The procedure is typically done as an outpatient, thought sometimes as an inpatient procedure. It can be done under local or general anesthesia. After surgery, there will be some bruising, swelling, pain, and numbness or dryness of the breasts. The scars will be permanent and transverse the new breasts. They will take several months to a year to fade, and will still be visible, though they will be covered by clothing.
Patients go back to work in about a week.
There should be no strenuous activities for one month. The risks of this procedure include unusually wide or thickened scars, or unevenly positioned nipples. There can be permanent loss of sensation or the ability to breastfeed. As with any surgery, there is the risk of infection and anesthesia. Implants are often combined with the lift and may increase the duration of the results.