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.
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:
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
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
There are several things you can do to ensure a successful recovery from breast reduction surgery:
Here are a few additional tips to help you recover from your breast reduction surgery:
Healthy eating, staying hydrated and resting go a long way in healing the recovery process.
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:
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.
You should contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following during your recovery:
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.
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.
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.
The majority of ladies are back at work at 2 weeks following their 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”
