Breast Reduction

What to expect after surgery (Post-Op)

After your procedure, your doctor may insert surgical drains to reduce fluid buildup in the area surrounding the incision. Your breasts will also be dressing in gauze and may be wrapped with elastic bandages. You may also be placed in a special surgical bra for the first few days. You will not be able to shower or bathe following a Breast Reduction until the surgical drains are removed, but you may sponge bath.

Recovery

Depending on the physical demands of your job, you can expect to be able to return to work within one to two weeks following your Breast Reduction. Your doctor will provide detailed recovery instructions for caring for your breasts following surgery. You'll be advised to rest and keep activity to a minimum for the first week and to avoid strenuous activity, pushing and overhead or heavy lifting for several weeks following your Breast Reduction. You may resume a light exercise regimen after four to six weeks. It's recommended that you avoid caring for young children immediately after a Breast Reduction.

Following a Breast reduction, your breasts will be sore, swollen and bruised. You may also experience mild to moderate discomfort. Your doctor will most likely prescribe medication to help manage pain along with an antibiotic to prevent infection. Swelling and bruising will generally subside within a few weeks following a Breast Reduction. Residual swelling may continue for several months. Gauze dressings and elastic bandages typically remain in place for the first two to three days. After these dressings are removed, you will need to wear a soft surgical bra for support.

Wearing a surgical bra after a Breast reduction will help maintain the shape and contour of the breast following surgery. Any stitches or sutures will be removed one to two weeks following your Breast Reduction. Scars around the incision areas will be red or pink in color, and will remain this way for many months, but will eventually begin to fade. Sensation in the breasts and nipples including numbness or hypersensitivity and sporadic pain may persist for several months following a Breast Reduction.

You may be asked to apply ice packs to your chest on the first few days following your Breast Reduction. It's normally recommended that you apply moisturizer to your breasts daily after a Breast Reduction, but you cannot apply lotion to any incisions sites or taped areas. It will be necessary to sleep in an upright position and not sleep on your stomach for the first two weeks after a Breast Reduction.

Significant complications resulting from Breast Reduction surgery are uncommon. Thousands of women undergo Breast Reduction surgery every year and experience no major problems. These Breast reductions are successful and these women are pleased with the results. Anyone considering a Breast Reduction, however, should discuss the benefits and the risks of the procedure with their plastic surgeon.

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