Undergoing breast reduction surgery can be a life-changing experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the recovery process. Here’s what you need to know about the average recovery time and what to expect during your journey.
Recovery time varies for each person, but a full recovery is typically expected to take 6 to 8 weeks. During the first 3 to 4 weeks, you may feel weak and should avoid lifting anything above your head. Depending on your job, you may need to take off at least one week of work.
Recovering from surgery often goes in stages. Initially, you may be sore for the first 2-3 weeks following your surgery. This may present as a stretching or pulling sensation in the breast area. To manage this, you’ll have pain medication prescribed to help with any discomfort.
You may also feel weak or have low energy levels for the first few weeks. This is normal and it’s important that you take this time to rest and limit your activities.
In the following weeks, your swelling will start to subside and your results will become more apparent. You’ll start to notice your breasts look firmer, perkier and rounder. By 6 months after surgery, your final results should be clear.
During the first 6 weeks after surgery, you will need to wear a compression bra to promote healing and reduce swelling. The breast reduction bra also helps your breasts to settle into their new position.
When you have surgery with Dr Doyle, you’ll wake up from your procedure wearing your post-op garment. You’ll need to wear it for 23 hours a day for at least six weeks or as directed by your surgeon.
As mentioned, every individual’s recovery timeline is different. But, as a general guide, most people will experience a similar recovery. A standard breast reduction recovery week by week may look like this:
After your surgery, you’ll wake up wearing a surgical bra and two types of dressings covering your incisions. You’ll need someone to drive you home from the hospital.
Once you get home, rest as much as possible. You can use ice packs (or a bag of frozen peas) on your breasts to help decrease swelling. Do this every half-hour or as often as you can manage in the first 24 hours after surgery.
You are able to shower, although it’s advised to have someone with you, as you may feel dizzy. You’ll have a large padded dressing taped to your chest and this may be removed before your shower. There will be another dressing on top of your suture line. This will need to stay intact until your first review appointment with our nurse.
You’ll see Dr Doyle for your first post-op appointment approximately 7 days after surgery. At this appointment, our nurses will change your dressings and Dr Doyle will assess your result.
You should be able to resume light walking after the first week. Many patients can resume light work or house duties 4 to 5 days after surgery.
At your second post-operative appointment (usually around day 10 or 11), your stitches will be removed. You can usually start showering normally after this appointment. Continue wearing your compression garment and post-operative bra.
You can expect to feel well enough to return to a desk job by two weeks after surgery.
Approximately 3-weeks post-surgery our nurse will review your progress. Your dressing will be removed, and you’ll be given a sample of Stratamed and shown how to apply it to your wound.
By three weeks, most patients are feeling well enough to return to daily activities. You may still have some soreness and swelling but this will continue to improve over the next few weeks.
Approximately 6 weeks post surgery you will have your review with Dr Doyle. Here you’ll be given a sample of Strataderm for further scar care.
After six weeks you may be able to stop wearing your garment. Once your incisions have healed, you can return to wearing a normal bra. Always check first with Dr Doyle and our nurses.
After 6 weeks, you can recommence light exercise. Again, please check first with Dr Doyle and our nurses whether this is okay.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions and listen to your body to ensure a smooth recovery.
Recovery from breast reduction is different for everyone. You can prepare for your recovery period by ensuring you have a comfortable area set up where you can rest. You may want to pre-prepare healthy meals and ensure your entertainment options (Netflix, books etc) are available.
Here are some tips to help you through the recovery process:
Read more or Dr Doyle’s cosmetic surgery recovery tips here.
Like any surgical procedure, you will experience breast reduction scars after surgery. But there are some ways to minimize its appearance before and after the surgery.
Different techniques will affect on the size of the incisions and the appearance of the scars respectively. Breast reduction scars after 6 months should appear light red in colour. They will continue to fade to a pale skin colour between 12 and 24 weeks after surgery.
This is one of the most popular techniques to reduce breast sagging and provide a long-lasting natural result. Dr Doyle prefers this technique owing to the longevity of the outcome and the natural aesthetic looks of the results.
For this procedure two incisions are made, one that encircles the areola and the other extending from the areola to the lower natural crease of the breast. It is suitable to use for someone who has moderately sagging breasts and wants a minimal-to-moderate reduction in breast size.
Anchor breast reduction technique leaves three scars, one extending from the base of the areola to the lower breast crease. A scar along the lower crease of the breast, and a scar around the areolar. This is the scarring for larger breast reductions where more tissue needs to be removed.
The technique best for you will be determined by Dr Doyle at your initial consultation. To get a better idea of the position of your scars, view Dr Doyle’s breast reduction photos.
After any surgery, it’s important to know when to call the doctor. Boob reduction surgery is no different. You should contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following:
If you have any concerns or questions about your breast reduction surgery, please contact Dr Doyle or our nurses. We are here to help you through every step of the process!
Reduction surgery is a big decision. You should only entrust your care to an experienced and qualified surgeon like Dr Doyle.
All breast reductions include a breast lift. The recovery period is approximately 6-8 weeks. The recovery period is the same whether you have a reduction or you have a breast lift.
Breast reduction surgery scars are around the areola (the dark part surrounding the nipple) and down the front of the breast. Occasionally they extend under the breast crease too.
Boob reduction scars will be red and raised following surgery but will settle over time.
Most patients feel well enough to return to work and light walking within two weeks after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least eight weeks.
If you are considering reduction mammaplasty or would like to know more about recovery, please contact Dr Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.