During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals
- Any medical conditions and drug allergies you may have, as well as any medical treatments, vitamins and herbal supplements you’re taking
- Whether you smoke or take recreational drugs and how much alcohol you drink
- Any previous surgeries you may have had
- Your reasons for wanting this particular surgery
- Your overall health and wellbeing
- Whether you’re a good candidate for a breast uplift
- Whether you want a breast reduction or enlargement at the same time
Your surgeon will also:
- Evaluate your general health and any risk factors/pre-existing health conditions
- Conduct a thorough physical exam to determine if the surgery is appropriate for you
- Discuss the likely outcomes of tummy tuck surgery, any risks/potential complications and potential recovery times
- Recommend a course of treatment
In preparation for your breast lift surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or have a specific medical evaluation based on your medical history
- Stop or cut down on smoking
- Take certain medications or adjust any medication you’re currently on
- Avoid taking herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin, as they can increase bleeding
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for at least the first night post-procedure
- Arrange to take two weeks off work (depending on the nature of your job)
- Not wear any lotions, perfume, hairspray or creams on the day of the surgery
- Invest in an abdominal binder to support your post-procedure
It typically takes between two and three hours to complete breast uplift surgery, with your surgeon making several cuts on your breasts. The exact number of these cuts and their position will vary depending on the technique being employed.
Once the operation has been completed, the cuts will be closed with stitches or skin closure strips and your surgeon may wrap your breasts in a supportive dressing.
After your breast uplift surgery, you should expect to:
- Rest until the anaesthetic has worn off and take pain relief for any discomfort you may be experiencing
- Have thin tubes running out from the wound site to drain any fluid buildup. This is typical and the tubes will be removed when this fluid has stopped draining, which is usually before you go home
- Avoid driving, drinking alcohol or operating machinery for 24 hours after your general anaesthetic
After your breast lift surgery, you should expect to:
- Wear a surgical bra for six weeks
- Sleep on your back for two weeks post-procedure
- Avoid sexual activity for four weeks
- Avoid showering for one week
- Avoid exercise for six weeks
- Take approximately six weeks to fully recover from the procedure and see the full effects of the tummy tuck
- To not smoke for four weeks post-procedure and avoid nicotine patches/chewing gum
- To attend a follow-up appointment to ensure that the wound is healing as it should be
