Breast Reduction Recovery: What to Expect and How To Prepare

Breast reduction surgery is a common cosmetic procedure and is performed on women of various age groups. Most often women suffer from upper body discomfort and poor posture as well as limitations to how active they can be from having excessively large breast volume. A breast reduction can help women feel more comfortable in their upper body as it removes excess breast weight and re-shapes the breast creating a lift of the nipple areola complex at the same time.

Even though it’s a routine operation, many people might not know what to anticipate from the healing process. Let’s take a look at some of the specifics about the healing process, potential risks and consequences, and advice for a speedy recovery.

What Type of Breast Reduction Surgeries Are Performed?

Currently, there are two procedures used for breast reduction. The first procedure is a reduction mammoplasty, which removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin from the breast while reshaping the breast to lift the nipple areola complex to a higher position. In addition, the areola is made smaller as well to match the smaller breast volume. The surgery can remove as much volume as the patient desires to achieve to size they want.

A second type of procedure is known as a breast lift, and is similar to a breast reduction in terms of the scars. However, the primary difference is that a breast lift does not remove as much volume. Instead, the breast is reshaped to a more perky shape by removing primarily excess breast skin and preserving more of the breast volume. The nipple areola complex is also lifted to a new higher, more perky position on the breast mound. This surgery is for patients who want to keep as much of their breast volume as possible and want to focus on breast re-shaping to make it more youthful and perky.

Why Have Breast Reduction Surgery?

There are various reasons why someone might decide to get breast reduction surgery. It might be done for aesthetic reasons or to lessen any pain or discomfort from having large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery can also help people of all genders and includes men who have gynecomastia (enlargement of the male breast).

Additionally, people with neck or back discomfort, skin rashes, or other problems brought on by large breasts might greatly benefit from this surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications

Breast reduction surgery is generally a safe surgical procedure when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon at an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, prolonged swelling, and poor healing. These risks can be minimized by making surgery you are in good health, at your ideal body with and do not smoke.

Breast Reduction Recovery Tips

It’s crucial to adhere to the doctor’s advice while recovering. The instructions will include detailed directions for caring for bandages and how to take prescribed medicines.

Recuperation can also be sped up by staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and avoiding strenuous exercises.

You may be able to return to a desk job within 1 week, but those whose occupations demand them to be on their feet or move heavy things may need to take a lengthier hiatus for up to six weeks.

Schedule Your Consultation

Are you interested in discovering more about breast reduction surgery and the healing process? Scheduling a consultation with Tucson Plastic Surgery is a great first step. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir can walk you through the procedure and answer all your questions.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Tucson, AZ office at 520-415-2420 or use our online scheduling form.