The average plastic surgeon performs over 300 surgical procedures each year. Getting cosmetic surgery isn’t a taboo subject anymore, in fact, people won’t even blink if you tell them you’re getting surgery. But while cosmetic procedures have been normalized, many people still don’t know how to prepare or what to expect after the surgery.
The way you prepare beforehand can make a big difference in how you heal and deal with cosmetic surgery. But knowing what to expect and what is normal is just as important.
So, keep reading to find out more about the recovery process after getting a breast reduction.
Recovery Time
Any type of surgery needs recovery time. That’s why it’s so important to have an understanding of what to expect post-surgery. Breast reduction surgery takes between three to five hours to complete, so most patients go home on the same day.
The First Few Days
It’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort right after your surgery and for a few days afterward. Your breasts and the surrounding areas might be bruised and swollen due to the breast tissues and muscles being stretched during the surgery.
The first few days after cosmetic surgery are the most painful days. Generally, your surgeon prescribes pain medication to help you manage your pain levels during this time. If they don’t prescribe anything, you can ask your pharmacist for over-the-counter pain relief medication.
To help reduce swelling your surgeon might place drainage tubes in your breasts. This is a normal procedure that speeds up the recovery process. These drains are usually removed after a few days, to one week.
You should avoid any unnecessary, strenuous activities during this period as it can delay your recovery process. You should also consider wearing special surgical bras that support the tissue as you recover, but this will be determined by your surgeon.
Weeks After the Surgery
The first few weeks after surgery, you’ll notice a lot of the bruising and swelling you experienced in the first few days starting to subside. You might still experience some discomfort and pain, but it shouldn’t be to the same extent as the first few days.
During this time, your stitches are generally removed and you might not even need padding or gauze anymore. However, it is still a good idea to wear a special surgical bra to ensure your breasts are supported during the healing process.
At this point, most people return to work as they have recovered enough to resume daily tasks. This depends on your job, lifestyle, and personal needs. If you work in a physically demanding field, you may need extra time to recover before returning to work.
If you notice your swelling or pain has gotten worse in the weeks after surgery, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. There is no reason why your pain should be getting worse.
A Month After Surgery
Most people are fully recovered after a month. This doesn’t mean you should ignore all your doctor’s instructions though! You can still get an infection at this point if you aren’t careful.
After the 30-daymark, you should start to notice that your breasts feel soft again. As the swelling goes down and the tissues and muscles heal, your breasts will take on a more natural shape.
Surgery and Scars
One of the reasons many people shy away from breast surgery is the scars that are left over. Scars are usually permanent and even with lasers to reduce their appearance, they tend to be noticeable. When you’re looking at pictures of people after breast surgery, try to find ones that have completely recovered.
Right after the surgery, the incisions will be red and angry looking. This definitely isn’t how your breasts will look once they heal! Over time the scars will heal and fade into faint, white lines.
Surgeons also carefully place the incisions in areas where they won’t be as noticeable. So your wardrobe won’t be impacted by your surgery.
The type of breast surgery you get will also determine how your post-surgery scars will look. For instance, vertical incisions will heal differently than horizontal ones. You can also opt for a scarless breast reduction that uses two or three small puncture holes instead of incisions.
Reduce Recovery Time
Many people don’t have the option of taking a month off to fully recover from their breast reduction surgery. While it’s crucial that you give your body enough time to heal, there are a few things you can do to reduce your recovery time. They include:
- Staying hydrated
- Not using alcohol
- Not smoking
- Avoiding physical and strenuous movements like lifting objects
- Sleeping in an upright position for the first few weeks
But most importantly, you need to give your body time to heal naturally.
Know What to Expect After a Breast Reduction
When it comes to recovering after a breast reduction, everyone will heal at a different rate. Just like a scrape can take longer to heal for some people compared to others, you might also find that your body needs more time to recover after plastic surgery. But don’t be discouraged by this fact. As long as you reserve some time to recover, you’ll be fine!
If you’re considering getting a breast reduction procedure and have any questions, schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (402) 391-4558 to get started. At Popp Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, we have a state-of-the-art, state-licensed, nationally accredited surgical center that caters to your personal needs and choices.
