Breast Reduction Recovery

What to Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?

You will need between two and six weeks to make a full recovery. During that time it is important to take a week away from work and rest as much as possible.
 

• You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks.

• You may get tired easily or have less energy than usual.

• You may experience bruising, swelling, discomfort, and numbness.

What are the Tips That Can Help the Breast Reduction Healing Process?

For a fast, smooth and straightforward recovery from breast reduction surgery there are some tips that the individual has to obey...
 

• While sleeping or resting it is important to keep your chest elevated.

• You must avoid sleeping on your face which will put pressure on your breasts.

• Always wear a soft and supporting bra which will keep the breast in the proper position.

• Smoot exercises will improve blood circulation which has positive effects on healing and minimize the risk of developing a blood clot.

• Positive vibes are the key to faster recovery.

• Take your medications on time.

• Pay attention to your diet. Simple, unprocessed, home food with low sodium will help minimize swelling.

• Drinking plenty of water will affect positively on healing process.

• Compression garments help to prevent the incision from stretching, control inflammation and swelling.

What is the Breast Reduction Timeline?

1 to 3 Days After Surgery

After the breast reduction procedure, you will probably be discharged on the same day or you may be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. Pain is common but can be tolerated with medicines.

The individuals may experience anesthesia-related nausea. After two days the individuals may begin to perform light daily activities, including showering. You can start moving your hands one to two days after the surgery.

1 to 2 Weeks After Surgery

Resting is important to heal, the individuals must avoid driving. During the first week breasts will be tight and swollen. By the second week the side effects will be lessened and the individuals will start to feel more comfortable. The soreness will begin to resolve.

3 to 4 Weeks After Surgery

Swelling continues to go down by the end of 3th week and the individuals feel that their body is healing. You may start to enjoy the new look of your breast reduction results.

4 to 6 Weeks After Surgery

It takes 3-4 months for the swelling to resolve totally. But the entire healing process is almost done in 4 to 6 weeks. The scars can be seen but they will fade or lighten in color in a year's time.
 

What are the Complications That Can Occur After Breast Reduction?

The risks and complications after Breast Reduction vary from person to person. In general the patients may experience;
 

• Breast asymmetry

• Nipple or breast sensation (it can be temporary or permanent)

• Damage to deeper structures (it can be temporary or permanent)

• Excessive firmness of the breast

• Fat necrosis

• Fluid accumulation

• Pain, which may persist

• Possibility of revisional surgery

• Potential inability to breastfeed

• Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other

• Potential, partial or total loss of nipple and areola

Common risks and complications after any cosmetic surgery including Breast Reduction are;
 

• Risk of Allergies; caused by tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents

• Risks caused by Anesthesia (it is same as any other surgical operations has)

• Bleeding (hematoma)

• Blood clots

• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary

• Infection

• Poor wound healing

• Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes,

• Swelling and bruising

• Unfavorable scarring