Preparing for your Breast Reduction surgery is important but so is preparing for your recovery period. You want your healing to go well, while being comfortable and excited about your results. So here is our list of essential items and preparations you need to make for your recovery period.
1: Ask Your Surgeon About Post-Operative Guidelines
Your recovery plan will be specific to your surgery and your individual health needs. It’s essential to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon before your operation to understand:
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How long you’ll need to rest
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When you can return to work, driving, or regular activities
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How to care for your incisions
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Signs to monitor during healing
Dr Drielsma provides tailored post-operative instructions to every patient and will walk you through what to expect at each stage of recovery.
2: Supportive Sleeping Setup: Triangular Wedge Pillow
Sleeping on your back is typically recommended for the first couple of weeks following surgery. A triangular wedge pillow or extra firm pillows can help keep your upper body elevated, which can help reduce swelling and pressure on the chest. This pillow and position can also help prevent accidental rolling during sleep, especially for patients that usually sleep on their side or stomach, which can compromise results.
3: Comfortable, Front-opening Clothing
Due to the invasive and seriousness of Breast Reduction surgery your movement will likely be limited during your initial recovery period. We recommend that patients make sure their clothing is soft, comfortable and easy to take on and off. Button front tops and shirts, zip front clothing, and loose-fitting garments are good options to have ready to use during this period.
Dr Drielsma fits his patients with compression garments/specific bras that have front eyelet releases to wear for around 4 weeks.
4: Stay Hydrated: Keep a Water Bottle Nearby
Hydration supports the body’s healing process. During your recovery, you might not feel like getting up and down to get glasses of water. Having a large, easy-to-use water bottle by your bedside or resting area means you’ll have water within reach at all times. You can also infuse fruits into your water bottle, to make it more enjoyable.
While tea, coffee, or soft drinks can be enjoyed in moderation (with medical approval), they are not substitutes for water.
5: Nutritious Meals and a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet supports tissue repair and energy during recovery. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Avoid fast food, take out, and sugary foods and drinks. Avoid foods and drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, and other intoxicating substances as these can interfere with healing and circulation.
If you smoke, you’ll be advised to cease well before and after surgery, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay wound healing.
6: Time off Work and Daily Responsibilities
Most patients spend one night in hospital after surgery. Dr Drielsma will advise on wound care, activity restrictions, and how to monitor your progress at home. Keeping your dressings clean and dry is essential in the first week.
Breast Reduction surgery typically requires patients to take at least 2–3 weeks off work, depending on the physicality of their job. Those with physically demanding roles may need additional time. Driving, lifting, and other physical tasks should be avoided until cleared by Dr Drielsma.
7: Organise Support at Home
Arranging for someone to assist you in the days after surgery can be extremely helpful. You’ll need help with:
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Household tasks
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Meal preparation
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Transport to and from appointments
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Caring for pets or children
Avoid lifting or reaching overhead, especially in the first couple of weeks. Having someone available can provide peace of mind while you focus on rest and healing.
If you do not have a partner, you will need to ask a friend or family member for help until Dr Drielsma clears you for the tasks.
8: Managing Pain and Scar Care
Dr Drielsma will explain the options available for managing post-operative discomfort. You may be prescribed medications and given strategies for keeping pain under control in the early stages.
Scar care is another important part of recovery. Once your incisions have healed, Dr Drielsma may recommend products, techniques or treatments to help reduce the appearance of scars.
Dr Drielsma and his team will guide you through this process during your follow-up appointments.
Light Activity and Movement
While rest is important, light walking is often encouraged after the first few days to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Strenuous activity, including gym workouts or high-impact movement, is typically restricted for at least six weeks, or until Dr Drielsma gives you the all clear to resume them.
Contact us to book your first consultation with Dr Drielsma. We are excited to help you!
