BEFORE: Your visit starts with a simple talk about what hurts, what feels heavy, and what you want to wear with ease. You’ll review health history, prior breast surgery, and any plans for future pregnancy. Your surgeon checks skin quality, nipple position, and how much lift you may need, then explains likely scar patterns and what they look like once healed. You may be asked to stop nicotine, avoid certain blood-thinning meds or supplements, and get lab work if needed. Set up help for driving, shopping, and lifting for at least a week. Have ice packs, gauze, and a front-close top ready so you can change without pulling arms overhead.

DURING: On surgery day, the team confirms your plan and keeps you closely monitored the whole time. After anesthesia, the surgeon follows the markings to remove extra tissue and skin, then reshapes the breast for a lighter, supported form. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher spot while staying connected to healthy tissue in most cases. Before closing, they check symmetry, control bleeding, and place stitches in layers to support the new shape. A soft dressing and a supportive surgical bra go on at the end. You’ll wake up groggy but protected, and most people go home the same day with clear instructions.

AFTER: Expect swelling, soreness, and a tight chest for the first week, plus tiredness from anesthesia. Most people sleep on their back, keep elbows close, and take short walks often. A surgical bra is usually worn to reduce motion and support healing. Light desk work may feel possible in about 1 to 2 weeks, while workouts, lifting, and beach days usually wait longer until you’re cleared. Scars can look pink or firm at first, then soften over months. Protect them from sun, especially in Grand Rapids, MI, and follow scar-care steps like silicone when your surgeon says it’s safe. Call right away for fever, sudden swelling, or drainage that worries you.