How long is breast reduction
surgery recovery

• May 7, 2023
• Mr Hyder Ridha

Last updated on April 18, 2024

Breast reduction surgery is a significant operation that can transform your appearance and quality of life. The surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin and reshaping of the remaining breast tissue to create a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing breast.

Knowing about the recovery process following a breast reduction is important to set the correct expectations and in achieving the best possible results from the procedure.

What to Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery Process

Immediately after your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area, where you will be closely monitored. You will be awake having been aroused from the anaesthetic. You will be comfortable with minimal to no discomfort as this would have been controlled with appropriate pain relief during the procedure.

You will have simple dressings on your breasts and will be wearing a breast support garment to help minimise any swelling. Some surgeons also place drains in the breasts if they feel it necessary to remove any excess fluid that may accumulate. The drains are normally removed within 1-2 days.

This procedure is usually performed as a day case but on rare occasions, some people stay in hospital overnight until they are ready to go home. Once discharged, you will need to rest at home for a few days.

You should:

• Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks
• Sleep slightly upright, approximately at 45 degrees to help minimise swelling for the first 3-4 days

You will have simple dressings on your breasts and will be wearing a breast support garment to help minimise any swelling. Some surgeons also place drains in the breasts if they feel it necessary to remove any excess fluid that may accumulate. The drains are normally removed within 1-2 days.

You will be seen by the specialist plastic surgery nurse, one week after your surgery, where your dressings will be removed and the incisions will be checked, cleaned and reaped for a further week.

You will need to wear your support garment for six weeks, and you will need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for that period.

You can expect some bruising and discomfort for the first few weeks, and it is normal for your breasts to feel firm and tight. The swelling will gradually subside over the first few weeks, and you will start to see your final results within a few months.

Many women feel more confident and comfortable after having a breast reduction

Breast Reduction Procedure Recovery Timeline

Most people take approximately 10-14 days off work to recover from breast reduction surgery.

You should not drive for 2 weeks, and you should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.

The change in breast size and shape is obvious immediately. However, it can take three to four months for the swelling to fully resolve.

Most people feel well enough to return to normal activities within a few weeks. However, listening to your body and taking things slowly is essential. It is important to not push yourself too hard too early, as this could cause complications. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your surgeon.

Most patients find the first week to be the most uncomfortable, and thereafter they feel better each week post surgery

Tips for a Successful Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

There are several things you can do to ensure a successful recovery from breast reduction surgery:

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure a successful recovery.
• Take it easy. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
• Wear your support garment. This will help minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
• Sleep slightly elevated at approximately 45 degrees to help minimise swelling.
• Take your pain medication as prescribed. This will help you manage any discomfort you may be feeling and help reduce inflammation.
• Massage and moisturise your scars once they have healed, which is usually 2 weeks after the surgery.
• Attend your follow-up appointment. This is important for your surgeon to check your progress and give you further advice as needed.

Here are a few additional tips to help you recover from your breast reduction surgery:

• Get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal, so get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthily. Eating a healthy diet will help your body heal and recover from surgery.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help your immune system to function and aid in recovery.

Healthy eating, staying hydrated and resting go a long way in healing the recovery process.

Complications During Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Although complications from breast reduction surgery are rare, they can occur. The most common complications include bleeding, infection, change in sensation in the nipples or breast skin, and abnormal scarring. If you experience any of these complications, contact your surgeon immediately.

Other less common complications can include:

• Nipple loss which may be partial or complete
• Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts
• Skin loss
• Recurrence of breast enlargement

Most complications can be treated successfully.

Although rare, there can be a few complications and it is important to discuss these with your surgeon before making any decisions.

When to Call the Doctor During Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

You should contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following during your recovery:

• Fever
• Excessive bleeding or drainage from your incisions
• A sudden increase in pain or swelling in your breasts
• Redness, warmth, or pus coming from your incisions
• Change in the colour of the nipples

In addition to the above-listed symptoms, you should call your doctor if you have any shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequent questions about the topic ‘how long is recovery from breast reduction surgery?’

How painful is breast reduction surgery?

During the procedure, patients are given general anaesthesia, and there is no pain or discomfort during the surgery. Patients can expect to feel sore for two to three days after surgery.

Pain medication will be prescribed to be taken home with you on discharge.

What is the recovery period for breast reduction?

The majority of ladies will have healed by 2 weeks at which point the will be able to return to driving. A full recovery with a return to normal exercise is expected at 6 weeks.

How long till I can go back to work after a breast reduction?

The majority of ladies are back at work at 2 weeks following their surgery.

How long does it take for the final result after reduction surgery?

It usually takes between three to six months for the swelling to fully resolve and the final result manifest.

“Before proceeding with any surgical procedure, patients should seek a second opinion from qualified healthcare practitioners”.

“The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our surgeon is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure”