Breast Reduction Recovery Time

Breast reduction surgery is a serious procedure with its attending risks. Though it may be done on an outpatient basis with total anesthesia and last for just a few hours, yet it is major operation requiring adequate rest for recovery.

The recovery period is fairly lengthy and intense. One of the first things to do is to stop smoking as smokers may have more noticeable scarring than non-smokers. As soon as the surgery is over, the patient will wake up with the breasts bandaged. There may be some bleeding. There may be tubes put in to drain away the excess fluids. These will be removed in a couple of days before the patient goes home.  She may feel sore and uncomfortable. There may be swelling and tenderness. But all this will disappear as time passes. When the wound begins to dry, there may be itching, which she will have to take care not to scratch. Medicines will be prescribed for pain relief and other symptoms of recovery.

There are certain garments available, which are called compression garments. For the best possible recovery, it is best to have the highest quality garment, which is easily available. ContourMD is a division of American West Medical Company specializing in such garments. These clothes are different from the ones available for women with breast implants. In an augmentation surgery, the main concern is of wearing dresses which will prevent the new implants from slipping while in a breast reduction surgery the concern is of swelling and bruising which have to be taken care of.

It is advisable to rest and take things easy for at least two to six weeks after surgery. The dressings are needed till the wounds heal. Stitches will be removed in eight to ten days. The patient must not lift heavy things or stretch. The breasts should be supported by well fitting wireless bras. Complete and total recovery can be expected in six months.