Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Making the decision to have breast reduction surgery is an important step in a person’s life. Having a complete understanding of what to expect during breast reduction recovery can help you take the proper precautions to expedite your recovery from this procedure.

The First Few Days Post Surgery

After having your breast reduction surgery, you will be wrapped in gauze and dressings covered by a surgical bra, usually for two or three days. In addition, you may have small tubes inserted at the incision points to help remove fluids that the body releases during this period. Doctors generally advise their patients to avoid taking a bath or shower until the drains have been removed.
 
Within the first couple of days after surgery, expect your breasts to be sore and swollen. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for a week or two to ease this discomfort. Using ice packs on your chest on the day after your surgery is another way to minimize your discomfort and help you heal faster. Because the points of incision are susceptible to infection, you may also have to take antibiotics.
 
Sleeping after having breast reduction surgery can be a challenge. Your physician will probably advise you to sleep in a sitting or upright position for about two weeks after your surgery.
 
Be aware that your breasts are going to “feel” different. Along with experiencing numbness of both the nipple and the breast, the skin on your breasts may feel different as it attempts to heal itself from the trauma of surgery. Although some breast reduction patients report experiencing these strange feelings for a short period of time, others may have them permanently.
 
During this period, your doctor will advise you to:
  • Avoid lifting, bending or exercising: Refrain from performing any activity that is strenuous on your upper body for one to four weeks after your surgery. Even if you are feeling “better,” do not start to exercise without your doctor’s approval.

  • Moisturize your breasts: At least one time each day, apply lotion to them, avoiding your sutures to prevent infection. The sutures will be removed between one and three weeks post surgery.

  • Wearing a sports bra, a surgical bra or an ace bandage: These garments give you extra support during the recovery process. Your doctor can advise you on how long you need to wear these supportive garments. Typically, breast reduction patients wear surgical or sport bras for about four weeks after surgery.
Do not hesitate to call your doctor if you are showing signs of having an infection. The following could indicate infection:
  • having a fever
  • pus oozing the sutures
  • sutures popping.
Two or three weeks after your breast reduction surgery, patients can generally return to work, as long on their jobs don’t require strenuous activities. By this point, most of the swelling and bruising should have subsided. You may also start to notice that any numbness that you felt earlier is starting to go away.

After Four Weeks…

Do not be surprised if your breasts continue to change in shape for up to six months after your surgery. Individual patients may take longer for their breasts to fully recovery and settle into their new frame.
 
The biggest factor to deal with during this period is the emotional stress and potential depression patients feel. In fact, feelings of depression are common as patients deal with a lack of sleep, the side effects of pain medication and/or anesthesia and the side effects of the pain itself.
 
In addition, all of the anticipation and excitement about the breast reduction surgery can give way to the tedium of waiting to see how you look, which can take six months or so. If your depression deepens, contact your physician so that you can receive the proper treatment for this mood disorder.

Maintaining your Breast Reduction

Your breasts should remain a relatively consistent size, after all is said and done, unless you gain a lot of weight, lose a lot of weight or become pregnant. Keep in mind also that, while the initial results will likely lift the breasts, the natural aging process will eventually lead to sagging breasts.
 
Make sure that you understand what to expect while you are recovering before you make the decision to have breast reduction surgery. Do not be afraid to ask your physician questions. The better informed you are, the more likely you that you will get through the process with little complications.
 
Resources
 
BreastReduction4u (2007). Post Operative Depression: More Common than You Think. Retrieved August 20, 2007, from the BreastReduction4u Web site: http://www.breastreduction4you.com/postop_depression.htm.
 
Docshop (2007). Breast Reduction Recovery. Retrieved August 20, 2007, from the Docshop Web site: http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/breast/reduction/
recovery/.
 
Mayo Clinic (2007). Breast Reduction Surgery: Reducing Your Breast Size. Retrieved August 20, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-reduction/WO00021.
 
PlasticSurgery4u (2007). Breast Reduction Mammaplasty. Retrieved August 20, 2007, from the PlasticSurgery4u Web site: http://www.plasticsurgery4u.com/procedure_folder/breast_red_
after.html.
 
Prplastic (n.d.). Results of Breast Reduction. Retrieved August 20, 2007, from the Prplastic Web site: http://www.prplastic.com/BreastReduction_results.htm.
 
SmartBreastReduction (2007). Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery. Retrieved August 20, 2007, from the SmartBreastReduction Web site: http://www.smartbreastreduction.com/recovery.html.