To help ensure proper healing, you will likely need to wear a tight surgical bra or bandages for three or four days. Once these are removed, wear a soft support bra over gauze for three to four weeks. Also follow any guidelines provided by your doctor. For example, avoid vigorous sports, heavy lifting, and reaching overhead for about three to four weeks. Also, no sex for a week or more after surgery because arousal can impede healing by making the breasts swell.
Most women return to work about a week after the procedure.
Initial swelling and bruising should subside over time as your body heals. It often takes about six months to a year, however, to see the final shape of your breast. If all goes well, they should appear uplifted, firmer, and somewhat larger since the breast tissue sits higher than it used to. Your new look will also include scars, which arise in the spots that were stitched. For months they may appear red and lumpy.