Case #1401
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
23-year-old female 3 months after breast lift.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Discontinue blood thinners (NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) two weeks out. Acetaminophen remains safe; the full list is reviewed at pre-op.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- Front-closing clothing only for 3 weeks. Drain holders and supportive surgical bras are issued at discharge.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Rest, hydration, and short ambulation. Most patients are off prescription pain medication by day 4.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Lift (Mastopexy).
- Compression bra continuously for 6 weeks
- Sleep elevated on your back for the first 2 weeks
- No upper-body resistance training for 6 weeks
- Scar management protocol at 3 weeks (anchor or lollipop pattern)
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the full incision pattern
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Fractional laser along the vertical and inframammary scars after 3 months
- LED light therapy weekly for the first 8 weeks
- Lymphatic massage starting week 2
- Skincare
SPF 50+ on incisions daily for the first year; younger skin pigments scars more reliably under UV.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
