Recovery after Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a safe and common procedure, but it is still a major surgery, and for that reason, some recovery time is going to be necessary. Patients who are undergoing the surgery should always have a good idea of what they can expect when it comes to the breast reduction recovery process, that way they can prepare for it adequately before they go in for the operation.

The Breast recovery period may vary greatly between different people. Recovery after a breast reduction could take from a few weeks to a few months.

Breast Reduction Recovery Period

As with the recovery period associated with any major surgery, breast reduction is going to take some time to recover from. In order to better prepare yourself for the recovery period following your surgery, you should keep the following things in mind regarding the first two weeks and the months following your breast reduction operation.

First Two Weeks

Expect to experience some bruising and swelling during the recovery period, most of which will subside over the first couple of weeks. Use a mild moisturizing product on the breasts to alleviate any dryness or itching that you experience, as long as you avoid the incision sites themselves. Follow all post operation instructions to minimize experienced discomfort and to speed up the overall healing process.

Avoid any heavy lifting or other strenuous activity for at least a few weeks after your surgery. You should be able to return to work within 10 days to 2 weeks, depending on your profession. Abstain from sexual activity for at least a week or more, because sexual arousal can cause unwanted inflammation.

First Several Months

Any contact with your breasts should definitely be gentle for at least four to six weeks following your breast reduction operation. You should be aware that your breasts can swell and become tender, especially during your menstrual period. You may also experience sporadic pain for a few months after your operation, especially during this period. Pain medication may be prescribed by your doctor, making your recovery a little more comfortable.

Common symptoms following your surgery may include altered sensations of the skin on your nipple and breast. You may experience numbness for as long as a year following your surgery, or you may experience hypersensitivity instead. These altered sensations are usually temporary, although there is always a risk that they may be permanent.

It can take between six months and a year for all swelling to subside, meaning you may not see the true results of your breast reduction surgery until this point.