Breast sagging can be the result of different things: breastfeeding, weight loss or just the way the body changes over time. Regardless of the causes, you may have chosen to receive a mastopexy, or breast lift, to reinstate a perky, youthful shape.
But before you undertake your surgery, it’s important to follow a few important tips so that the treatment goes as smoothly as possible. They involve a combination of healthy living and consulting properly with your surgeon.
As with any surgery, and in life, it’s important to practise healthy living. Following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise is a great way to prepare your body for the recovery period that comes with a breast lift. So be sure to stay hydrated, eat lots of fruit, veggies and mixed grains, as well as keep moving and staying active!
So, let’s take a look at seven tips to prepare you for your breast lift procedure!
1. It’s important to be healthy pre-surgery
As with any surgery, and in life, it’s important to practise healthy living. Following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise is a great way to prepare your body for the recovery period that comes with a breast lift. So be sure to stay hydrated, eat lots of fruit, veggies and mixed grains, as well as keep moving and staying active!
2. Forget cigarettes & alcohol
If you’re susceptible to the occasional drink or cigarette – seriously consider giving it a miss before your surgery! Naturally, both cigarettes and alcohol are bad for you, and you want to be as healthy as possible before your surgery, so cut these unhealthy, inflammatory products in the buildup to your treatment.
3. Strengthen your core
You want to stay as active as possible, but strengthening your core is one of the most important exercises when it comes to prepping for your breast lift, as it will help you recover quicker from the procedure. Pick up an inflatable exercise ball and work on your stomach muscles, as well as regular crunches and planking.
4. Consult thoroughly with your surgeon
Your surgeon most likely has years of experience in providing breast lift treatment, so you can trust that they know what is best for your pre and post-surgery lifestyle! They can help you know what to expect with the treatment, as well as provide you with the necessary health advice for your recovery period.
5. Acquire your prescriptions pre-operation
You may already take certain prescription medicines that you should stock up on before your surgery. Furthermore, you will be given some medications to help you with your post-surgery recovery – be sure to stock up on these and your regular medication before your surgery date! This way you have them right there on hand when you need them and you won’t have to worry about picking them up when you need to be resting up!
6. Get used to sleeping on your back
In your recovery period, you are going to have to sleep on your back. The reasons are obvious: you don’t want to put any unwanted pressure on your chest in the post-surgery recovery period. If you’re a habitual front or side sleeper, it’s time to go to work on sleeping on your back. For some people this can be difficult, but it’s an important part of the recovery process.
7. Avoid blood thinning medications
Avoid blood thinning medications for at least three weeks in the lead up to your breast lift surgery. This includes anything like aspirin or ibuprofen. Your surgeon will consult with you further about the list of medications you need to avoid because of the risk of bleeding, as well as any herbs or vitamins that could also cause blood thinning.