Merchant City Medical Group offers surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, from our state of the art clinics throughout the UK & Europe.

Breast Uplift Aftercare

Below you will find helpful aftercare guidance following your breast uplift surgery at Merchant City Medical Group. This information is designed to support your recovery and help you understand what to expect after surgery. While the advice is generally applicable to most patients, recovery times can vary, and your individual healing process may differ. Always follow the personalised instructions provided by your surgeon and care team.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

Before you leave the hospital

MEDICATIONS

You will be provided with simple painkillers before discharge to help manage any discomfort.

CHANGE OF DRESSINGS

Your dressings should be left intact until your first postoperative visit.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS FOR DRESSING CLINICS

You will receive a card with details of your first follow-up dressing clinic appointment, along with contact information for the ward should you have any concerns once you are at home.

Corrective breast surgery instructions

  • Have someone drive you home after surgery.
  • Get plenty of rest to aid your recovery.
  • Begin gentle walking as soon as possible to help reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clots.
  • Maintain a balanced diet; reduced activity may cause constipation, so include fibre-rich foods such as raw fruit and increase your fluid intake.
  • Take pain medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products unless approved by your surgeon.
  • Avoid smoking for at least two weeks, as smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
  • Avoid alcohol while taking pain medication. Even if you are no longer taking pain relief, it is advisable to avoid alcohol for up to three weeks, as it may cause fluid retention and worsen swelling.

When Can I Return to Work?

The timing of your return to work will depend on your recovery and the nature of your job. In most cases, patients are advised to take around two weeks off work, although this can vary from person to person. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance based on your progress and job requirements.

Wound Care Instructions

You will attend a nurse appointment at the end of week one to have your outer dressings removed. The nurse will check that your recovery is progressing well and can answer any questions. The paper tape (Steri-Strips) covering your incisions will generally remain in place, and you can continue to shower with them on.

Remove your paper tape (Steri-Strips) by the end of week two. If the tape is stuck, apply a thin layer of Vaseline and wait about 30 minutes before gently removing it.

 

Begin moisturising your incisions with a plain moisturising cream (such as Aveeno or E45) or Bio-Oil to support healing.

You may use micropore tape (3M Micropore) on your scars, which can be purchased from most pharmacies. The tape can be left on while showering. Apply the tape for 3–5 days, then remove it and moisturise the wounds for 1–2 days. Repeat this tape/moisturise cycle for at least four months:

  • Tape: 3–5 day
  • Moisturise: 1–2 days
  • Repeat

If the micropore tape causes irritation, discontinue its use and continue with moisturising only.

Activities After Ear Correction Surgery

You may bathe once you are home, but avoid soaking your dressings to protect your incisions.

 

Sleep comfortably using two or three pillows. You do not need to remain propped upright, but avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least three weeks.

Wear loose, easy-to-remove clothing and avoid tight tops. A support bra should be worn as advised by your surgical team.

Avoid driving for at least 4–5 days after surgery, especially if you are taking pain medication.

For the first two days, limit arm movements. Do not use your arms to support your body or lift heavy objects, and avoid pushing yourself up in bed. Strenuous activities or anything that raises your blood pressure should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for at least two months.

Follow-up

You will attend a specialist nurse clinic one week after surgery to have your outer dressings removed and to ensure your recovery is progressing well.

 

A follow-up appointment with your surgeon will take place six months after surgery to review the outcome and discuss any concerns.

If you have any concerns before your six-month follow-up, you can contact us by phone or email. Should you prefer an in-person consultation, you are welcome to schedule an additional appointment at no extra cost before your six-month review.

When to Call

  • If you experience increased swelling or bruising that is not settling.
  • If you notice swelling in one or both legs or feel short of breath, which may indicate a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
  • If you develop increasing redness along the incision, which may be a sign of infection.
  • If you have severe or worsening pain that is not relieved by medication.
  • If you experience side effects from medications, such as a rash, nausea, headache, or vomiting.
  • If your temperature rises above 38°C.
  • If you notice yellowish or greenish discharge from the incisions.
  • If you experience bleeding from the incisions that does not settle with gentle pressure.
  • If you are concerned at any stage, please contact the hospital where your procedure was performed in the first instance.
If you are concerned, please contact the hospital where you had your procedure performed.

Excellence Record

Merchant City Medical Group is proud to be one of the leading providers of Hair Transplant Surgeries and Medical Aesthetics within the UK and Europe. With our extensive team of expert surgeons, nurse practitioners and consultants, you will be met with the utmost dedication and compassion throughout your journey with us.
  • 30+ Years of combined experience
  • 10 + Experts
  • 1000 + Satisfied Patients

Book a Free Consultation

Enter all details and submit the form and we will get back to you.
I consent to being contacted via WhatsApp for appointment reminders, updates, and relevant information. Message Frequency varies based on the treatment. text: STOP to stop.

Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire

It can be used as a screening questionnaire to tell whether you might have BDD.

1) How often do you do you deliberately check your feature(s)? Not accidentally catch sight of it. Please include looking at your feature in a mirror or other reflective surfaces like a shop window or looking at it directly or feeling it with your fingers.
2) To what extent do you feel your feature(s) are currently ugly, unattractive or ‘not right’?
3) To what extent does your feature(s) currently cause you a lot of distress?
4) How often does your feature(s) currently lead you to avoid situations or activities?
5) To what extent does your feature(s) currently preoccupy you? That is, you think about it a lot and it is hard to stop thinking about it?
6) If you have a partner, to what extent does your feature(s) currently have an effect on your relationship with an existing partner? (e.g. affectionate feelings, number of arguments, enjoying activities together). If you do not have a partner, to what extent does your feature(s) currently have an effect on dating or developing a relationship?
7) To what extent does your feature(s) currently interfere with your ability to work or study, or your role as a homemaker? (Please rate this even if you are not working or studying: we are interested in your ability to work or study.)
8) To what extent does your feature(s) currently interfere with your social life? (with other people, e.g. parties, pubs, clubs, outings, visits, home entertainment)
9) To what extent, do you feel your appearance is the most important aspect of who you are?

Do I have BDD?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

You have scored 0

When you score more than 40 points, this is an indication that you likely have Body Dysmorphic Disorder. However, this is not a formal diagnosis. This test can also be used after a treatment to see if symptoms have improved.

What now?

For more information on BDD and support, you can contact us.

If you are a UK resident, we suggest:

    • reaching out to your GP for more help
    • self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies.

When speaking to a health professional, you may present your clinic history or a printed form to clearly outline the symptoms you’ve experienced.