The interest in breast lifts and breast procedures, including breast reductions, increased by 48% in the last year. Breast reduction surgery, in particular, tends to serve both medical and aesthetic purposes.
If large breasts are causing back pain, shoulder pain, low self-esteem, and a lower quality of life, it’s worth considering breast reduction surgery. The question is, what is the recovery time for breast reduction surgery?
The answer to this question can vary based on the procedures your surgeon follows. Today, we’re going to talk about the breast reduction recovery timeline for Dr. Pfeifer’s patients.
Read on to learn what to expect from your breast reduction recovery.
The First 48 Hours
Some patients are discharged from the clinic the same day that they undergo breast reduction surgery. Some, however, may opt to stay for 24-48 hours.
When you awaken after your reduction mammoplasty, your chest will be dressed in elastic bandages, gauze, or a surgical bra. These help to protect the stitches and provide compression, which can help to manage pain and swelling.
Each patient will have unique recovery instructions. We will advise you on how and when to change your dressings, when to remove them entirely, and when you can take a full or partial shower. You will need to abstain from showering for a minimum of 48 hours.
The Early Phase (Weeks One to Three)
In the first week after breast reduction surgery, most patients experience moderate pain that impacts the breasts and the sides of the chest. You can manage this pain with medication. If the pain is severe or isn’t reduced by medication, let us know so that we can assess the situation.
In this first week, you may also notice drainage at the surgery sites. Some fluid and blood may leak through your dressings, and we advise sleeping on bedding and wearing clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy.
When examining the breasts, you will notice swelling and bruising. This is normal and should start to dissipate around the three-week mark.
During the early phase, make sure that you are sleeping on your back. If you have trouble with this, consider purchasing a body pillow that will keep you in position. You should also avoid exercise (slow, short walks are okay), drink plenty of water, eat well, and prioritize rest.
The Later Phase
After the first three weeks, we will likely clear you to begin resuming normal activities. Many women find that they are ready to go back to work, assuming they do not work a particularly physical job. You can also resume sexual activity and low-intensity exercise that will not put a strain on your breasts, such as walking or casual biking.
For the next three to four months, you may notice intermittent or consistent numbness of the nipples and the sides of your chest. You may also experience bouts of brief, shooting pain caused by nerves that are still on the mend. If this pain becomes severe or frequent, let us know.
Though you may experience intermittent pain, many women also report significant physical relief. Reducing the size of your breasts will decrease the strain and pressure on your back and shoulders. As your surgery sites heal, you should experience more relief than discomfort.
FAQs About Breast Reduction Recovery
It can take three to four months for your body to feel strong and ready for normal activities after breast reduction surgery. However, you may have additional questions along the way. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about breast reduction recovery.
Will There Be Scarring?
Yes, you will have breast reduction scars that may linger for several years. We can recommend ointments and other topical products that will help improve scarring. Rest assured that these scars will be hidden by clothing and will fade, sometimes entirely, over time.
When Should I Purchase New Bras?
Because your breasts will swell in the weeks after surgery, you won’t want to run out and buy new bras right away. After about three weeks, the swelling will decrease significantly, and some women can get sized at around that time. Others, however, will need to wait a few additional weeks before getting an accurate sizing.
Is Pain and Swelling Normal?
Pain and swelling is normal, but only to a certain degree. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. If the pain and swelling become severe or unmanageable, please reach out to us so that we can check for any complications.
How Will Breast Reduction Impact Me Emotionally?
It is not uncommon for patients to experience “post-surgery blues” in the immediate aftermath of breast reduction surgery. You might have complicated feelings about this major change to your body and feel agitated by the recovery process. The good news is that studies show that almost all breast reduction patients report an increased quality of life within one year of undergoing the procedure!
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
As we’ve mentioned already, many women can resume normal activities at the three-month to four-month mark. However, this is something you’ll want to discuss with your surgeon. Some patients can get back to their day-to-day earlier than three months while others need longer than four to fully recover.
Talk to Dr. Pfeifer to Learn More About the Recovery Time for Breast Reduction Surgery
The recovery time for breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient. The best way to prepare for your breast reduction surgery is to ask questions at your consultation and take note of any preparations you need to make.
Do you want to talk to Dr. Pfeifer about breast reduction surgery in the Hamptons? Contact us to schedule your consultation today.