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.
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?
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.
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.
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