Many patients look to breast reduction surgery to reshape and reduce their breast size and also to ease some physical ailments. After the surgery, some have concerns about the breast reduction recovery process and have lots of questions about what to expect in the days following their surgery.
Contents
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
This is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reduces the size and weight of large, heavy breasts, helping to create a more esthetically pleasing breast contour that is better proportioned to a patient’s body. By removing excess breast tissue, fat, and sagging, stretched skin, a cosmetic surgeon can not only make the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer but also improve breast symmetry and eliminate sagging. Breast reduction surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia.
Breast Reduction Recovery
After Surgery
When your surgery is complete, the incisions will be bandaged and a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. You will then be moved to a recovery room where you will be supervised for a short time before going home to continue your breast reduction recovery. Your chest will be bandaged, and you might go home in a surgical bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
During your breast reduction recovery period, expect to feel tired – this is normal. Your surgeon will give you an oral painkiller to ease you through the first few days after surgery. The recovery time from breast reduction surgery is different for each person because it depends on their natural healing rate and the extent of surgery performed.
At Home
It is essential to follow your cosmetic surgeon’s regarding activity after breast reduction. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for you incisions since it will depend on what type of breast reduction you get.
You should be able to walk around the first day after your surgery, but for the first 24 hours, have an adult with you to monitor you and help you carry things because it’s important to avoid heavy lifting during your breast reduction recovery until you’re healed. A few days after surgery, you may shower, but you will not have the full range of motion across your chest and arms, so you will probably need help getting dressed and performing other tasks.
You will need to take at least one week off from work or school. Some people need two weeks, but each situation varies. Most patients can drive again when they are no longer taking any prescription pain medication. Your surgeon will have you wait at least 3 to 4 weeks before you can exercise again to help make sure that the incisions heal properly. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow-up appointments for removing bandages and stitches
Contact Us
Breast reduction recovery is a fairly straight forward process and your surgeon will guide you through the entire process. If you have questions or would like to schedule a breast reduction consultation, please contact the experts here at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery today.