that is something you opted for. At the end of the procedure, he will close the incisions using dissolvable stitches. The surgery typically takes between two to four hours, depending on its complexity. After your breast lift procedure in Walnut Creek is complete, Dr. Eberlin will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
During your mastopexy recovery in Walnut Creek, you must take precautions to aid the healing process and avoid complications. Dr. Eberlin will suggest timelines for returning to work, driving, and physical activities, ensuring each step is aligned with your comfort level.
The first few days often bring discomfort, swelling, or tightness in your chest. The pain will be the most intense during this time, but it will gradually improve. Dr. Eberlin will recommend ways to rest, suitable clothing to wear (e.g., a surgical bra), and gentle movements to promote blood flow without straining the surgical site. It is important to talk to us about pain relief and have a course of pain medicine prescribed, just in case. You might also feel slightly nauseated as the anesthesia wears off, which is normal.
The pain should significantly decrease, although you may still experience some bruising and swelling. You can likely return to light activities, including walking. You should, however, avoid the following:
Depending on the physical nature of your job, you may be able to return to work at this time, too.
Your follow-up appointments with our practice are key during this period. They help Dr. Eberlin track your healing and make any necessary recommendations for additional care. It is also an opportunity to ask questions about your body’s response and receive personalized guidance on topics like scar management or safe home care.
After about a month, you should be able to return to your regular daily routine. You should continue to wear your surgical bra until you are cleared by Dr. Eberlin. At six months, you can expect your breasts to fully adjust to their new shape.
If you have any questions at any point during your recovery, we encourage you to speak with our team. We are here to help guide you through the process and support a healthy recovery.
Are you ready to begin your breast lift journey with clarity? Reach out to us at Golden Hills Plastic Surgery for more details on breast lift recovery in Walnut Creek. Dr. Seth Eberlin will offer personalized advice on transitioning to your renewed breast shape so you can feel confident and comfortable throughout the process.
