Congratulations! Your breast reduction surgery is complete and you should be excited to look and feel better than ever.
Before you get back to your regular activity, it’s time to rest and recover from your surgery. While recovery does not require all too much effort on your part, it does require taking basic aftercare steps. Your stitches will typically dissolve on their own, and your overall activity will likely significantly increase within 2 weeks. During that time, it’s crucial that you take the best care possible of your body and rest. Here are some tips for ensuring a safe, speedy recovery after breast reduction.
You were likely sent home with a specialized bra that holds your post-op bandages in place. Do not take this bra off before your first post operative visit with your doctor. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to remove it again. Remember to ask your doctor for detailed instructions to care for your new breasts. This will change and evolve throughout the next few weeks.
Your doctors will prescribe you medications after surgery that are tailored specifically to you depending on any other medical conditions you may have. Pain medication, antibiotics and resuming your regular medications are part of your post operative plan. Always ask questions and follow your doctors’ recommendations.
Once you are cleared by your surgeon to do so, wash the incision area daily with warm soap and water, then pat it dry. Never use harsh chemicals or irritants to clean the area, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. These can actually slow healing and irritate the incision and the skin around it.
You can use ice intermittently on the affected areas to calm swelling, but do not overdo it.
Wrap an ice pack in a dish towel and apply it to your breast for 10-20 minutes at a time.
Try and keep moving in the days after your operation, but always ask for help. Take it easy, but increase the length of your walk every day. Walking helps blood flow, which is a necessary step towards a smooth recovery. It will also help keep you in moderate shape, so you can resume your normal activities with ease once you are fully recovered.
Staying hydrated is key to good health in most instances. It’s especially important right after surgery, when your body needs the extra boost to properly heal. It will also help relieve any constipation that may occur after the procedure.
Movement is necessary to a smooth recovery, but be sure not to overdo it. While you probably would not feel up to doing much strenuous exercise for the first two weeks. This is not limited to lifting weights at the gym — avoid lifting weighted purses or briefcases or heavy grocery bags.
This goes without saying, but it’s worth mentioning. Surgery is stressful and taxing on the body, no matter how minor the procedure. Recovery is greatly improved when your body is getting enough of the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Undergoing surgery can be mentally and physically taxing. Do not be afraid to reach out to friends, family and loved ones for extra support during your recovery process. In fact, arranging your post-op needs with others before you head into surgery can lead to a smoother recovery process.
No matter what the reason for your breast reduction surgery, be well assured that you are on your way to a higher quality of life, increased confidence and a killer silhouette to boot. Be sure you take all the time you need to recover, and do not hesitate to reach out to your surgical team for more guidance.
For more questions and information on breast reduction surgery and recovery, schedule a consultation today with double-board certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, Marc J. Elkowitz, M.D. We are happy to help.
