Post Operative Care: Breast Lift

AFTER SURGERY

DRESSINGS: Gauze pads or fluffs will cover the incision lines. Because the incision lines are usually quite long, some oozing of blood may occur (this is normal). We will change these dressings the day after surgery. Thereafter, feel free to change them as needed at home.

BLEEDING: Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are very common. If this entails more than slow staining of the gauze apply firm pressure for 20-30 minutes before calling the office immediately at (201) 261-7550.

WEARING YOUR BRA: A bra may be placed at the time of surgery or a day or two after. The bra acts as a “dressing,” holding the breasts in perfect position. If the bra feels too tight or hurts, switch immediately to any bra that feels comfortable. A bra that is too tight can cause ulceration of the skin, and you must not let this happen! We want you to wear the bra at all times for at least 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, if you are healing without difficulty, you may sleep without the bra. You should not go braless during the day for 6 weeks after surgery. You will probably be more comfortable if you do not wear an underwire bra.

SHOWERING AND BATHING: Water does not hurt healing incisions. You may shower or bathe once the gauze dressings are removed. You may leave the adhesive strips (steri-strips) in place if they are adherent. If they become too loose, remove them.

DRIVING: You may drive when driving does not cause pain. This usually occurs in 2-3 days if you have a car with power steering.

EXERCISE: You may take gentle walks within a few days. Do not return to aerobic exercise for 3 weeks.

LONGER TERM

ACTIVITY/SPORTS: We want you to avoid straining or any aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks after surgery. This is to avoid bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Do not resume strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks. Dr. Zubowski will give you clearance to increase your activities according to the progress of your activity.

DRIVING: You may resume driving when you feel you are able, but wait at least 2 days after surgery. Keep in mind that you must have full use of your reflexes. If pain will inhibit them, don’t drive!

SEXUAL ACTIVITY: You may enjoy sexual activity as your body allows with following restriction: please reread Activity/Sports above and apply the same concept to sex.

SUN EXPOSURE: If fresh scars are exposed to the sun, they will tend to become darker and take longer to fade. Sunscreen can help. Take extra care and precautions if the area operated on is slightly numb — you might not “feel” a sunburn developing.

WORK: Follow whatever plan you and Dr. Zubowski have agreed upon.

AS YOU HEAL

POSTOPERATIVE SAGGING: The breast skin and tissue will continue to sag with time. No “lift” is forever. If and when the sagging occurs, a small skin excision or tightening will usually solve the problem. Also, it is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or their shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they will look remarkably similar and natural. You must be patient, but if you are concerned, ask questions of Dr. Zubowski or the nursing staff.

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning, or shooting pains accompany regeneration of the sensory nerves. The pains will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about.

ACTIVITIES: If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Do not begin aerobic or strenuous exercise for 3 weeks. Let your body tell you what it can tolerate.

“Dr. Zubowski said to me, ‘The skin on your face, the fat placement on your face is still very good, but your neck is not going to snap back because of your age and it lost elasticity,’ so right then and there, I said, ‘Okay, let’s do a facelift.’”

– Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Caroline Manzo
Read the Page Six article

“I continue coming back to Dr. Zubowski because everything he’s done in the past was exactly how I wanted to feel at the end result. Dr. Zubowski is obviously a very talented surgeon, but he’s also very personable.”

– Monika
Patient for 25 years

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski’s for several years and very happy with the procedures I’ve had with him. Professional, honest and careful to impart information so expectations are realistic. The staff puts you at ease and care is top notch.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski for over 15 years. Every procedure I have had, big and little, they have all been unfailingly caring and I’m very happy here.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“Dr. Zubowski is an artist, he’s changed my life. Whatever he tells me, I value his opinion and I wouldn’t think to go anywhere else.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“Dr. Zubowski and his team CHANGED MY LIFE! I never thought in a million years I would be this confident with my body, but here I am, loving myself! I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“I am in my 76th year. Anything you see that does not look 76, is because Dr. Zubowski is a perfectionist. He takes his time and you feel so at ease. I felt very confident that whatever he would do would be perfect for me. To say I recommend Dr. Zubowski is an understatement.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“I highly recommend Dr. Zubowski if you want to see someone who is experienced, who is easy to talk to, and who does great work.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“I’ve been coming to The Robert Zubowski Center for over 10 years. I drive more than 2 hours because they are worth it. I’m thrilled with my surgical results and the continuous skin care. I would never consider switching to another practice.”

– Beverly
Patient for 10+ years

“The facilities at the Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic Surgery are absolutely beautiful. It was very reassuring and impressive to see such a beautiful place. Everyone was so comforting, reassuring, and kind.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“They’re wonderful. You’re just in great hands. From reception, to beauty, to Dr. Zubowski, it’s amazing.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“Recommending Dr. Zubowski is a no brainer for me because he doesn’t treat just the issue you’re going to see him for, he treats your entire you. The entire person.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years