What to Expect After Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
Planning your breast reduction can be exciting, but there are a lot of steps to take before you get to your surgery date. One of those steps is making sure you know what to expect afterward. Recovery is the most important part of any plastic surgery procedure, and planning ahead for your recovery is one of the best things you can do for your results. Dr. Angelchik will make sure you have a complete schedule and aftercare steps for after your procedure, but it can be helpful to know ahead of time so you can begin making preparations. Here’s a quick guide to breast reduction recovery and what you can expect.
The Early Phase of Recovery
Right after surgery, you’ll undergo a brief recovery period as you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll likely feel groggy and tired as you return home and should focus on resting. You’ll be fitted with bandages and dressings, as well as a surgical bra to help support your breasts. Make sure to wear this bra as much as possible for the first month or so. As the anesthesia wears off and over the course of the next few days, you’ll likely have some discomfort. Dr. Angelchik will ensure you have ways to manage it, along with swelling (which will be most noticeable for the first week or two).
For the first two weeks, you should avoid any strenuous activity while still making sure to move around the house to keep blood moving. Focus also on eating a healthy and varied diet with plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Finally, drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated.
Within about six weeks, you’ll see most of the swelling and bruising subside. By this time, you should be ready to return to normal activities. You’ll begin to appreciate your results at this point, with a significant amount of relief from the symptoms of having large breasts.
The Later Phase of Recovery
The later phase of recovery is typically 2-3 months after surgery and beyond. Start slow and give yourself time to work your strength up, avoiding activities that put too much pressure on your new breasts like running or jumping. Make sure to wear a supportive sports bra to reduce pressure on your breasts when you return to exercise and listen to your body if it feels like too much at first.
It’s normal to have some numbness in areas like the nipples or sides of the chest. It’s always possible that this numbness persists but in most cases. it will go away within several months. You may also have some firmness or bumps, but these will also go away with time. Keep in mind that it may take up to a year for your scars to achieve their final appearance – our team can help you choose the right scar treatments to produce the best chances of ensuring your scars fade.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to learn more about what you can expect after your breast reduction is by meeting with our board-certified plastic surgeon. To get started, contact our Glendale, AZ office by calling or filling out our online form.
