Breast Lift Recovery
Posted February 06, 2026 in Breast Lift
So you’ve officially scheduled your breast lift procedure—congratulations! You are probably looking forward to the results of your breast lift and the excitement that comes with anticipating them. However, your attention is likely shifting from the procedure itself to the recovery that comes after. How much downtime is required? What will the first few days of healing really feel like? In this blog, we’ll explore what your breast lift recovery might look like to help you plan ahead, set realistic expectations, and go into surgery feeling prepared for the healing process.
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Breast Lift Recovery Timeline
While everyone’s specific recovery timeline and healing process vary, the timeline below will give you a general overview of what to expect after your breast lift surgery.
Immediately After Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. Because your surgery involves anesthesia and pain medications, you’ll need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
During the first day or two after your breast lift, you’ll notice swelling, bruising, firmness, or a tight sensation across your chest. These side effects are a normal and expected part of the healing process and usually ease gradually over the first week or so. You’ll be fitted with a surgical support bra, which helps minimize swelling, protects your incisions, supports your healing tissues, and assists your breasts in settling into their new position.
Rest is essential early in the recovery process. You may want to plan for a family member, friend, or professional caregiver to help you manage household tasks, meals, and transportation for at least this initial healing period. You will receive thorough aftercare instructions from Dr. Careaga so you know exactly what to do and how to maximize your breast lift recovery at home.
Week One
The first week of your breast lift recovery should focus on resting and healing, interspersed with gentle movement. Taking short light walks around your house is encouraged to boost circulation, but lifting, bending, reaching your arms above your head, and exercise should be avoided. You’ll attend a post-operative visit during this time so Dr. Careaga can examine your incisions and ensure you’re progressing as expected.
As bruising begins to fade, you may notice some improvements in your breast shape. Significant swelling will still be present, so continue wearing your surgical bra around the clock and sleeping on your back with your upper body slightly elevated to help manage and reduce swelling as much as possible.
Weeks Two to Four
By the second week of your breast lift recovery, discomfort typically decreases, and you may feel more mobile and energized. Swelling will continue to subside, your incisions will progress through the early healing stages, and if you have experienced any numbness, sensation will gradually return.
You may feel comfortable returning to desk work and daily routines sometime between weeks two and three. However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and overhead arm movements are still restricted. Be sure to listen to your body and follow your recovery instructions to the letter to avoid complications and protect your results.
Weeks Five to Eight
Around this time in your breast lift recovery, you probably feel close to normal. You can typically resume light workouts, though nothing that focuses on your upper body. You may be able to stop wearing a surgical bra, but a supportive, non-underwire bra remains important to help shape and protect your healing breasts. Your results continue to become more visible, and swelling usually decreases significantly by the end of the second month.
Months Three to Six
By now, the focus of your breast lift recovery is on your results. At six months post-surgery, your breasts are typically fully healed and have settled into their final shape and position. Your incision scars will continue to soften and fade for up to a year; you can accelerate this process by using silicone scar therapy and strict sun protection to further minimize their appearance.
Contact Us Today
Now that you know what to expect from the breast lift recovery process, it’s time to discover the stunning results that breast lift surgery at Careaga Plastic Surgery can provide. Schedule your personalized consultation today by calling (305) 960-7511 or completing our online contact form.