What To Expect During Recovery After a Breast Reduction

Choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery can provide much relief in more ways than one. However, there are a few things you must be aware of to have a smooth recovery phase, which happens to be split in two.

The breast reduction recovery phases

Breast reduction recovery is largely split into phases– namely, the early phase and the later phase.

The early phase

The early phase is considered the first three weeks following the breast reduction. Immediately following the procedure, patients will have gauze and dressings wrapped around their chest and back or a specialty bra. Upon waking, patients may still be numb, but it is important to have help when moving about and transferring from one location to another, as there will be stitches.

Drainage of pink or clear fluids and blood will ensue over the first few days but lessens each day. If, at any point, the drainage is yellow, notify the surgeon immediately so that they can rule out infection. It is normal for the drainage to leak outside the dressings, so we strongly recommend sleeping on a towel or blanket that can be soiled.

In general, soreness in and around the breasts will occur, but the pain medication the surgeon prescribes should dull most of it. Patients should prepare to take time off work or school and relax during the early phase. This includes taking time off from exercising and heavy lifting, such as their children and pets. Moreover, patients should plan to halt sexual activity during this time as well. Furthermore, patients will need to lie on their backs. So, for side or stomach sleepers, we recommend purchasing sleeping blocks or pillows that prevent turning during the night.

The later phase

Moving into the later phase, patients will notice their scarring turning pink or brown, and the bruising that may have occurred in the early phase lessen. They should be able to measure for an appropriate bra size at this time, but some patients may still experience slight swelling.

Moreover, patients can resume light activity levels, such as incline walks. Avoid activities involving jumping or jolting, as the muscle tissue may still be healing, and discomfort may ensue. We mainly tell patients to listen to their bodies during this time and not over-extend themselves. They may resume sexual activity as long as they are comfortable and in no considerable pain.

Patients may experience intermittent pain, with some describing it as a sharp sensation shooting through their breasts or sides but then going away moments later. Some have reported feelings of numbness in their breast or on their sides. Typically, both these feelings are alleviated within a few months. Moreover, the scarring left behind should lighten over time, with some patients taking up to a year. However, we can discuss scar-lightening treatments and products if the patient is unhappy with the results.

Call us for more information

A breast reduction is something many look forward to for their own reasons. However, it is important to ensure you are adequately prepared for what is to come. If you are considering or recently scheduled a breast reduction, contact our office so that we may answer all of your burning questions.

Request an appointment here: https://www.paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.

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