How you recover after the breast reduction surgery will impact how your breasts will appear over time. Knowing important things like how to manage your incisions, pain, resuming work, exercise, and other activities etc. will help you get the best results from this procedure.
In this article, we will apprise you of the things you must expect from your Boob Reduction Surgery in order to make an informed decision.
What is breast reduction?
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, this procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin from the breasts. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. However, as is with any other type surgery, breast reduction too has a long recovery period.
Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery
Once you have undergone the surgery, your doctor will give you postoperative instructions that you must follow carefully. This will allow you heal properly and fully. The doctor will not only include the instructions but also prescribe medication to help you manage pain, risk of infection etc. You should also ask when to do a follow up to check the progress.
What to Expect After First week of Surgery?
You will be either wearing a surgical bra or an elastic bandage soon after the surgery. So make sure that you involve some family member in your recovery process. You may need their help with daily tasks such as bathing and washing, so make sure you are comfortable with the helper. Also remember that you will be unable to raise your arms above your head without pain. Therefore, changing clothes may be a challenge.
There may also be drainage tubes that will be attached for at least a week after the surgery. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra for the next few weeks after your gauze and dressing has been removed. This will help not only hold your breasts in proper alignment to gain its natural shape but also prevent swelling.
Weeks After Surgery
After two weeks of surgery, the surgeon will remove the stiches. Therefore, needless to say that your breasts will be sore. You will notice some bruising and swelling that will eventually pass. You may also experience some itching and dryness in the treatment area.
The best way to naturally reduce swelling is by reducing the sodium intake. Additionally, you must also drink more water and keep yourself hydrated. This will help flush out all toxins from the body.
You should be able to resume your normal life after two weeks of recovery process. However, this timeframe strictly depends on the type of job you have. You will not be allowed to do any heavy lifting or undergo a strenuous activity for at least six weeks after the surgery. This time frame is necessary to allow the body to heal naturally.
Ask your doctor about any other postoperative care or tips that you must keep in mind for a healthy and quick recovery.