When Can I Go Braless After Breast Augmentation and Lift?

Breast lift and breast augmentation procedures are different in nature. Still, it is a common combination for women in Beverly Hills, CA who want to enhance or change their natural breasts' appearance. Breast augmentation will change the size, while a breast lift will change the firmness and overall shape. Women don't want to put a breast implant into an already saggy, drooping breast, as it will only drop further after the augmentation process. Together, both breast treatments can enhance a woman's natural breasts to provide a beautiful result. Read on to learn more about recovery after breast lift with augmentation from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi in Beverly Hills, CA, or feel free to schedule an online or in-person consultation with Dr. Hakimi today.

The reason why a woman's breasts change

A woman's natural breasts are composed of ligaments and fatty tissue containing no muscle mass. No amount of weight training or exercise will change the shape. There are different reasons why a woman's breasts change over time, as breast skin laxity can become stretched or thinner over time. In our Beverly Hills, CA surgical center, we find that the most common reasons a woman's natural breasts change are due to:

• Natural aging process
• Weight fluctuations
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Genetics (women with larger breasts are more susceptible to breast sag or ptosis)

The uplifting truth about a breast lift and breast augmentation procedure

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures done in the United States. Since the introduction of breast implants in the 1960s, women have been choosing breast augmentation to add more volume and shape to their natural breasts. Since all women are different, in some cases, a patient may need a breast lift to offer a better implant insertion platform, especially if dealing with the loss of shape or volume. Since a breast lift doesn't provide volume to the natural breast, it is essential to have good shape and location on the chest wall before adding breast implants' weight. During a consultation, Dr. Hakimi will examine your breasts and give his expert advice about whether you need a breast lift before augmentation to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Recovery after breast lift and augmentation

Common side effects after a breast lift with augmentation include bruising and swelling. Visible swelling should begin to subside within three weeks, while bruising should fully dissipate within two weeks. Patients can usually return to work, if a sedentary or desk job, after 14 days. However, patients should avoid vigorous activity or exercise for 3 – 4 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Hakimi. The breast's shape will change during recovery after breast lift with augmentation, and the final result will be evident in about 2 – 3 months once the breast implants have settled into place.

When can I go braless after breast augmentation and lift?

After any type of breast surgery, whether it is a breast lift with augmentation or a breast reduction, the patient must wear a supportive bra and follow specific post-operative guidelines. Is it mandatory to wear this supportive bra? The answer is yes. They provide the necessary support, help with pain management, and allow the breast to heal properly after surgery, much like compression garments after a tummy tuck or liposuction. It is essential for easy and quicker recovery after breast lift and augmentation for the breasts not to move and promote good healing. Most patients can go braless after about six weeks, but it should be on special occasions and not daily to maintain optimal results.

If you are considering a breast lift and breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Michael Hakimi is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA. He can help determine what you need to enhance your natural breasts, so you feel more confident about how you look. If you are ready to consider breast enhancement surgery, contact our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Hakimi.