Reduction mammoplasty, commonly referred to as breast reduction, removes glandular and fatty tissue from the breasts. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and has a significant recovery period. Your recovery depends on several factors. If you know how to care for your incisions, manage the discomfort, and follow your doctor’s orders, you will be well on your way to obtaining the best possible appearance and general body relief after your plastic surgery. Here are some things to expect after you have this procedure.
Right after the surgery
When you wake up from the procedure, you will find that you’re wearing an elastic bandage or surgical bra. Underneath this would be the gauze and dressings protecting the cuts. You will also have sutures and drainage tubes, and these will stay for a few days after the procedure.
You will also receive post-operative care instructions after your surgery. Follow them carefully so you can heal swiftly. Your plastic surgeon will give you a list of oral and topical medications for your incisions. Purchase these immediately—they will help reduce the risk of infection. You will also get instructions on when to schedule follow-up visits.
During the first seven days
You may need assistance in washing and bathing in the first week after your surgery. It is not recommended that you raise your arms without discomfort, so you should arrange for help and get a family member or a close friend to assist you, if possible.
Also, your breasts may be tender for most of the week. Don’t be worried about swelling and bruising; these will gradually fade. In addition to these, expect dryness and itching around the surgical area, especially as it heals.
After the first two weeks
About one to three weeks after your plastic surgery, you will get your stitches removed. You could also be cleared to return to work around this time, but that depends on your type of job. Although you can go back to the office, avoid lifting heavy objects for a while longer, and do not engage in strenuous activity engaging the upper body or significantly elevating your heart rate will be allowed upon the go-ahead from your plastic surgeon.
Also, even after the gauze and dressings go, you may need to wear the surgical bra. It will have to stay for a few weeks; it helps control the swelling, holds the breasts in place, and ‘trains’ the tissue to conform to its new contours. If you still experience swelling at this time, reduce your sodium intake and stay hydrated.
What to know about long-term recovery
Everyone recovers from surgery differently, so each breast reduction case is unique. Some patients could feel hypersensitivity in the area with incisions, while others might feel numbness for up to a year after the procedure. Others might not even feel these sensations at all. Furthermore, people heal differently from this procedure. Some people, depending on several skin factors such as age, genetics, skin color, etc., scar more easily than others, and they might have more visible marks that could fade over time.
Finally, during the first menstrual cycle after the procedure, women might experience swelling or tenderness around the breasts. This is entirely normal; patients might continue to experience intermittent discomfort, especially during menstruation, months after the surgery.
Conclusion
Healing from surgery requires you to be patient and mindful of your plastic surgeon’s instructions. If not, you could risk prolonging the recovery period. Regular communication with the specialist before and after the procedure will help you ensure the best outcome.
At Peninsula Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, we are committed to quality, safety, and customer care. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. certifies our plastic surgery center in Torrance, CA, ensuring we meet the gold standard in patient safety. Get in touch with us today to schedule your first appointment!