Breast Reduction Recovery

surgical-bra-binding-strap

Breast reduction, though a very common and safe procedure, is a major surgery that entails some recovery time. Patients undergoing the cosmetic surgery procedure should have a good idea of what to expect during the breast reduction recovery process so they can adequately prepare for it. Below you will find information about what to expect after breast reduction surgery, including information about scars and estimates for recovery time.

Breast Reduction Recovery Time

As with the recovery period following any type of surgery, breast reduction recovery will take time. To better prepare you for the recovery time, we have provided information on what to expect in the weeks and months following breast reduction.

The First Two Weeks

Some bruising and swelling are to be expected during the breast reduction recovery period, but will usually subside in a few weeks. A moisturizer may be used on the breasts to alleviate any itching and dryness, as long as it is not applied directly to the incision sites. Patients should carefully follow all post-op instructions from their doctors to minimize discomfort and speed up the healing process.

For the first two to three days after breast reduction surgery, the patient must wear an elastic bandage or a special surgical bra over gauze and dressings. Once the gauze and dressings are removed, the patient will continue to wear the surgical bra for the next several weeks of breast reduction recovery time. Stitches are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery.

Breast reduction patients are advised to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery. Most women, depending on their profession, can return to work within 10 to 14 days. Patients are instructed to abstain from sexual activity for a week or more, as sexual arousal can cause inflammation around the incisions.

The First Several Months

Any contact with the breasts should be gentle for four to six weeks following breast reduction surgery. Patients should be aware that their breasts may swell and become tender during the first menstrual period of the breast reduction recovery process. In addition, some women may experience sporadic pains for a few months, especially during menstruation. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication to alleviate these symptoms and make your recovery as comfortable as possible.

Altered sensations of the breast skin and nipple are common symptoms following surgery. Numbness of the breast and nipple may be experienced by some women for up to a year following breast reduction surgery, while others may experience hypersensitivity of the breast area. It is important to keep in mind that, in some cases, these altered sensations may be permanent.

Because breast tissue is significantly disrupted during surgery, it may take six months to a year before all swelling subsides and the final breast reduction surgery results become apparent.

Breast Reduction Scars

Breast reduction scars are permanent and may appear lumpy and red for several months before fading to thin white lines. Incisions can usually be placed in locations that still allow patients to wear low-cut tops and swim suits. However, the appearance of breast reduction scars depends greatly on the surgical technique used.

Traditional breast reduction surgery uses an anchor pattern incision beginning under the breast and extending vertically up and around the nipple. Traditional breast reduction typically results in the most extensive scars of any of the techniques available. In vertical incision breast reductions, the incisions are made vertically from the breast crease up and around the areola, eliminating the horizontal incision across the breast crease that is made with the traditional technique. In some cases, a breast reduction can be performed using liposuction only. This “scarless” breast reduction requires only a single small incision through which the liposuction tube is inserted.

For some women, especially those who smoke, breast reduction scars may become wider over time. Patients should follow all post-op instructions from their doctor and monitor their incision sites for any appearance of infection during the breast reduction recovery time. Taking care of the incisions correctly and avoiding infection can help to reduce the appearance of breast reduction scars over time and shorten healing time.

Contact a Cosmetic Surgeon for More Information

For more information about the breast reduction recovery time, as well as the scars the surgery leaves behind, speak with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Visit DocShop’s online directory of surgeons across the United States to locate a breast reduction surgeon in your area.

Comment on this article →

Share |

Keyword Tags: breast reduction, cosmetic surgery

Like Article

Still Have a Question? Ask a Specialist in Your Area

Comments

1

I am going to have a Breast Reduction performed on me this
coming Thursday Mar. 03. I recently bought some Ozonol
Medicated Cream ( for scars, itches and burns ) at my local
Pharmacy ! Can I use this cream for Pain ? I bought 2 Tubes of It ! I hate Pain and would only apply a to the area that
was really hurting me.
When someone says to me, " You should get some Surgical Supplies before your Surgery " What are they talkin' about ?
Thank you, I hope you are enjoying your day...Sue D.
In Ottawa sue.dezell@gmail.com

Sue D.
11 months ago

2

Im going for breast reduction on 13th March myself and would be grateful to hear how you got on. Was the afterpain really bad ? + was the cream you mentioned any good for pain ? Annie W

Mrs Annie Whyte
11 months ago

3

Hi all. I had a breast reduction on 2/14/11. Where do I begin?? I am 28 y/o, no children, & suffered from back pain, neck pan & sternum cracking for several years. I am still in the recovery stages, but its not as bad as I thought. I went from a DDD cup size to & cute comfy C cup. I am unaware of any recommended creams, so I cant assist there...sorry. I was only prescribed antibiotics (1 wk) and pain pills to take as needed. After my 2 week visit post surgery, I was instructed to change my bandages every 3 days. I will say, "Please be patient with the process"...no one told me that I would feel so much anxiety before & after. I thought that I messed up. I was so used to my large breast, that I did not know what to do when they were gone. As they healed, I began to love them more. Ask a lot of questions, do your own research & have a support team that would help before & after surgery...you'll need them both physically & emotionally. Before using any creams or "heard about remedies" seek professional (Doctor's) advise first. Our friends may know it a lot, but Your doctor knows best. The process is similar all across the globe, but differnt Dr.'s suggest different remedies. Be Blessed with the process & I pray that you'll have a happy ever after with your new boobies. By the way, Im healing well & faster than expected, but Im still taking it slow. I'll check back to see how you all have done.

K.C.
11 months ago

4

What type of bra did you use after your reduction, and which one do you think is best?

sarah
8 months ago

5

I had my reduction done last monday...June 20th...and i feel awesome... was shopping on the 21st.. only prob. is sleeping on my back...
should have done this years ago..

LD
7 months ago

6

Same as KC I felt much anxiety after my breast reduction surgery. I felt like my breast were too small. I went from DD cup to maybe a C cup. They look normal size, and I was not use to it. After prayer amd self acceptance of my new breast, I began to feel more confident. I am hopeful to love them and the more clothing options I will have. Another thing I began to think was what are people going to think? I still dont really know I have beiiding se

LS
7 months ago

7

breastreductiondiary.tumblr.com

a photo diary of my reduction two weeks ago.

Monts
7 months ago

8

hi al ill brest redution surgery in sep.and every one tells me that is wrong to have it done my bra size is a G cup
and am worried about how thing go after surgery ive been told theres a lot of pain

cassie
7 months ago

9

I had a breast reduction about 2 months ago and love it. I was also told not to do it; however, it was the best decision for me. I was a DD and now I am a C cup. The pain lasted about 2 days and after that I was good to go. My breasts are still sensitive and I have to be careful during my workouts but it's not bad. My left nipple has feeling and my right is still numb. Periodically, I feel burst of tingling in my breast but it only last for a couple of seconds and it doesn't hurt. My doctors says that it's my nerves healing. I can't wait till the heal completely and I have begun to wear cute low tops. I am loving this and I wish I had done this years ago. The best decision I've ever made!!!!

CDR 40
4 months ago

10

I got a breast reduction 6 months ago in April. Like everyone else I don't know what took so long for my decision. The only pain I felt was during the first week and it was minor. While riding in a car that went over a bump (ouch!) or when opened and closed doors to much I would be sore later. But never any serious pain. The absolute WORST part about the surgery was that I couldn't sleep for two months. I was miserable! I can not sleep on my back. But I used pillows and found some way to sleep on my side.
My breast were a 40 DD now I wear a 36 C and they are so perky! Its so liberating wearing dresses w/o a bra and they stand right up lol!
My nipples are still without sensation but even if that is a permanent side effect it's worth it. Scaring is minimal and who cares anyway? I'm not planning on posing for Playboy!

KW
4 months ago

11

I go for my surgery on Thurday (Oct 13th) and I managed to go this long without googling the procedure and after effects. I wear a DD but suspect I should be a size larger. I get stiff shoulders, my back is sore, my clavicle cracks, and I get heat rash in the summer. Charming! My sister had a reduction done 20+ years ago and had to stay overnight so I am thankful it is now day surgery. A girlfriend just had it done and said it took about 1.5 weeks to feel mobile again. I'm most anxious about what people will notice, but glad to see the swelling takes months to go away so the change from outward appearances will actually be pretty subtle. I know I will cry after I wake up, and the nausea will be no fun but I am ready to wear dresses, blouses, and whatever I please! To think, people pay thousands of dollars for what we are so ready to get rid of.

feather
4 months ago

12

It was great reading about all the successful surgeries you all experienced.
I am a DDD and I have my first counseltation with my surgeon in the next coming weeks.
My question to any of the ladies that have had the exp. of breast reduction is, did any of you have a lift done as well as the reduction? If no lift was performed is there much sagging after the original surgery?
I would appreciate any feedback that any of you can share.

Lynn
3 months ago

13

Trudene hi did got a breast reduction on the 11/11/11 i promise
u that is not so bad and it is not so painfull i am still on recovery i love already my breast all that i can say if any one want to do breast reduction go for it it will change your life and you going to feel better it takes time but it is worth it i cant wait to put on dresses i never could were and bikini.but time is worth it if you going just take it easy it is my 2weeks in recovery what can i say its all worth it i will keep you all posted

trudene
2 months ago

14

can smoking marijuana for other pain in the body effect the healing of breast reduction scars?

mar
2 months ago

15

We recommend that you consult with a physician regarding the effects of marijuana, or any other drug, on post-operative healing and recovery.

You can find a qualified surgeon in your community by searching through our physician directory. See the below link:

http://www.docshop.com/consultation/details

DocShop
2 months ago

16

I had my surgery on 11/14/11. I wish I had found this blog first. I really underestimated the amount of discomfort I'd be in, but the surgeon says it was a big job. I was a G/H cup before surgery and now I am wearing a C. I love my new size but I'll be glad when i can get back to normal life. Dr still says i can't do anything, not even light housework but I'm making myself be patient with my recovery. I know it will be worth it. I'm glad to hear from others that it will be very different in a few months.

CarrieC
about 1 month ago

17

Greetings! I had my breast reduction/lift on 11/29, and I am doing great!!! I was 40 DDD and now a 38 C ! My first 14 days were difficult, however if I was aware of what to expect maybe it would not have seemed so bad. Part of that was ignorance on my part ,because I function best in those (pre surgical) situations with limited info because it to sooooo many years for me to muster the guts and courage to do it, any unpleasant info may have discouraged me...with that being said, I only used pain meds(percocet) for the first wk, then too myself off of them as they made me severely depressed(a known fact before my surgery,its been my history with pain meds prior with other surgery..c-sections etc) I switched over to ibuprofen and did great..my nipples regained sensitivity almost immed,though hyper sensitive now,maybe permanent...we'll see...you cannot even tell that they were moved, and the only other incisions I have are one under each breast...and I also had a lift...my surgeon is phenomenal, an artist, and perfectionist! I had not one bruise,not a scratch ,other than my incisions... I was not verbally informed about not being able to raise my arms above my head for the first little bit ,as a result of the lift, but I adjusted and it loosened fairly quickly, maybe 4 days post op, though there was no pain with that factor...about 12 days post op my incisions seemed to be draining a clear yellowish fluid, no oder, or puss but drainage none the less, I ept the incisions clean and dressed with antibiotic ointment and dressings...I showered in the a.m, dressed the incisions and then changed them at bed time..I also noticed these white things appeared in some parts of my incisions and went to the surgeon and here they were "spitting stitches" painless, but alarming to see, they are the internal stitches that sometimes a few reject from the internal site and that is the easiest path for them to leave the body(the incision) the Dr just took them out with tweezers, and then those sites healed..I have had a few more since appear on my dressings, that has stopped as of now..again any and all changes or concerns should first be direct to your plastic surgeon, as surgical wounds are no joke and need to be looked at with any and all changes...I am just sharing my own exp here because I know I spent hours on end after mine looking for others shared stories so I could relax!! I return to work tomorrow 3wks post op and I feel fab-O!! I wish you all the very best of luck and a Happy Joyous holiday season!!!

Carla
about 1 month ago

18

I'm schedule to have my BR on 2.07.2012..omg..I'm so nervous and excited at the sametime. I'm a big girl with a size 48H. My PS and I decided on a 48DD since I plan to lose weight after the surgery. Prayfully there will be no surprises and all goes well..thank u all for sharing ur stories.

Phineshia
less than a minute ago

Thank you for your comment







Search

Find a doctor near you