If you have decided to go for breast reduction surgery or scheduled your appointment already, you made a huge step. You will soon experience incredible relief from back pain, discomfort, and self-consciousness. But the surgery is just the beginning. The real deal is care after breast reduction because the recovery phase largely influences the transformation. It ensures smooth healing and helps the body adjust to its new form.
Understanding how to care for your body in the days to come can make a big difference to the long-term results. In this blog, we are going to cover how you can shape your expectations after the surgery and what to do for proper healing over time.
The First Few Days: Rest and Gentle Care
You should focus a lot on having proper rest 4 days after breast reduction surgery. This is because you are most likely to be wearing bandages and a special surgical bra for more breast support and reduced swelling. Drains (soft tubes) may be placed for the removal of excess fluids that are usually removed after 5 days after breast reduction. You are supposed to avoid taking showers until your surgeon removes the bandages and gives you a go-ahead.
All those days, you’ll be lying on your back and have limited arm movement. You should avoid lifting your arms overhead or carrying heavy stuff. This early stage is very critical and needs you to minimize strain on the surgical area and protect it. However, some bruising, tightness, or swelling is pretty normal as it indicates healing.
After Two Weeks: Cautious Movements
Usually, 2 weeks after breast reduction surgery, most patients start feeling more comfortable and hence, doctors allow them to carry on with light daily activities. However, lifting, stretching or intense upper-body motion should still be avoided. You’ll continue wearing your surgical bra the whole day because it helps reduce swelling and gives necessary support to the healing tissue.
If recommended, you might start using scar-reducing creams but only after proper closing of your incisions. This is when you may notice some breast sensitivity or even numbness. But don’t worry since it’s completely normal and resolves over time.
1 Month After Breast Reduction Surgery
Around 1 month after breast reduction surgery, your body starts showing clear signs of healing. While you’ll be able to restart more daily activities, heavy lifting or intense workouts are still a no-no. The swelling will be reducing day by day and the breasts will continue taking a better shape.
Now, you would most likely be required to wear your supportive bra only during the day. Don’t rush to get back to your regular bras and wear only breathable and doctor-approved garments. The scarring is still fresh but you can apply topical treatments if your doctor allows.
2 Months After Breast Reduction
Normally, by the end of the second month, most of the bruising and swelling greatly fade away. Yes, your breasts may still be feeling slightly firm or tender but you start feeling more like yourself and are a lot more comfortable. If the doctor advises, you can also return to light exercises.
Though the scars may still be there, they will continue to fade over time. For further healing, continue using scar creams and moisturizers. Go to all follow-up doctor visits and don’t forget to report if there are any unusual sensations or concerns. That’s how you can easily monitor after care breast reduction progress and be sure that healing is going on well.
Long-Term Healing: 1 year Onwards
If you see it 1 year after breast reduction surgery, you will find that the scars seem to be much lighter and less noticeable. Great news! In fact, most women report that there is no longer any physical discomfort like back or shoulder pain. In addition to this, their self-confidence is also boosted. If there is some minor numbness in certain areas, especially near the incision lines, there is nothing wrong. It lingers only for a while and is usually not permanent.
However, if there is any firmness or unusual sensations that you feel beyond the first year, discuss it with your surgeon right away. This is when a sharp and clear difference between the before and after breast reduction journey can be seen. The body is now completely settled and your breasts perfectly fit your body’s proportions.
Up to a year after breast reduction, your body needs proper rest and support for healing. From the healing to the healed phase, every step of recovery matters. Just follow your doctor’s instructions, wear suggested garments, and be patient and you will get lasting and satisfying results. Whether it’s 4 days or 4 weeks after breast reduction surgery, it’s all worth the care.
