When women decide to undergo a breast reduction, more times than not, they have done their due diligence about the procedure. Even prior to their consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast surgery, they have put a great deal of consideration and thought into the procedure.
While this surgical decision is a personal one, women who choose to embark on this procedure do so for a variety of reasons. However, the one goal most agree upon is decreasing the size and weight of their naturally large size so they can achieve the following:
- More balanced proportions
- Lessen discomfort such as neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Improve symmetry
- Achieve aesthetic goals
A breast reduction surgery involves the removal of redundant skin, excess tissue, and fat. Also patient dependent is the repositioning of the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position.
Typically done under general anesthesia, a breast reduction procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery. While most patients return home the very same day of their surgery, in some instances, it may be recommended for others to stay overnight at the hospital for extensive reductions or a medical condition that may need monitoring following surgery.
While patients will be mobile the same day of their surgery, it’s highly advised that they have assistance for the first 24 to 48 hours following their procedure. They may also need someone on hand to help them dress or assist them in caring for younger children for a few days.
Patients who have a desk job can expect to return to work in about a week whereas someone with more laborious responsibilities such as nursing may require a couple of weeks.
A breast reduction surgery is considered a common procedure, and patients are generally quite happy with their surgical outcome. It renews a person’s comfort level be it aesthetically or even physically.
Another postoperative guideline is to avoid heavy lifting which includes not taking on more than 10 pounds within the first couple of weeks. Aside from walking, most patients are required to wait four to six weeks before returning back to their normal exercise regimen. Between this time-frame, patients can gradually increase their activity levels. At six weeks following a breast reduction surgery, patients generally return back to their full and normal activities.
It’s important to stop a specific movement if there is any discomfort and relay this to your plastic surgeon. Following postoperative guidelines and having clear communication with a patient’s plastic surgeon is extremely advantageous.
While swelling generally decreases a couple weeks following surgery, it completely recedes in about two to three months. This is when a patient is able to visibly notice the final results of their procedure.
