What To Expect After Your 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.
Recovery after breast reduction can be a daunting worry. Knowing the recovery process can help you understand what to expect beforehand. Taking care of yourself during recovery can yield optimal healing of your breasts. Learn about the top tips for a quick recovery and the stages of healing after a breast reduction.
How Long Does Breast Reduction Recovery Take?
Breast reduction recovery can vary from one individual to the next. Patients typically take six to eight weeks to fully recover after their surgery. Although many feel normal after the first week, age, lifestyle, body, and medical history all contribute to the healing process.
Immediately Following Surgery
Immediately after your breast reduction procedure, you will feel drowsy as you wake up from the sedation medications. You can expect muscle tightness in the chest, mild achiness, and tension. Minimum pain should be felt at this time. Your doctor can prescribe medications to relax your muscles, reduce swelling, and numb the treatment area. After the surgery, you will be monitored for a few hours to ensure you are ready to go home. Your doctor will bandage the region to support your chest during healing before you are released to your caregiver.
Recovery Process After Surgery
After surgery, wearing a compression bra, avoiding heavy lifting, staying hydrated, sleeping upright, and avoiding physical activity are essential. Following your doctor’s instructions, post-procedure is critical for ensuring a complete and timely recovery.
Days After Surgery
For the first few days after surgery, you will be on bed rest, resting as much as possible while your body uses its energy for healing. It is crucial to avoid physical activity, especially using your arms. Walking around the house every few hours is helpful to ensure your blood is circulating.
Three to Five Days After Surgery
You will notice more pain and achiness around the surgical site during this time. You will be prescribed medication to minimize the discomfort and swelling at this time. You can notice normal bleeding around the incision sites.
Five Days After Surgery
After five days, you can expect to notice increased energy and less pain in your chest. You can now begin using over-the-counter medications to address your pain.
Three Weeks After Surgery
Three weeks after surgery, you should be able to return to around 50% of your usual activity. Your pain should be minimized, although you may still feel slight soreness and swelling in the area. It is still essential to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
Two Months After Surgery
After two months, you will reach a full recovery. At this time, you will be able to resume physical activities after getting clearance from your doctor.
Contact Us
Contact us to schedule a breast reduction consultation with Dr. Angelchik. Dr. Paul Angelchik is a board-certified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and provides custom procedures based on each patient’s interests, medical history, and goals. At Paul Angelchik, MD PC, we offer excellent services to those in the Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, and Peoria areas of Arizona.
