With the right care and preparation, breast reduction recovery can be quite easy to navigate, the initial recovery period lasting for as little as three to four weeks. Following the right steps and knowing what to avoid throughout your recovery will help you to achieve the best results and minimise risks and complications.
Since a breast reduction is a personalised procedure, with varying procedure steps per patient, you will be provided with your own list of recovery instructions when you visit Form & Face Clinic in Sydney. In the meantime, we can provide you with a general guide to recovery, so that you can familiarise yourself with what breast reduction recovery typically involves. In this article, we will outline how to recover from breast reduction surgery, including what to expect, how to care for your incisions, and when you can return to your normal activities.
What to expect after a breast reduction
After your breast reduction surgery, you will need to spend some time in the recovery room to be monitored before being sent home. You will likely be given pain medication and antibiotics to help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. You will also be given a compression garment to wear over your incisions, which will help reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
In the early days of your breast reduction recovery, it is normal to experience swelling, pain, tenderness and bruising around the breasts. You may also feel tightness in your chest, and your breasts may feel heavy or stiff. Generally, these normal bodily reactions to surgery should begin to subside within about one week. As for initial scarring, this will lighten throughout recovery, becoming less noticeable.
It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and take your pain medication as prescribed to help manage these symptoms. If you ever have any concerns or questions during your recovery, you should contact your surgeon for advice.
What to do during your breast reduction recovery
To have an efficient and fuss-free breast reduction recovery, you will want to follow your provided list of recovery instructions that will be tailored to the details of your personalised procedure. You should also get organised before your surgery, planning ahead for your recovery.
It’s important to make arrangements to take time off work to get a sufficient amount of rest, and arrange for someone to help you around the house during the first few days of your recovery. You should also fill any prescriptions in advance and stock up on essential items such as comfortable clothing, items to help with wound care and items such as ice packs to manage swelling or pain.
If you are provided with pain medication, it’s important to take your medication as prescribed and keep track of your pain levels to help your doctor adjust your medication if necessary. In addition to taking pain medication, there are other ways to manage pain and discomfort during your recovery. For example, you can use a cold compress to help reduce swelling, or you can use a pillow or cushion to support your breasts while you sleep. You can also try gentle exercises, such as deep breathing or light stretching, to help improve your circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Typically, you will need to wear a postoperative bra to help sculpt the breasts to their new shape and reduce swelling. The duration that you will need to wear the bra will depend on your personalised procedure steps, so make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, keeping the area clean and preventing complications such as infection. Your instructions will include how frequently to change bandages or apply any ointments, and what to avoid to prevent irritating the area.
Throughout your breast reduction recovery, you should monitor your health to ensure that you aren’t showing any signs of potential complications. It’s important to attend all of your follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery and ensure that you are healing properly. During your follow-up appointments, your doctor will also be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have, so it is a good opportunity for you to ensure that you are taking the right steps to healing efficiently and achieving the best results.
After three to four weeks, you can begin to slowly return to your normal activities, such as light exercise, driving, and other routine activities. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid doing anything that causes pain. Ultimately, don’t push yourself and be patient with your body. Every patient will recover at a different rate, so do not be discouraged if you feel you need to wait longer to return to your normal daily routine than you may have expected.
What to avoid
While there are some positive steps you can take during your recovery, there are some potentially aggravating actions that you will need to avoid to ensure the best results.
Getting plenty of rest is crucial for your body to heal properly after breast reduction surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise for about two to four weeks, and heavy or overhead lifting for about four to six weeks.
After wearing a post-operative bra, you should avoid wearing any bras with underwire for about three months. You should also avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications, as this can prolong healing time. Additionally, you should avoid smoking. Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or other smoking cessation methods.
When caring for your incision sites, you will need to keep your incisions clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. You should avoid soaking in a bath or swimming during your recovery, and you should avoid wearing tight clothing that may rub against your incisions. You should also avoid being in excessive heat to prevent infection or irritation. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge at your incisions, you should contact your surgeon immediately, as these may be signs of infection.
Why to choose Dr Norris
With over 20 years of experience, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Benjamin Norris takes a patient-centred approach, tailoring the steps of every breast reduction procedure to meet the needs of each individual patient. He specialises in cosmetic surgery of the breast and body, aiming to perform effective procedures with minimal scarring as a result.
Committed to staying up to date with the latest techniques in cosmetic surgery, Dr Norris is passionate about achieving the best results possible for every patient. To learn more about Dr Benjamin Norris, click here.
If you think you would like to undergo a breast reduction procedure, contact us today to book your consultation at Form & Face Clinic in Sydney.