Case #1485 · New York City, NY
Breast Lift
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This 62-year-old patient from New York City, NY felt her breasts were starting to sag and desired youthful-looking breasts. Dr. Cassileth performed a breast lift using a vertical incision which removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to create a more youthful brea
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Lift.
- Compression bra continuously for 6 weeks
- Sleep elevated on your back for the first 2 weeks
- No upper-body resistance training for 6 weeks
- Scar management protocol at 3 weeks (anchor or lollipop pattern)
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support healing when recommended
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the full incision pattern
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on all incisions for 12 months
- Laser or microneedling along the vertical and inframammary scars after 3 months
- LED light therapy to accelerate healing
- Lymphatic massage starting week 2
- Aftercare
Guided return-to-activity plan with PT touchpoint at the 4-week visit.
Older patients benefit from a guided return-to-activity plan.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil discontinued 14 days pre-op to reduce bruising risk. Acetaminophen is allowed.
- Nicotine in any form, cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum, paused six weeks before and six weeks after surgery. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and slows wound healing.
- Arrange button-front or zip-front tops for the first three weeks, overhead reaching is restricted. A drain holder or apron is provided.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
- Pre-op medical clearance from the patient's primary physician is required. Cardiology clearance added when indicated by history.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Short walks every couple of hours, no lifting over 5 lb, and full nights of rest. The worst of the swelling peaks around day 3.
- Week 2
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Mobility ramp slowed deliberately. Physical therapy consultation at the end of this week to plan the next four.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
