Surgical techniques for breast reduction have advanced significantly over the past decades. This has made breast reduction cosmetic surgery more effective and less invasive than before. However, breast reduction will still involve a considerable recovery process.
The patient should have the commitment to go through the recovery according to the surgeon’s instructions to achieve optimal results safely.
During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient on various facets of the breast reduction surgery, including the estimated recovery.
Busy moms and professional working women should especially consider the recovery period involved and make a well-informed decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides breast reduction to patients in Chicago, IL and surrounding locations.
Initial Recovery Phase
After a breast reduction procedure, most patients would need to stay home for around a week to ten days. The patient should take adequate rest during the initial recovery period.
However, the surgeon will advise her to perform frequent short walks around the house and undertake light activities to enhance the blood flow to the incision areas. She should minimize any contact with the incision sites and not put any pressure on the incisions till further healing occurs.
The downtime and recovery period will vary for every breast reduction plastic surgery patient. However, a majority of patients will enjoy a comfortable recovery and be able to resume their routine or work in around a week to ten days. Patients must avoid lifting heavy weights or participating in rigorous activities for about one-month post-surgery.
Surgical Bra
The surgeon will bandage the breasts for 1 or 2 days after the procedure. After that, the patient may need to go to the surgeon’s office to have these bandages removed. She will need to wear a special surgical bra for compression after the bandages are taken off. The patient should wear this surgical bra throughout the initial recovery period. She should wear the bra at all times except while showering.
The surgical bra or a wrap-like compression garment will offer support to the breast muscle and tissue. This will assist the breasts to acquire their new shape readily.
Recovery Guidelines
The surgeon will require the patient to stop smoking for some time before and after the procedure. The nicotine in tobacco smoke may inhibit the function of red blood cells. This can cause a slower recovery or increase the risk of complications.
The patient will also need to avoid blood thinning medication and NSAIDs for some days. She should also avoid bending down during the initial recovery phase as well as refrain from any vigorous activities, steam baths, and swimming for some weeks.
Pain Management
In the initial few days after the surgery, there will be some discomfort and soreness in the incision areas. The surgeon may prescribe pain meds to ensure the patient remains comfortable during this time.
The patient should avoid driving or performing any activity that requires full alertness while she is on pain medication. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL and nearby areas for breast reduction.
Successful and focused cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and other suburbs and cities in this part of the center of the country for a breast lift.