Recovery after breast reduction

Are you considering breast reduction? Then it is wise to prepare yourself well for the recovery process after the operation. This page gives you a clear overview of what you can expect during the recovery period.

Please note that different plastic surgeons may give different advice on the rules of life after breast reduction. The information in this article is based on the guidelines of the plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen. Are you undergoing surgery elsewhere? Always consult your own doctor if you have any questions or doubts.

Immediately after the procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After the operation, you will wake up in the recovery room. Your breasts will be covered with a bandage or with plasters over the wounds. In most cases, thin tubes (drains) are placed to drain wound fluid and blood. These are usually removed before you go home.

In most cases, you will stay overnight in our center after the operation. The next day, you will be allowed to go home under supervision. So make sure that someone comes to pick you up.

Pain medication

Immediately after the operation, you will receive painkillers from us. The pain that is still present after a day is often described as muscle pain. This pain can usually be suppressed well with paracetamol (maximum four times a day 1000 mg). Use the painkillers for a maximum of seven days, unless otherwise advised. If necessary, you will receive an additional prescription from the anaesthetist.

Sports bra after breast reduction

After the operation you will wear six weeks a sports bra. You wear this day and night for the first three to four weeks, then only during the day until the six weeks are up. You will receive this bra from us.

To sleep

In the first two weeks after breast reduction, we recommend sleeping on your back, preferably with your back and head slightly elevated. This reduces the chance of swelling in the chest area. After two weeks, you may sleep on your side again if this feels comfortable. Sleeping on your stomach is strongly discouraged in the first few weeks due to the pressure on the surgical area.

The first weeks after the operation

In the first few days after the procedure, you should take it easy. Light housework or administrative work is allowed from day 2 after the breast reduction. Do you have a sedentary job? Then you can usually return to work quickly.

You should avoid physically demanding work, such as lifting, vacuuming or heavy housework, for at least 2 weeks after the procedure. Heavy physical work and more intensive strain may not be resumed until 6 weeks after the procedure. Are you unsure about how long you should take off work? Always ask your plastic surgeon for advice.

Activities and mobility

You will notice that you can do more and more soon after the operation. However, your body is still recovering. So listen carefully to the signals from your body to prevent overload.

In general, we apply the following rules of conduct after breast reduction:

• To play sports: Intensive sports are allowed again from 6 weeks, but after 2 weeks you can carefully perform light exercises. Think of yoga and stretching.
• Misuse: You can gradually build it up again after 2 weeks.
• Driving: This will also be allowed again from 2 weeks onwards, provided you feel comfortable and can react well in traffic.
• Lifting: the first 6 weeks you may not lift heavy objects. Do you have small children? Then get extra help during the first few weeks, because you will not be allowed to lift the children.

Shower

Showering is permitted from the day after surgery. Leave the plasters on and gently pat your breasts dry.

Scars and sun protection

After breast reduction, scars are inevitable. They may appear red and fiery at first, but this will diminish over the first year. Exposure to sunlight can keep scars red for longer. We therefore recommend protecting scars well for the first year with a high sun protection factor or, if possible, covering clothing.

Wound care

Leave the plasters in place until your first check-up. The stitches will dissolve by themselves, so they do not need to be removed. Always follow the instructions of your doctor or consultant and look out for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or pus. If you are unsure about anything, please contact us. Because we are a subsidiary of OLVG In case of emergency, we are available 24/7.

Control appointments

After 2 weeks you will come to us for a wound check. After 3 months you will come back for a regular check. The breasts are still recovering, but the plastic surgeon can already assess the first result after 3 months. After a year the final result is clearly visible.

Tips for a good recovery after breast reduction

• Follow the rules of life: Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise and excessive use of your arms in the first few weeks. You will notice that recovery will be rapid if you follow the lifestyle rules.
  
• Wear the sports bra: as prescribed for three to four weeks day and night, then during the day only.
  
• Avoid smoking and drinking: Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process. Avoid this preferably for six weeks.
  
• Nutrition and hydration: Eat healthy and drink enough water. Proteins, vitamins and minerals support your recovery.
  
• Listen to your body: Don't force anything. Take rest and take complaints seriously.

If you have any questions or concerns during recovery, please contact us at any time.

More information

The recovery period is the final phase of the treatment process. Would you like to know more about the consultation and the operation? Then read here further.