Breast reduction surgery recovery can be a strenuous process. Follow these tips to ensure a speedy recovery. 

 

Believe it or not, breast reduction is amongst the most popular plastic surgery procedures. There are a lot of women who hate having large boobs and a variety of problems that come with it.

A breast reduction procedure minimizes the size of breasts to bring them in proportion to the rest of the body. It is quite an invasive procedure that is performed under general anesthesia and hence involves an intensive recovery period. The recovery process will look different for everyone and is based on multiple different factors; genetics, pain tolerance, type of surgical technique, amount of breast tissue removed, and how well you follow pre and post-surgical instructions.

It is important to be fully aware of the ins and outs of the procedure. The better prepared you are for the recovery, the quicker you will be able to heal and enjoy the results of the surgery.

BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY TIMELINE

Let’s have a look at the breast reduction recovery timeline:

1-3 Days Post-Surgery

These three days will certainly be the most difficult ones. Post the surgery, your breasts will be covered with sterile dressings and a surgical bra to hold all the incisions and stitches in place. In certain cases, the surgeon will place in the drains to get rid of excess fluid. Your breasts will be quite swollen at this time and will stay like it for the next few days.

Expect to feel tired, weak, nauseous, and sleepy as the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. At this point, avoid showering for 48 hours post-surgery.

Stick to all the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon. Take all your medication, including pain killers and antibiotics, on time. Take care of your incisions as per the instructions provided by your surgeon. Make sure to have someone around you at all times for at least the first week or two of recovery. You can ask a family member friend or hire someone to help you around. A great way is to book yourself in a recovery center.

1-2 Week Post-Surgery

In about 5-14 days after your surgery, you might feel quite tired. Make sure that you are still taking a lot of rest. During this time, take short walks around the house to help with the circulation. Your body is still healing and needs a lot of care. Your swelling will slowly start to come down. The bruising will still be pretty much there during this time frame.

Most surgeons use absorbable sutures, which will start to dissolve around the two-week marker. At this point, you might start on the silicone sheet and gel treatments that will allow your scars to heal. Be mindful of how you move around the house and avoid lifting heavy projects. Most surgeons will not allow you to go back to work during the first two weeks post-surgery.

2-4 Weeks Post Surgery

You will slowly start to feel like yourself again and return to your normal activities. However, avoid any movements that can lead to discomfort. Most people will also experience itching sensations. Please resist your urge to scratch the skin. Swelling will be visibly reduced. Make sure to wear a comfortable, wire-free bra during this time frame. Stay clear of all strenuous activities as well as lifting any heavyweights.

4-6 Weeks Post Surgery

Once a month has passed, your energy will return to normal, and you will feel more comfortable delving into your daily activities. Your stitches will be gone by now.

In most cases, the surgeon will allow you to resume light exercising, baths, and wearing normal bras. By six weeks, most people can sleep on their stomach or the side and gain most of their strength back.

 

PAIN AND BREAST REDUCTIONS

It is common and expected to have incisional pain post breast reduction surgery. Most patients who experience back and neck pain as a result of heavy breasts will sense immediate relief post the surgery. It essentially feels like a weight is taken off the chest.

It is normal to experience nausea once you wake up. This is primarily due to general anesthesia. Make sure to consume your pain medications timely to keep the pain at bay. Most people will be able to get off their medication in about three to seven days post-surgery.

 

SCARRING AND BREAST REDUCTIONS

Scarring is bound to occur with all sorts of incisions. Any skilled plastic surgeon will follow the meticulous technique to minimize the visibility of scars. Most of the scars will fade over time if you take proper care of yourself post-surgery. Other factors that impact the appearance of scars include genetics, age, and skin tone.

Here are a few tips to follow to minimize the appearance of scars:

• Consume a healthy, protein-rich diet to help your body heal.
• Do not opt for any activities that put stress on your incisions.
• Follow all post-procedure instructions carefully to heal completely.
• Use silicone gel and sheet post-surgery to minimize the formation of scar tissues.
• You can look into post-procedure scar treatments once you are fully healed.

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR A SPEEDY BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY

Here are some additional tips that will help you out:

• Have someone to help you for at least the first week.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep for a minimum of 8 hours a day.
• Do not lift heavy weights for 3 to 4 weeks.
• Drink loads of water and stay hydrated.
• Avoid foods that are high in sugar and salt.
• Do not use hydrogen peroxide/alcohol on your incisions.
• Walk lightly around your house to prevent blood clots.

Final Takeaway

You need to make sure that you have an amazing relationship with your surgeon, and he can answer all your questions in advance. Stick to all the pre and post-surgical instruction. A wise way to go about recovery is booking yourself in a recovery center. That way, you will have peace of your mind and have all your needs taken care of in one place. If you have any further questions about the recovery, feel free to reach out to us.

Recovering from surgery can be a stressful and difficult time. To help yourself prepare, here are 5 tips and tricks for post surgery recovery.

Undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery is a very exciting time for most patients. It results in improved looks, self-esteem, and body image. With surgery comes the recovery phase. Every patient wishes to accelerate the post surgery recovery process and feel like themselves again. It is only after recovery when patients can actually enjoy the results of the surgery and return to their usual routine.

While each patient and surgery is different, there are certain tips everyone can follow to speed up post surgery recovery. Multiple variables impact the healing and you need customized care at this point. You have to follow the instructions given by your surgeon at all costs. Most plastic surgeons will tailor the recovery process to fit the needs of their patients. Listen to them.

Certain tips are universal in regards to the recovery of each cosmetic surgery. Following these tips will boost the recovery:

1. Don’t “Tough It Out”

Pain, bruising, swelling is common part of your body’s healing response post any kind of cosmetic surgery. A lot of patients wish to push through the pain or ignore it altogether. It is not a wise way to go about it as you will end up feeling miserable.

If you experience any pain during the process despite taking all the medication, it is important to connect with your surgeon. It is not the time to toughen up, it is time to listen to your body.

2. Move Around

Most surgeons will ask you to take plenty of rest during the recovery phase. Do not confuse it with lying in bed all day long. It is important to move around a bit every single day to boost circulation and minimize the levels of pain.

In the beginning, walking around in your room for 5 to 10 minutes a day, twice a day is enough. You can also follow it up with gentle stretching within a couple of weeks. Your surgeon will give you in-depth instructions regarding the activity level. Do not overdo it. Some activity on a regular basis will kick start your healing journey.

3. Quit Strenuous Activities

It might seem counterintuitive especially when you have just read the first point. However, any form of strenuous activity and exercise such as running/weight lifting can set back your post surgery recovery journey. I know you want to return back to your daily activities but your body needs a certain time to recover.

Working out can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of bruising, inflammation, and bleeding. Patients who jump into vigorous workout routines too soon after the surgery can experience serious complications including reopening of incisions, formation of seroma, and bleeding. Even if you feel completely ready to hit the gym, it is best to get approval from your surgeon.

4. Realistic Expectations

Keep in mind that your recovery is a process. You will slowly start to feel better. Sometimes, things get worse before they start to feel good. Nearly all people who undergo cosmetic surgery procedures experience some level of bruising and swelling. You will not see the complete results of the surgeries for a few weeks, months, and sometimes even longer. Let your body heal in its due time.

It is important to plan your recovery. A good way to start would be taking a few weeks off from work. It is important to cancel all the social and family commitments during this time frame. Arrange for someone to help you around the house within the initial phases of recovery. Trust me when I say, you’ll need more help than you think you need.

If you don’t have a family member or a friend to take care of you, it is important to book yourself a place in a post op care recovery center. Not all centers are equal. Do your research and select the one which matches all your needs.

5. Do Not Smoke

This is universal for all surgeries. If you are a smoker, you have to quit smoking at least 8 weeks before and after undergoing the procedure. Smoking negatively impacts the healing process. It impacts the circulation, delays healing, and leads to serious post-surgical complications. The same is the case with alcohol as it has the same impact.

Additional Tips that Can Help

• Apply ice packs to minimize swelling and feel comfortable during the initial phases of recovery.
• Make sure to wear compression garments if your surgeon has instructed you to do so.
• Take care of your incisions as per the instructions given by your surgeon. Avoid getting them wet, apply the topical ointments given by your surgeon and look out for any signs of infection.
• Sleep in a position that relieves pressure on the treatment site. For an instant, if you have gotten a boob job, sleep on your back. If you have undergone a facelift, sleep on your back with your head in an alleviated position.
• Always, always, I repeat always go for the follow-up visits. Do not skip on them. They are as important as the surgery itself.

Every Patient Needs Unique Care

It is important to keep in mind that the post surgery recovery process is different for different people. The recovery will differ for each patient based on the type and number of procedures. Your surgical team will advise a suitable plan for a safe and healthy recovery. Following all the tips mentioned in this article will boost recovery.

It is important to note that the recovery process involves physical and emotional components. You have to be patient with yourself, listen to your body and you will surely be on the other end shortly.

Generally, the best way to go about recovery is by booking yourself in a recovery center. You can ask your plastic surgeon to recommend you certain options. Do your research prior to selecting the one. If you have any more questions regarding recovery, leave them down in the comments section below and we will get back to you shortly.

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