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When Is the Best Time to Undergo a Breast Augmentation, Lift, or Reduction?
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Planning Your Cosmetic Breast Surgery
You’ve decided on what you want, and now it’s time to think about when you want it done. Deciding to undergo cosmetic breast surgery is a significant step that involves careful consideration. Timing can be crucial in achieving an optimal outcome and ensuring a smooth recovery process.
In this blog, we’ll explore some reasons you may want to undergo cosmetic breast surgery sooner rather than later, when it’s best to delay the procedure and the need for open and honest communication with your plastic surgeon.
Seasonal Considerations
You may be surprised to know that the time of year can play a role in the timing of your procedure, and it may be something to consider. Ultimately, any time of year is good if you are wanting to pursue breast surgery.
Winter and Early Spring
Winter and early spring are often considered ideal times for breast surgeries, including augmentation, lift, and reduction. Here’s why:
- Comfortable Recovery: Cooler weather means you can wear more comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without worrying about overheating. This is particularly important as you may need to wear compression garments or bandages post-surgery.
- Less Sun Exposure: Reduced sun exposure minimizes the risk of sunburn and helps with scar healing, as direct sunlight can darken scars and prolong the healing process.
- Holiday Season: The winter holidays often provide extended time off from work, allowing ample time for recovery without needing additional leave.
Summer
While summer might not be the most popular time for breast surgeries, it does have advantages for some:
- Time Flexibility: Students or teachers might find summer ideal for breast surgery due to the long break. However, consider the potential discomfort from heat and the need for sun protection.
- Reduced Work Pressure: Some workplaces have a slower pace during the summer months, which might make it easier to take time off.
Personal and Lifestyle Considerations
Family Planning
Your stage in life, especially when planning a family, is crucial when considering breast surgery:
- Before Pregnancy: If you want to have children soon, waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding might be wise. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter breast size and shape, potentially undoing surgical results. However, if you are young and not planning to become pregnant in the near future, undergoing the desired breast surgery, as well as enjoying the results even longer, may make perfect sense for you.
- Post-Breastfeeding: If you’ve recently had a child and finished breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait at least six months to ensure that your breasts have returned to a more stable size and shape before undergoing cosmetic breast surgery. Of course, if you are also considering losing weight, it may be more prudent to do this before undergoing your cosmetic breast surgery.
Career and Social Commitments
Consider your professional and social calendar when planning your surgery:
- Work Schedule: It may make sense to choose a time when your work schedule is light. You also want to ensure that you can take off enough time post-surgery to recuperate.
- Social Events: Avoid scheduling surgery close to important social events or vacations where you might want to be active, have no restrictions, or wear revealing clothing.
Physical Health and Fitness
Your overall health, fitness level and lifestyle habits can influence the timing of your surgery:
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be at or close to your targeted weight or at least the lowest weight that you can achieve before undergoing surgery. This will allow you to get more desirable results rather than compromised ones as well as results that can last longer.
- General Health: Address any underlying health issues before surgery. Being in good physical health promotes better recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
- Quit Smoking and Vaping: If you smoke cigarettes or marijuana or vape, you should quit at least one month before your surgery until at least one month after surgery. The same goes for nicotine patches, as nicotine can substantially impact the risk of experiencing major complications and delay healing after surgery.
Specific Considerations for Each Procedure
Breast Augmentation
Increasing the size of your breasts and enhancing their shape involves the insertion of implants. Ideal timing considerations include:
- Post-Weight Loss: If you’ve recently lost a significant amount of weight, wait until it stabilizes. Weight loss can affect breast size and shape, impacting the final results.
- Personal Readiness: Ensure you’re emotionally and mentally prepared for physical changes, as breast augmentation can have a profound effect on body image and self-esteem.
- Recovery From Breast Augmentation: Most patients can return to light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous activities for around four to six weeks. Complete recovery and final results can take up to a year.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
A mastopexy reshapes and raises sagging breasts. Timing considerations for this procedure include:
- Post-Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It’s best to delay the surgery a minimum of six months after childbirth and nursing to allow for the size and shape of your breasts to stabilize.
- Weight Stability: As with augmentation, being at a stable, desired weight is essential, as fluctuations can affect your results.
- Recovery From a Breast Lift: Expect to take one to two weeks off of work if it is of a sedentary nature. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects for at least four to six weeks and chest workouts and repetitive stretching and reaching for around three months.
Breast Reduction
Reducing breast size involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin to alleviate pain or irritation and achieve a breast size you are more comfortable with. Your breasts are also elevated and contoured.
Ideal timing considerations include:
- Persistent Discomfort: If large breasts are causing chronic pain, don’t delay. This discomfort not only affects you physically but can interfere with your focus, distract you from your goals and keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. The sooner you address the source of your pain, the sooner you can get relief.
- Personal and Professional Life: Choose a time when you can afford to take adequate time off work and other responsibilities to recover fully.
- Recovery From a Breast Reduction: Most patients return to work or their normal activities within one to two weeks but will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks. Most of the swelling will subside after six months, but it can take up to a year for full scar maturation.
Consultation With a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The recommendations of your board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine what is the best time for your surgery. Discuss your lifestyle, work commitments, and personal goals during your consultation. You will also need to consider the recovery timeline, follow-up visits and any potential complications.
Your Phoenix, Arizona, Cosmetic Breast Surgery Specialist
Dr. Steven Turkeltaub specializes in breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lifts, and breast augmentation with a lift. He will create a personalized plan that fully takes into consideration your concerns, anatomy, and desired results to meet your unique needs while helping you make the most informed decision for your body and lifestyle.
To schedule your consultation, please call our office at 480.451.3000 or contact us by email.