Breast Reduction Recovery

How Long Is Recovery From Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction recovery usually takes between three and six weeks. The incisions typically heal in just a few weeks, but it can take several months before you see the final results.

Every woman’s recovery from breast reduction surgery will be different and will depend on their genetics, current health, lifestyle habits, and how much breast tissue was removed.

Breast reduction recovery week by week is normally a bit easier than breast augmentation surgery because no changes are made to the underlying muscle.

Breast Reduction Recovery Week By Week

Week 1

Most patients go home the same day as their breast reduction surgery after spending a few hours recovering from anesthesia. You may wake with bandages and a surgical bra that is designed to help keep your incisions clean and stable as you heal.

The first week of breast reduction surgery recovery is normally the most uncomfortable, and you will need to get as much rest as possible.

Some patients may have temporary surgical drains that can help reduce fluid buildup, but it is normal for your swelling to peak during this time, which may make you very uncomfortable. Your surgeon will usually prescribe pain medication that you can use as needed.

During this first week, it is normal to experience:

• Swelling and bruising
• A tight feeling across your chest
• Fatigue and very little energy.
• Temporary difficulty with arm movement
• Mild discomfort that may improve with medication

Your surgeon will encourage you to take short walks around the house during this week to help lower the risk of blood clots. Many women need someone to help them with daily activities like dressing, lifting, or household tasks during the first several days.

Most patients need to take about 1 to 2 weeks away from work after surgery, depending on the type of job they have and how physical their daily responsibilities are.

During this week, you should avoid:

• Lifting anything heavy.
• Reaching above your head.
• Driving (while on pain medication)
• Participating in any exercise or Intense activity.

Weeks 2 to 3

You should begin to feel more comfortable during weeks 2 and 3 of your breast reduction recovery. Your bruising should be significantly faded, but most women still have noticeable swelling. You may be feeling much more energized, but it is still important that you take it easy and do not overdo it.

Your recovery during weeks 2 to 3 may include:

• A boost in your energy levels
• Returning to work, depending on your job.
• You continue to wear your special support bra.
• Caring for your incisions per the surgeon’s instructions.
• A noticeable improvement in how sore you feel.
• Mild swelling that comes and goes

Weeks 4 to 6

Your incisions should be well healed by this time on the outside, but it is important that you are still gentle with your breasts to allow them to fully heal on the inside.

Wear clothing that is soft and comfortable, and avoid any bras or clothing that contains underwire until your surgeon has cleared you. This will help prevent pulling or putting too much stress on areas that are still tender and healing.

You should also continue to avoid movements that are strenuous, but normally the surgeon will have cleared you by now to begin some light activity or exercise as long as it does not put any pressure on your chest.

During this phase of the healing process, you may experience:

• Swelling that changes throughout the day.
• Temporary numbness of the nipples or breast tissue.
• Sensitivity changes that are usually temporary.
• Mild soreness after using your arms.
• Areas near the incisions that feel firm.
• Itching around your incisions while they heal.

6 Weeks And Beyond

Your surgeon has likely removed many of the activity restrictions you previously had, as long as your healing is progressing as expected. Even though your energy levels are high and you are feeling more like yourself, you still need to follow your surgeon’s guidelines because your breasts are still healing.

As your long-term healing progresses, you may notice:

• The swelling has continued to gradually improve.
• Changes in the appearance of your scars over the next several months.
• Your breasts begin to settle and become softer.
• Your sensation returns to areas that have been temporarily numb.

Complete breast reduction recovery time may take up to 6 months for some women.

What Can Affect Breast Reduction Recovery Time?

There are many things that can affect how quickly you heal after breast reduction surgery. Some of the things that can impact your breast reduction recovery timeline include:

• The volume of breast tissue that is removed.
• Your current state of health.
• If you are a smoker.
• Your body’s natural healing process.
• How active you are.
• How thoroughly you follow your aftercare instructions.
• Whether you have another procedure done at the same time.

Everyone is different, so no two people will have the same exact recovery timeline.

Returning To Your Normal Schedule After Breast Reduction Surgery

Work

Normally, women who have desk jobs can return to work sooner than others who have jobs that are more physically demanding. Women returning to jobs that require them to stand for long periods of time, or require repetitive movements, or involve lifting heavy objects will need to be cleared by the surgeon first.

Exercise And Physical Activity

Your surgeon will provide you with guidance as to when you can increase the intensity of your physical activity. Women are often the ones who perform many household tasks, and even pushing a vacuum cleaner will be off-limits until your surgeon says it is okay. You may need to get help with children, pets, or household chores for a few weeks until you heal enough to be cleared for these things.

Walking is almost always encouraged and begins very early in your recovery. At first you will simply be taking short walks around the room and then extending the distance and duration of your walks based on your surgeon’s instructions.

Heavy lifting, strenuous workouts, and upper-body exercise are normally restricted until you have fully healed.

Sleeping

After breast reduction surgery, it is best to sleep on your back to keep from pulling or pushing on your new incisions. Many women find sleeping in a recliner is the most comfortable for them. They can place pillows around their body to prevent them from rolling onto their side, and it is easier for them to get up without having to overly exert themselves.

When To Call Your Surgeon During Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast reduction surgery is considered very safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Min at Newvue Plastic Surgery, but any type of surgery carries risks. It is important for you to recognize symptoms that are not normal and may require medical attention.

Contact your surgical team right away if you notice:

• You have a fever.
• Pain is getting worse.
• You are bleeding more than expected.
• There is a sudden onset of major swelling.
• You have redness or areas on your breasts that are warm to the touch.
• There is drainage that has a bad odor.
• One breast is noticeably more swollen than the other.
• You are short of breath or are having chest pain.

Contact your surgical team immediately for guidance or seek urgent care for symptoms that are severe.

Where Can I Learn More About Breast Reduction Surgery?

Dr. George Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Newvue Plastic Surgery with over 20 years of experience who performs breast reduction surgery in Seattle and Bellevue, WA.

He and his team of professionals will help guide you through your entire procedure and every stage of your breast reduction recovery. Dr. Min tailors your breast reduction surgery to specifically fit your anatomy and circumstances to safely give you the results you desire.

To learn more about breast reduction surgery and recovery, schedule your consultation today!

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