Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast Reduction surgery offers relief from the physical and other challenges associated with overly large breasts.

If you are considering Breast Reduction Surgery, here is a thorough guide of what to expect during the Breast Reduction recovery process.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction Surgery, also known as Reduction Mammaplasty, is intended to reduce the size of your breasts by removing excess breast tissue and skin, whilst lifting and reshaping. Overly large breasts often cause physical discomfort, including back, neck and shoulder pain. Since commencing specialist private practice in 2007, Dr Dona has continued to refine his surgical techniques and provides an individualised surgical plan to address each patient’s individual concerns. First and foremost, Breast Reduction surgery is performed for medical and functional reasons – relieving pain and discomfort.

Breast Reduction Recovery Tips

After Breast Reduction surgery, allowing your body enough time to heal and recover is essential for achieving optimal results. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and guidelines to ensure an optimal recovery. Below are some general guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery.

• Carefully follow post-operative instructions. It is critical that you adhere to the post-operative guidelines provided by Dr Dona. These instructions may include wearing a surgical bra, taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
• Allow yourself enough time to rest and recover after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, and vigorous exercise during the initial healing period of four weeks. If you have young children, it is advisable to have a support system in place to assist with childcare duties while you prioritise your healing process. Most patients require two weeks off work to allow for initial recovery and rest. Sedentary or desk-based jobs may allow for a sooner return to work, possibly within a week. However more physically demanding jobs, that involve strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects, may require additional time off work to ensure a proper healing process. You can gradually reintroduce physical activities and exercises when advised by Dr Dona, at approximately four to six weeks, and increase the intensity over time. 
• Effective management of pain and discomfort. It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort after breast reduction surgery for a couple of weeks. Take the prescribed prophylactic antibiotics and pain medications as directed by Dr Dona to manage pain and discomfort. These medications may lead to constipation as a side effect, so it is advised that you focus on hydration, consuming an adequate amount of dietary fibre, and, if necessary, using laxatives. For the first few weeks, it is recommended that you sleep on your back, prioritising comfort and avoiding stress on the surgical
• Ensure appropriate care for your surgical wounds. Dr Dona will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incision sites, including gentle cleaning, avoiding moisture and keeping them clear from bacteria. Following these guidelines helps minimise the risk of infection and promotes proper healing.
• Wear the provided post-operative supportive bra. Dr Dona will provide you with a surgical bra to wear during the first six weeks of your recovery period. This bra will provide additional support and minimise movement of the breasts, which will reduce swelling, alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Following these six weeks, you will be able to get fitted for your new bras.
• Make adequate nutrition and hydration a priority during your post-surgery recovery period. It is essential to provide your body with the necessary nutrients and fluids to support the healing process. Consuming or inhaling any nicotine-based products, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes, should also be avoided for the two weeks prior to and after surgery as it impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications.
• Reach out for both physical and emotional support. It’s important to understand that breast reduction recovery can be intense and involves not only physical healing but also emotional adjustment. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and seek support if needed.
• Stay in touch with your surgeon. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Dona are essential during the recovery period. These appointments allow Dr Dona to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to your post-operative care. Communicate openly with Dr Dona and be prepared to report any concerns, unusual symptoms, or changes in your condition promptly.
• Remember that surgery recovery is a highly personal experience. Avoid comparing your recovery progress to that of others, as each individual’s healing journey is unique, so it is essential to be patient with your body and allow sufficient time for healing.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY? THE BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY TIMELINE

Immediately After Surgery

What to expect when you wake up:

• Drains and Wound Care: Two plastic tubes or drains are usually placed adjacent to your wounds on your left and right side.
• Intravenous Therapy: You will have at least one drip in place to give you intravenous fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics
• Supplemental Oxygen: You will have either nasal prongs or an oxygen mask designed to give you supplemental oxygen.
• Surgical Bra: You will be fitted into a surgical bra to control swelling and reduce discomfort.
• Breathing: The surgical pain and heaviness in the chest will typically cause you to take shallow breaths after waking. Therefore, it is essential to consciously take 5-10 slow deep breaths every hour to prevent lung complications.

Most of Dr Dona’s patients will leave the hospital on the same day as their breast reduction surgery. This approach is known as same-day surgery. Dr Dona will assess your suitability for same-day discharge based on factors such as your overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and the support system you have at home. Some patients may require an overnight stay for observation, especially if there are additional procedures performed simultaneously or if there are any post-operative concerns. Either way, Dr Dona will ensure that you receive the necessary post-operative instructions and follow-up care to support your recovery.

After your surgery, it is normal to experience pain, discomfort, and stiffness in your upper body. You can manage these symptoms by taking prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as needed.

Nausea may also occur after general anaesthesia, but our specialist anaesthetists will ensure that it is well-managed and subsides quickly. You may wish to opt for lighter meals, such as soup, until any nausea subsides.

Expect swelling in the upper part of your breasts, which may worsen in the first few days. Additionally, the lower part of your breasts (underboob) may feel tight and appear flat initially, and it may take several months for this to resolve.

You can have a quick shower to freshen up, ensuring to keep your bandage on and removing only your surgical bra during showering. Pat dry.

It is critical to have someone with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery to ensure immediate assistance is available as needed during your recovery.

One Week after Surgery

During your recovery, it is recommended to engage in slow and gentle mobilisation and walking while avoiding activities such as heavy lifting, straining, or stretching. You may be able to resume light office-based desk work one week following surgery. If you feel comfortable and are no longer taking pain medication, you may also consider driving, ensuring that you are confident in operating a vehicle.

The wounds are stitched using several layers of internal dissolving sutures and some external. If any external visible sutures have been used, they will be removed at your one-week post-operative appointment. These wounds will be covered using waterproof dressings and it is essential to avoid excessive moisture by abstaining from swimming or taking baths, even after suture removal. Moisture can increase the risk of infection and slow down the healing process, so ensure you avoid getting it excessively wet in the first couple of weeks.

Two to Three Weeks after Surgery

During this stage of your recovery, many patients begin to feel more comfortable as the swelling subsides. However, it is important to exercise caution as most issues, both immediate and long-term, can arise during this period. Remember that your surgical site is still fragile, and complications may occur if you resume normal activities sooner than advised. Patience is crucial at this stage. You should start incorporating scar massaging into your routine to promote softening and settling of the scars, which may be required for several months.

Four to Six Weeks after Surgery

At this stage of your recovery, most of your swelling will have settled, allowing you to get professionally fitted for new bras and clothing. Since you are beyond the stage of compromising your results, you can gradually resume normal physical activity guided by your comfort level.

You may experience numbness, pins and needles, shooting pains, tightness and burning in the breasts, chest, armpits and arms but most of these will gradually resolve over the first six weeks. However, it is normal to experience permanent patches of numbness adjacent to the scars.

Six Months after Surgery

Generally, most of the swelling will resolve within the first few weeks to a couple of months. By six months, the residual swelling will begin to disappear, the upper pole fullness will gradually diminish, and the breast underboob will drop and assume a more rounded shape. So, by this point, your breasts will have settled, and the final results become more visible. At this stage, an assessment of your final surgical outcome will be performed.

You will be required to be seen for regular post-operative appointments for at least the first six months after surgery. Follow-up appointments will be shared between the practice nurses and Dr Eddy Dona.

It’s important to note that no surgery can halt the natural ageing process. After achieving your final surgical results, changes will continue to occur due to factors such as ageing, gravity, weight fluctuations, childbirth, breastfeeding, hormones, and genetics.

How Long is The Recovery for a Breast Reduction?

Recovery after surgery varies for each individual, but there are general milestones and guidelines to expect during recovery:

• Begin gentle walking immediately after surgery.
• Avoid driving for one week.
• You can typically return to light office work after one week.
• After two weeks, you can engage in longer walks with caution.
• Most of the pain subsides within two weeks.
• Consider resuming normal lifting and physical activities after four weeks.
• Normal bras and clothing can be worn after six weeks.
• Expect a return to normal sleeping patterns after six weeks.
• The shape of your breasts will have settled after six months.
• Scars fully mature and heal between 12 to 18 months.

It is important to follow Dr Dona’s specific instructions and consult with him regarding your individual recovery timeline and any modifications to these general guidelines based on your unique circumstances.

How long after Breast Reduction Surgery Can I Start Driving Again?

You will be advised that you should not consider driving for the first week after surgery. Your decision to drive depends on how comfortable you are feeling and the cessation of pain medication or any medication that may alter your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

When Can I Return to Exercise After Surgery?

The timing for returning to exercise after breast reduction surgery will depend on your individual circumstances and should be discussed with Dr Dona, but typically you should be mobile enough to gently walk around the same day as your procedure.

You can undertake brisk walking after two weeks, and then light to moderate exercise can be resumed around four weeks post-surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercise that raises your heart rate or blood pressure, and strains or stretches your upper body muscles in the beginning of the first month.

Consider the first four weeks as a recovery phase, and beyond that, view your progress as rehabilitation. Take it week by week, gradually reintroducing yourself to normal physical activity with short and light training sessions, allowing your body’s comfort levels to guide you. You know your body best.

How Long Should I Take off Work after Breast Reduction Surgery?

For most patients, a two-week period of time off work is recommended to facilitate initial recovery and rest, with the possibility of returning to sedentary or desk-based jobs as early as one week; however, physically demanding occupations involving strenuous activities or heavy lifting may require an extended leave to ensure adequate healing. It is important to consult with Dr Dona to determine the most appropriate timeframe for you to take off work, but as a general rule, two to four weeks is to be expected.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Recovery Hurt?

The level of pain experienced during Breast Reduction surgery recovery will vary from person to person. While some people may experience mild discomfort or manageable pain, others may experience more intense pain during the initial stages of recovery. It is expected to feel soreness, tightness, and some degree of discomfort throughout the chest area. However, your specialist anaesthetists that works together with Dr Dona will provide you with appropriate pain management strategies, such as prescribed pain medications, to help alleviate any discomfort. It’s important to communicate your pain levels with Dr Dona’s team, as they will provide guidance and adjust the pain management plan as needed.

How Should I Sleep after Breast Reduction Surgery?

Many patients find that sleeping on their back, slightly elevated, or in a recliner chair during the initial days after surgery offers the most comfort. It is important to consider that you might require assistance with getting up and down during the first few days of recovery. After four to six weeks, you will be able to sleep in any position you feel comfortable in.

When Can I Resume Sexual Activity after Breast Reduction Surgery?

You can safely return to sexual activity at any stage with the following understanding:

• Refrain from sexual activities that raise your heart rate and blood pressure during the initial weeks, as this may increase the risk of swelling or bleeding complications.
• Avoid applying firm pressure or vigorous manipulation to the surgical area or wounds for the first four weeks.
• If you choose to engage in sexual activity within the first four weeks, adopt a passive role.
• Keep in mind that any physical activities involving strain, exertion or stretching of the upper body muscles should be avoided for the initial four-week period.
• Ensure your sexual partner understands the need for gentleness and consideration following the surgery.

How Should I Care for My Incisions and Manage Scarring after Breast Reduction Surgery?

To care for your incisions and manage scarring after breast reduction surgery, follow Dr Dona’s instructions diligently. General guidelines can be followed as below.

• Ensure you follow all post-operative instructions and attend all scheduled clinic appointments so the appropriate care can be provided by our team.
• Refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It’s best to refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake during the recovery period.
• Avoid extreme sun exposure. Sun exposure can cause discolouration and make scars more noticeable. Keep the incisions protected from direct sunlight for several months after surgery. If you need to go outside in direct sunlight, use sunscreen with a high SPF and cover the incisions with protective clothing.
• Avoid activities that strain or stretch the incisions in the first couple of weeks.
• Wear recommended compression garments.
• You should start incorporating scar massaging into your routine to promote softening and settling of the scars.
• Your surgical team may recommend applying specific ointments or creams to promote healing and minimise scarring. Follow their instructions regarding the type of scarring cream and frequency of the application.
• Most importantly – be patient with the healing process. Scarring takes time to fade and improve. It’s important to be patient and understand that the appearance of scars will gradually improve over several months.

Breast Reduction Surgery Risk of Post-Operative Complications

All surgery carries potential risks. To find out more about Breast Reduction risks go to our webpage. LEARN MORE

As with any surgical procedure, there are always risks involved. Breast reduction surgery carries potential risks of post-operative complications, although they are generally uncommon. These risks include infection, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, changes in nipple sensation, scarring, asymmetry, difficulties with breastfeeding, allergic reactions, and rare occurrences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

To reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after breast reduction surgery, several measures can be taken. Dr Dona recommends early mobilisation, which involves getting out of bed and moving around as soon as possible after the surgery. He also applies special massage devices to the legs during the surgery and encourages you to wriggle your feet after surgery. Together, this helps to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots from forming in your leg veins. In addition to this, a blood-thinning medication, called Clexane, is given to you during the surgery to further reduce the risk of blood clots forming. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions and communicate any concerns or symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or shortness of breath to your healthcare provider promptly.

The Road to Breast Reduction Recovery

With few exceptions, women seeking Breast Reduction surgery and doing so for the primary purpose of addressing all the functional and medical problems associated with excessively large breasts. Aesthetics is a secondary bonus in Breast Reduction surgery. The procedure can alleviate chronic pain and discomfort while enhancing mobility, posture, and overall physical activity levels.