Breast reduction is a surgical technique that reduces the size and volume of your breasts.
If you are particularly concerned about your breast size, which is causing problems such as back pain, you can undergo breast reduction surgery. But what about the recovery period or recovery stages?
Please do not be concerned about the recovery period. When you wake up after surgery, you will have clothes on your breasts to shield them from external forces, and you will be linked to plastic pipes to drain the blood. The pipes are normally removed after 1 to 2 days and can be carried home.
You may experience little pain for a few days during this period, which medicines can easily alleviate.
What is the recovery time for a breast reduction? – When will you be completely recovered?
Breast reduction surgery might take anything from 2 to 6 weeks to recuperate from. As a result, you’ll need to take 2 to 3 weeks off work and will need help with daily households.
Stretching, strenuous exertion, and heavy lifting, on the other hand, should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks. Furthermore, some surgeons advise wearing a sports bra 24 hours a day, seven days a week for up to three months after breast surgery.
The length of time you need to keep the dressings on, however, is determined by how quickly your wounds heal.
Breast reduction recovery stages week by week
If you are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts, breast reduction surgery may be advantageous, especially if the size of your breasts causes pain, discomfort, or insecurity in society. Breast reduction surgery can lead to smaller, tighter breasts, which can improve a patient’s appearance and confidence. Breast reduction, like any other surgical surgery, necessitates some downtime that you will experience post-reduction surgery phases and issues.
So, week by week, here are the stages of your prospective recovery stages;
Week 1
Because of the changes to the breast tissues and incisions, you will experience discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising for the first two or three days following the surgery. You will be given pain relievers and other drugs as needed during this period.
Drainage tubes, on the other hand, maybe placed to assist in the removal of excess fluid and the reduction of edema. After a few days, they are routinely removed. The breasts will be bound and supported by an elastic bandage or a special bra to help keep the tissues in place and reduce strain.
Week 2
After the procedure, the stitches are normally removed in the second week, and patients are urged to wear a surgical bra for the duration.
However, you may still experience difficulties such as pain, bruising, and edema following surgery. These negative effects, on the other hand, should subside as the body heals. However, if your pain or swelling worsens and is accompanied by redness, it could be an indication of an infection or another complication and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Week 3
As healing develops, discomfort, bruising, and swelling should continue to reduce by the third week. However, it may take a little longer; so, if you have these, do not be alarmed. Simply, you can carry on with your daily routine and be calm.
Despite the fact that the swelling has not completely resolved, you will first feel as if you are recuperating. Furthermore, some patients may have numbness or altered nipple and breast tissue sensation during this period; however, this is just temporary and will resolve as the tissues heal.
Week 4
You are permitted to return to work, but you must continue to wear the compression surgical bras. These bras are designed to reduce swelling, speed up healing, and keep your breasts in place while preventing pressure on the breasts until they are completely healed. Physical activities such as housework, weight lifting, workouts, and jogging are also permissible; however, demanding chores such as housework, weight lifting, workouts, and jogging should be avoided. So, we can say that you will start to turn your normal routine a little bit more but still you should be very cautious.
Breast reduction recovery tips
Many women with unusually large breasts experience both physical and emotional distress. Breasts that are overly big create regional pain and have an effect on your physical appearance. Breast reduction surgery can effectively reduce the size of your breasts, but it is an invasive process. Many ladies are apprehensive about how they will recover after therapy. Because the operation is traumatic, you should conduct your research and chat with the surgeon about your recovery.
But, still you can have an idea about what and how to do in the course of recovery period to boost your power, mood, and healing process;
- To begin, make sure you get enough water into your body because water will help to flush out any traces of anesthesia, decrease the possibility of constipation, which is frequent when using pain killers, and ensure your cells are fully hydrated and capable of healing.
- Then, during your recovery, it is critical that you eat healthy food so that your body has all of the nutrients it requires to help you heal as rapidly as feasible.
- Take the antibiotics and other medications ordered by your surgeon on schedule; missing doses may result in infections.
- Do not remove your compression garment too quickly.
- Walking slowly and softly will increase your circulation and transfer oxygen-rich blood cells to the incisions, allowing them to recover. So, walk a little bit.
- Do not smoke any kind of cigarettes or cigars.
- Do not consume the beverages which contains alcohol.
- Get away from the stress.
- Avoid interfering with a sexual relationship.
To summarize, these are the actions you should take. Please consult your doctor if necessary.
How painful is breast reduction recovery process?
It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort in the days following surgery. Your breasts and surrounding tissues may be bruised and swollen. This is because the breast tissues and muscles have stretched. The majority of women report the most pain in the first few days after surgery. Nonetheless, it will not be worse than the pain you experience on a daily basis in your back!
How to speed up healing after breast reduction?
Although waiting for the natural process to take its course is the best option. You might want it to heal faster.
So, to speed up healing after breast reduction, you should;
- Avoid smoking.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Rest and recover in the first few days.
- Sleep in the upright position.
- Avoid physical and strenuous movements.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reduction-surgery#2
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reduction-surgery#3
