What is Normal During Breast Reduction Recovery?

Why Do Women Get Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is one of the top-rated plastic surgery procedures in Australia. It has changed the lives of many women who struggle with naturally large and heavy breasts. Not only does it reduce back, neck and shoulder pain, it further improves skin conditions caused by large breasts. These include rashes, infections, chaffing, and bra strap “dig in”.

Further, breast reduction has social and emotional benefits as well. Many women find they are able to move more freely at the gym, allowing them to exercise more. With smaller, perkier breasts, women find that they are less self-conscious at the beach. Further, they are able to finally put aside their heavy duty support bras for their dream lingerie and contoured bras. Finally, many women report receiving less uncomfortable social interactions and insensitive comments.

As a result, it is little wonder that women seek out breast reduction surgery. But what about the recovery process?

Recovering from Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr Drielsma and his team recommend, first, that you download our guide to Breast Reduction surgery. This guide has been carefully created to explain more about the Breast Reduction procedure process, including recovery.

You can also contact Dr Drielsma’s patient liaison manager to discuss the breast reduction process or to book your first consultation with Dr Drielsma.

Breast Reduction Surgical Timeframe

The average duration of a breast reduction procedure is 3 hours. Breast reduction procedures are performed by Dr Drielsma at accredited Sydney hospitals only. Further, Dr Drielsma recommends you allow for at least one night’s stay in the hospital for increased comfort and improved recovery.

Pain, Movement and Exercising During Breast Reduction Recovery

Your comfort during recovery is Dr Drielsma’s top priority. Generally speaking, the pain and discomfort following a breast reduction is surprisingly little and most woman are pleasantly surprised how little pain there is.  You will also need to take at least 1 week off work, though many patients require at least 2 weeks leave. This is dependent on what your job is, and if you can return to light duties.

Further, you can return to light walking and activities within a few days but you shouldn’t do vigorous exercise or activity for around 6 weeks. You should be avoiding any higher intensity exercising until recommended by Dr Drielsma.

Dr Drielsma’s Tips for Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery

For the optimal recovery experience, it is important that you attend all post-operative check up appointments with Dr Drielsma. Surgical dressings after the procedure need to be kept intact and dry until your first postoperative appointment at one week.  Following this, dressings will be simplified and you will be able to shower normally.

You should also eat nutritiously and avoid smoking. In fact, smoking is one of the biggest risk factors during the recovery process as it impedes your healing, health and safety before, during and after surgery.

General Information for Breast Reduction Recovery

• You should be as close as possible to your ideal or healthy weight before surgery
• Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks or so after surgery
• You should not drive for 2 weeks after surgery– for your comfort and the safety of others
• Ask your surgeon any questions you have before surgery and during recovery
• Follow all your surgeon’s recommendations and ask questions if you are unsure
• Within 3 months you will be back to normal life and activities
• You will experience some scarring as with all surgical procedures but Dr Drielsma strives to makes scarring as minimal as possible.
• It can take between 12-18 months for scarring to “mature’ or settle

Scarring after Breast Reduction – What is Normal?

It is important to ask your surgeon in advance what is to be expected when it comes to scarring. Further, it is important to remember that scarring is to be expected with all surgical procedures.

• Incision lines that become red, itchy, raised, or warm/hot may be signs that something has gone wrong
• Contact your surgeon immediately if you are concerned about your incision lines
• Read all your post-operative instructions
• Follow all surgeon recommendations to reduce surgery and complication risks
• Remember some risks and complications can occur randomly despite best practice care
• If you do experience an infection or complication, work closely with your surgeon to manage it in the best possible way
• In up to 10% of cases you may require a secondary or revisionary procedures.
• Scars can be managed and treated with silicone strips, laser treatments, and other no-surgical methods

Would you like further information on Breast Reduction procedures? Or more information on plastic surgery recovery expectations?

Feel free to contact Dr Drielsma and his team today for more information or to book your first consultation. All of Dr Drielsma’s procedures are personalised for each patient, meaning your procedure will be designed with your natural features in mind as well as your desires.