Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery – Top Tips
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Breast reduction surgery is the most effective procedure to reduce the size of large and heavy breasts. Breast reduction can help to improve the shape of the breasts as well as help to alleviate back, shoulder or OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling - recent post by Reliablemedicare, pain linked with having large breasts. The shape of the breasts can be improved when breast reduction is combined with a Breast lift to produce perky breasts. Sometimes breast liposuction may be recommended to reduce the size of large breasts in women who are not keen on the incisions and scars of traditional breast reduction surgery.
Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in the UK and is considered a centre of excellence for breast reduction surgery in London.
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How to prepare for breast reduction surgery
Getting the best results after breast reduction means following all of your surgeon’s preoperative recommendations, including:
How to have the best breast reduction recovery
Allocate a dedicated recovery space in your home before surgery which is preferably located on the ground floor to minimise having to go up and down the stairs in the first few days after surgery.
We recommend all patients sleep on their back after a breast reduction whilst keeping their heads in an elevated position. This is easily maintained in a dedicated recliner chair.
Eating healthy foods after breast reduction is incredibly important to ensure a smooth recovery. You should focus on eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and bind with nuts, seeds, avocados and lean sources of protein such as chicken breast and fish.
Ask a responsible adult friend or relative to transport you home after surgery and look after you for the first few days after surgery.
Drink plenty of water after surgery to keep well hydrated. Alcohol and fizzy drinks should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.
Smoking increases the risk of postoperative wound complications and delayed healing. Smoking and vaping should be avoided for a minimum of four weeks before and after surgery.
We recommend taking a minimum of one week off work and, ideally, two weeks off work, particularly if you have a physically demanding occupation.
You will be given detailed postoperative instructions by our clinical team, and you should be familiar with these before the day of surgery.
The breast compression bra should be worn continuously for a minimum of six weeks as this helps to support your breasts in the optimum position for healing. After approximately eight weeks, you should transition to wearing a well-fitted sports bra. Underwired bras should be avoided for at least three months after surgery.
RELATED: Can a breast reduction help with back pain?
Breast reduction surgery recovery timeline
Immediately after surgery, a sterile dressing will be applied to the incisions and should remain on for a minimum of two weeks until you have your postoperative wound checked. A post-operative compression bra will be applied after surgery, and they should be worn continuously for a minimum of six weeks to support proper wound healing. Any postoperative pain and discomfort can be easily controlled with prescription painkillers given to you by your surgeon.
After one week, some patients may be able to return to light work duties such as office-based work. People with more physically demanding occupations should take a minimum of two weeks off work for adequate rest and recovery. You will be reviewed by one of our nurses approximately one week after your surgery to review the incision sites and ensure your breasts are healing as expected.
The breasts may still feel sore and mildly tender, and any bruising and swelling may still be noticeable. The incisions may feel itchy, and this is a normal symptom of recovery after breast reduction.
After week three, you should not experience any pain, with residual bruising and swelling virtually disappearing by this time. Most people start to feel more normal, and physical exercise can gradually intensify. Most women begin to experience the benefits of breast reduction, including a reduction in neck pain and back pain.
Most people will have completed full recovery after breast reduction, although mild swelling may persist for up to 6 months after surgery. The post-operative compression bra can be swapped for a sports bra. You should avoid wearing an underwired bra for a minimum of three months.
Although everyone heals differently, most people will feel back to normal after approximately 3 to 4 months. Swelling will be virtually unnoticeable, and you can now enjoy the final results of breast reduction surgery.
Exercising after Breast Reduction
After undergoing breast reduction surgery, it is crucial that you abstain from vigorous exercises, such as running, jogging, fitness classes, or sports that engage your upper body, for a period of six weeks.
Throughout this six-week recovery phase, it is also essential to avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing more than 5kg.
Driving Post-Surgery
Following your breast reduction procedure, you will be unable to drive until you can comfortably wear a seatbelt and execute an emergency stop without aggravating your wounds or experiencing pain. It is crucial not to drive any sooner than one week after the surgery.
Bras and Undergarments After Breast Reduction Surgery
Though you might be tempted to go without a bra post-surgery, wearing a sports bra or surgical bra is vital for your recovery from breast reduction, as they help maintain the new breast shape. Opt for a non-padded, wire-free bra, and wear it continuously for 24 hours a day until approximately the eighth week.
This should avoid underwire bras, which can irritate the incision area beneath the breasts. Some women may not resume wearing underwire bras for three to six months after their procedure.
Breast reduction recovery top tips
Complications of breast reduction
Recovery after breast reduction FAQs
You may shower approximately 48 hours after surgery. You should avoid excessively hot water, and lukewarm water is recommended. Try to avoid getting the dressings or incisions wet. You should avoid rubbing the area dry, and the best technique is the pat the area dry gently with a towel.
Make sure to follow all of your surgeons post-operative instructions to get the fastest recovery after breast reduction.
Most patients can carry out light activities without assistance approximately one week after surgery. Full recovery after breast reduction generally occurs after three months.
The breasts will be much lighter after a breast reduction, and there will be a significantly reduced amount of breast sagging. The natural ageing process combined with the effects of gravity may result in gradual breast sagging over time.
You should avoid sleeping on your side or front after a breast reduction for at least four weeks after surgery.
You should avoid jogging or running after breast reduction surgery until six weeks after surgery.
Perky breasts can be achieved by combining a breast reduction with a breast lift to improve the shape of saggy or droopy breasts.
Breast reduction surgery at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the UK. We are renowned for our expertise in all forms of breast reduction using both the traditional method and liposuction breast reduction for women keen on a less invasive approach to reduce the size of large breasts.
Call us today on or complete the contact form below to schedule a breast reduction consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.
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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including rhinoplasty and facelift surgery, breast surgery, gynaecomastia surgery for men, and body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic Baker Street, offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.
95-97 Baker Street
Marylebone
London
W1U 6RN
Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm
Saturday consultations available