Breast Reduction is plastic surgery procedure that can help you reduce the discomfort associated with large, heavy breasts that are not proportionate to the rest of your anatomy. The surgery can be a useful solution for women dealing with discomfort associated with overly large breasts. You will need to prepare and allow adequate time for your recovery after Breast Reduction. Most people assume that finding the right surgeon and getting the surgery done is all it takes to get optimal results. After the surgery, comes the recovery phase which requires some preparation in advance. If you ignore the instructions of your surgeon during the recovery phase, you might end up dealing with complications that could affect the results of the procedure. The Breast reduction itself usually takes 2 to 3 hours. However, you need to be well prepared for the next month ahead so you can heal properly and enjoy the results of the procedure.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is specialist plastic surgeon who performs breast surgery procedures in Sydney and Wollongong NSW. His experience and techniques aim to bring out optimal Breast Reduction surgery results.
Many people only think about the recovery phase after they have had the surgery. With the right preparation, you can have a smooth recovery and be ready for a good result. You can arrange for someone in advance to help you around the house during the initial phases of recovery, organise the right amount of time off from work and take the essential steps that will help you with the recovery. Here are a few things that can come in handy:
The first day after breast reduction surgery is essentially the first day of recovery. After the surgery, you will be under the effects of anaesthesia. You might feel quite groggy for a few hours after you wake up. If you are experiencing any pain and nausea, let the staff know so they can make the necessary arrangements to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Make sure you have arranged for someone responsible in advance to drive you home as driving post-surgery is not possible.
Once you recover from the effects of the anaesthesia, you will be handed a list of instructions to follow during the recovery phase. It will cover incision care, diet, activity, prescription meds, and follow-up scheduled visits.
Your incisions will be covered in bandages and a compression support bra. In some cases, Dr Hunt might place drains as well to help you get rid of the excess fluid that might accumulate at the level of the surgical incisions. You won’t be able to see your incisions on the first day. Aim at resting completely. This should be your only focus on day one.
Gentle movement and walking soon after surgery can help prevent blood clots.
It is important to take the first two weeks off from work and stay clear of any other major commitments. This will give you the due time to rest and recover. While you might start to feel better in about 5 to 7 days, it is important to rest during the initial weeks of recovery. During this time, stay clear of strenuous activities, and heavy lifting, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
You might also be dealing with post-surgical discomfort and a bit of pain. It shouldn’t be something unbearable and is generally well controlled by the prescription medications. You might feel a bit of tightness in the chest area. Please take your pain meds on time as prescribed if you want to feel comfortable during the recovery phase.
Read all the instructions given to you thoroughly to ensure you don’t miss anything. If you don’t understand something, reach out to your medical team and find out. Make sure to follow all the instructions regarding incision care and prevention of infections. Arrange for someone to help you around the house for the first few days and aim at resting as much as possible – a friend or you can hire home help.
You are going to see significant changes during the first month of recovery. As your incisions heal, you will begin to feel like yourself again. You will be glad that your back, neck and shoulder pain has reduced. Your clothes will start to fit better and you will be able to move more freely.
While you can enjoy the results, it is important to remember that you are still in the initial stages of healing. Hence, it is important to stay clear of all sorts of strenuous activities. You can return to your work two weeks after the surgery. If your job is physically demanding, you might need to take some additional time off.
You can begin low impact exercises once the initial 2 to 3 weeks have passed and Dr Hunt has given you approval. You might be tempted to wear tight-fitting clothes, but stick to soft fabrics and loose-fitting options.
Once your incisions are fully healed – around 6 to 8 weeks, you can also start using silicone-based scar treatment products on incisions to help minimise the appearance of scars.
During the first month of the surgery, your body is working very hard to heal and recover. As time passes by, you will continue to see the results improve. It might take you up to 12 months to see the final outcome of the surgery. If you follow Dr Hunt’s instructions and take proper care of yourself, you will have a smooth and fast recovery.
Here are some general guidelines that will help you with at-home recovery – Always follow the advice of your own surgeon:
You need to call for help if you experience any of the following symptoms or warning signs during the recovery phase:
Watch out for these signs and immediately call for help if any of the above-mentioned symptoms occur.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.