PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on a breast lift, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you. You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together. You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.


EXPECTATIONS

After a breast lift, your breasts may appear larger than before the surgery due to the repositioning of breast volume higher up on your chest. Depending on whether you have a large or small lift, you will either have an anchor-shaped scar from the nipple down under the breast or just a scar around the nipple.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely.

If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

Stop taking acetylsalicylic acid-containing medications such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid herbal medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Discontinue all herbal medicines three weeks before the surgery.
Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed further with the surgeon at the pre-operative consultation.

Smoking should cease at least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to smokers.

It is a good idea to shop and prepare meals before the surgery, so you can focus on your recovery afterward.

On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



MAMMOGRAPHY

If you are over 40 years old or have a family history of breast cancer, a mammogram is recommended before the surgery.



ANESTHESIA

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You must fast for 6 hours before the surgery (no eating, chewing gum, smoking, or similar). You may drink clear fluids like water and sugary drinks in small amounts until 2 hours before the surgery; do not drink milk, juice, etc.

It is crucial to adhere to the fasting rules, as anesthesia can be dangerous if you are not fasting, and the surgery is canceled, if you are not fasting.



SURGERY

On the day of the surgery, arrive at the clinic at the scheduled time. A nurse will greet you and you will be shown to your room, change clothes, and have an intravenous line placed. The anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia with you, and finally, you will meet with the surgeon, who will ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed. The surgeon will also mark the area to be operated on.

The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, will last 2-4 hours. During the procedure, excess skin and tissue will be removed from the breast and sutured to shape your new breasts. The placement of scars and the extent of the surgery will depend on what you and the surgeon have determined as the best approach for your desired breast shape and placement.

In some cases, the surgeon may place one or two drains (small plastic tubes). These are inserted through the skin to drain any blood and wound discharge from the healing areas.

To reduce the risk of infection, you will receive antibiotics during the surgery.

The wounds will be stitched with self-dissolving sutures, and tape will be applied over the wounds along with a absorbent dressing. Finally, you will be given a bra to wear.



AFTER THE SURGERY

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where the nurse will monitor you. You will receive something to drink and eat and pain reliefers if needed. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged after a few hours.

Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

THE DAYS AFTER THE SURGERY

Since the surgery was performed under general anesthesia, you will be tired and sluggish on the first day, and you may experience nausea and dizziness. We recommend having an adult at your side for the first 24 hours.

It is important to take it easy for the first days after the surgery and generally listen to your body’s signals to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. Make sure to stay well-hydrated and consume a sensible protein-rich diet.



PAIN

After the surgery, your breasts will often feel tight, swollen, and have some irregularities in shape. This can last for up to a few weeks. Swelling and discoloration in the area are completely expected. You may also experience itching, tingling, and burning in the scars.

It is important to take the prescribed medication. The medication will reduce pain, but you should expect some discomfort during the first 3-4 days. Many people experience stabbing and sharp pain in the operated area. This is normal and occurs because the nerves are re-establishing connections. These sensations can last for up to 1 year after the surgery.

You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day. Additionally, you will receive a stronger painkiller, a synthetic morphine tablet, which you can take if you experience severe pain.

The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.



DRAINS

If drains are placed during the surgery, they are often removed before you are discharged. If they are not removed, you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for them and when they are to be removed.


ACTIVITY

In the first days after the surgery, it may be difficult to get out of bed, so it’s a good idea to have someone to help you. It is important to get back on your feet quickly to reduce the risk of blood clots. Try to move around a bit, take short walks, but take breaks in between.

You should not engage in strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks after the surgery, but it is important to keep your body active with light activities, such as short walks.

We recommend that you do not lift more than 2 kg per arm for the first 6 weeks after the surgery and avoid lifting your elbows above shoulder height during the same period. However, remember to move your shoulders to avoid stiffness.

You must avoid driving until you can handle the vehicle safely and no longer need strong painkillers. Always use a seatbelt, whether you are driving or a passenger.



WORK

You can resume sedentary work after 1 week. Physical work must be avoided for 2-4 weeks.



SLEEPING POSITION

We recommend that you lie on your back for about 4 weeks after the surgery. You may lie slightly on your side, possibly with a pillow behind your back.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after the surgery or when there is no longer any discharge from the wounds (unless you have drains). Before showering, remove the compressive bandage and the absorbing dressing. The brown plaster must remain until your follow-up appointment. It can withstand water. Take a gentle shower, rinse the wounds to wash away soap residues (do not wash or scrub the wounds), and pat dry with a clean towel before putting the compressive bandage back on.

You should avoid taking baths, swimming in the sea, or going to a swimming pool and sauna until the stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed.



BLEEDING

It is normal to have some discharge from the wounds in the first few days. You will be given extra dressings for this.

However, it is important to monitor for bleeding from the breast in the first few days. If bleeding occurs, which is a rare complication, the breast may become hard and swollen. If this happens, contact the clinic so we can evaluate you.



BRA

After the surgery, you will be given a supportive bra that you must wear for 6 weeks. You can remove the bra for showers or when it needs washing.

Underwire bras must not be used for at least 3 months.

You can purchase an additional bra at the clinic if you wish to have more options.



SCARS

The scars from the surgery will typically be red and swollen but will improve over 6-24 months. Over time, scars usually become narrow and lighter I color, but in some cases, they may become wide and darkly pigmented.

You may apply a soothing cream to the scars once they are completely healed. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of infection, slow healing, and unsightly scars.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

You will be given a phone number upon discharge so you can contact the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency.

You can also expect a call from a nurse the day after your surgery to ensure you are doing well and to answer any questions.



FOLLOW-UP

After 10-14 days, you will have a follow-up appointment with the nurse. The dressings will be removed, and the wounds will be checked. You will not need to have sutures removed as the sutures are self-dissolving.

New tape will be applied and given to you, which you should change every 10-12 days for about 3 months after the surgery. The tape helps to keep the scars narrow, flat, and level with the rest of the skin.

We will discuss how to manage the scars, any pain, etc. You will be offered a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon 3-6 months after the surgery. If you encounter any issues before then, you are always welcome to contact us.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms typically appear after about a week and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Swelling and Bruising: This is expected and will subside over the first few months.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary greatly from person to person. Most scars will become nice and white over time, but some people may develop red and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years.

Bleeding: In very rare cases, bleeding can occur in the operated area. If this happens, it may require another surgery and can affect the result.

Sensory Disturbances: Sensory changes can occur in the skin of the operated area. These typically disappear after 6-9 months, but for some, they may be permanent.

Asymmetry: Many people naturally have slight asymmetry in their breasts. In some cases, this asymmetry can be corrected during surgery, but there is a risk of uneven results. The poorer the skin quality, the greater the risk that the skin may become loose again over time and not be uniform from breast to breast.

Small Wounds: If the suturing is tight, varying degrees of small wounds or defects in the scar may be visible. These often heal within a few weeks.

Pain: Some people experience a stabbing or sharp sensation in one or both breasts long after the surgery. This is normal and is due to the nerve pathways reconnecting. These sensations can persist for up to 1-1½ years after the surgery.

Fluid Accumulation: In rare cases, fluid may accumulate in the operated area. If this happens, it may be necessary to drain the fluid with a thin needle.

Tissue Death: Tissue death occurs when parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this happens, it may require surgical removal or healing from within. This is assessed by the surgeon. Overweight individuals or smokers are at higher risk for this.