3 months after breast reduction surgery: what to expect

The first three months after breast reduction surgery can be a little bit of a roller coaster. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world one day, and then the next day, you might feel like you’re falling off of it.

It’s normal to have a lot of ups and downs during this time. The important thing is that you take care of yourself and respect your body’s needs as they change over time.

Here are some tips for staying strong during this exciting time:

-Try not to get too discouraged if your scars seem worse than expected. Scars are going to be present for at least 6 months after surgery, but they will gradually fade over time as your body heals itself back together again. If they look worse than expected now, they will look better later on!

-Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your doctor has probably already answered most of them, but if something else comes up or if something doesn’t make sense, don’t be afraid to ask! They want you to feel comfortable with everything that’s going on—and they want their patients happy so they can go home happy 🙂

3 months after breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery recovery time

In this post of Gomediran we will give you a proficient guide about breast reduction recovery. After having breast reduction surgery, you will need some time to heal and recover from the surgery. Breast reduction recovery time can be unique for each patient. However, you can speed up the recovery and improve the results when you have good rest and follow the post-op instructions.

Female breast reduction surgery recovery time

The recovery process is affected by the patient’s age, lifestyle, and current health status. As a result, female breast reduction recovery time varies from one patient to another. However, on average, it takes from eight weeks to twelve weeks after the surgery to fully recover from surgery.

1 to 3 days after breast reduction surgery

You can stay in the hospital for up to 3 days after the surgery. Your doctor will keep you under observation and watch your vital signs during these days. You will be given an IV solution for the pain during this period, and the nurse will change your bandages.

When you are ready, you will be discharged home, and you will need someone to give you a lift home.

Week 1 after breast reduction surgery

Some of the patients will be able to return to work at the end of the first week, especially those who have desk jobs. Other people may have to take a more extended break to let their bodies rest and their wounds heal well. To know when you can return to your job, you need to ask your doctor and tell them about the nature of your occupation.

During the first week, you might feel some mild to moderate pain. Over-the-counter pain killers are often all you need to relieve the pain and feel more comfortable. After the 3rd day, you will usually be able to start showering.

You may feel low energy during this week, but it may help if you start light walking now and then to help increase the blood flow enhancing the healing process.

Week 2 after breast reduction surgery

During the second week, the wounds will start to dry as they heal, resulting in an urge to scratch. You should feel more energy and walk and do some of your daily activities.

The dressing will be removed during the second week, but you will still need to wear the compression bra. You may still feel some pain at this point, but it would help to lower sodium intake in your food.

Weeks 3 and 4 after breast reduction surgery

After the second week, the bruising and the swelling will decrease, and you should feel more comfortable. You will be able to walk and resume other activities but may still feel some discomfort from some kinds of movements.

At this point, you will be able to drive without discomfort. You should still wear the compression bra and avoid bras with underwires.

Breast reduction recovery after one month

After one month passes, you will resume doing your household tasks by yourself. Most patients can usually exercise now (but cannot lift weights yet) and soak themselves in the bathtub in the 5th week. Sleeping on the side is typically OK now.

You will begin to notice that your neck and back pain is reduced. Your movements will become easier, and your clothes will start to fit you again as the swelling decreases.

Breast reduction recovery after two months

After two months post the surgery passes, most of the swelling will be gone. You can return to the gym and lift weights again. If you like swimming, you will be able to go to the pool and swim (Make sure you wear a supportive bra and avoid sun exposure).

Breast reduction scars recovery

A skilled cosmetic surgeon will try to reduce the scarring and make it less noticeable. Breast reduction scars are fine, and most of them fade over time. Depending on the type of cosmetic surgery you have, you may have vertical scars, horizontal scars, or both of them.

Breast reduction scars stay red for about six weeks following the surgery. However, to fully heal these scars will likely need about six months. At the end of the sixth month, most of your scars will be white and flat.

You cannot hide the scars completely. However, you can reduce scarring significantly by sticking to the following:

1.  Avoid smoking till your scars heal completely
2.  Follow a healthy diet that provides enough protein
3.  Avoid any activity that puts the incisions under pressure
4.  Avoid exposing your incisions to the sun
5.  Avoid drinking alcohol till your scars fully heal
6.  Stay hydrated and drink enough water

It would help if you start scar treatment and take Vitamin E supplements after the sixth-week post-surgery.

How to speed up breast reduction recovery

Your body needs a relatively long breast reduction recovery time. However, there are some ways to help you speed up the process and heal faster. Here are some breast reduction surgery recovery tips:

1. Include more protein-rich foods in your diet
2. Wear comfortable clothes (loose cotton shirts is a good choice)
3. Drink plenty of water to make sure you stay hydrated
4. Get enough sleep and rest
5. Sleep with your head elevated
6. Ask someone to stay with you and help you during the first week
7. Avoid lifting heavy objects (including carrying your baby if you have any)
8. Use a surgical bra and avoid wearing an underwire bra for one month following the surgery

What Bras to wear during breast reduction recovery time?

Wearing the right bra is essential during breast reduction recovery time. You must wear a surgical bra or a compression garment for the following six to eight weeks. Wearing a surgical bra improves the speed of the recovery and have many benefits such as:

1.  They help decrease the swelling of the breasts
2.  They reduce scarring
3.  They lower the risks of infection
4.  They stimulate better blood circulation

You should wear the surgical bra 24 hours a day. However, you can remove it when you have a shower. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe sleeping bills to help the patient sleep if she finds it difficult to sleep with the bra.

Wearing an underwire bra must be avoided for about 8 to 12 weeks after the surgery. Underwire bras may cause the skin to irritate, which can harm the recovery process and increase breast reduction recovery time.

Male breast reduction surgery recovery time

Due to hormonal imbalances, many men may suffer from the accumulation of excess tissues on the chest resulting in gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is common in men of all ages. Since exercise and weight loss cannot solve the problem, many men undergo gynecomastia surgery to solve the problem for good.

The gynecomastia recovery time depends on how many excess tissues the surgeon removes during the surgery. However, patients usually need about a month or a month and a half to recover.

Gynecomastia recovery timeline

Gynecomastia recovery time spans about eight weeks. Here is the detailed timeline of the gynecomastia recovery period.

2 to 3 days post-surgery

During the following two to three days, you will feel some moderate pain and discomfort that can be managed with OTC painkillers. You will need to rest. Your activities will be limited to light walking when needed. You need to avoid showering for the next 24 hours.

One week after surgery

The stitches are removed, and the swelling will begin to decrease gradually. You will feel less pain, so that you may not need to take painkillers. Most patients who undergo gynecomastia can return to their work a week after the surgery.

Two weeks after the surgery

After the 2nd week, you can resume most of your usual activities. It will be OK to sleep on the belly or the side.

3 to 4 weeks following the surgery

You will be able to exercise again, but this does not include going to the gym and lifting weights. Taking a bath and swimming is often allowed after the 4th week. You will not need to use compression garments anymore.

6 to 8 weeks after gynecomastia surgery

Your wounds are fully healed, and your chest swelling is gone. You can resume your old daily routine and go back to the gym. You can sleep in any position you want.

Gynecomastia surgery scar healing

Gynecomastia surgery will leave scars on your body. The type and shape of the scar depend on the technique the surgeon uses. However, a skillful surgeon can make the incision in positions that minimize the scarring as much as possible.

Gynecomastia surgery recovery sleep

After the surgery, it is essential to have enough sleep. Your surgeon will direct you to keep your head elevated above your chest when sleeping.

You can put some cushions under your back to assist you in keeping your upper torso raised. Placing some pillows on your sides can be helpful to prevent you from rolling over to the sides.

Gynecomastia surgery recovery tips

If you want to speed up the recovery, you can do the following:

1.  Follow all the instructions given to you by your surgeon
2.  Make sure you wear the compression garment for about 4 to 5 weeks
3.  Use cold packs on your chest to reduce the swelling
4.  Sleep well
5.  Have a healthy balanced diet
6.  Refrain from drinking alcohol
7.  Avoid smoking
8.  Avoid exposing your wounds to the sun
9.  Wear loose, comfortable clothes
10.  Limit your physical activities and avoid any deed that may put pressure on your chest

how long do you heal from breast reduction

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Breast Reduction?

Choosing to have breast reduction surgery can be a liberating moment. You’re doing something that will make you feel better emotionally and physically and improve your quality of life. With this decision comes the need to seek information. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we strive to answer your questions and make this momentous occasion as stress-free as possible.

Recovery Time After Breast Reduction Surgery

Every patient responds to surgery differently, so it’s difficult to say exactly how long it will take you to recover from this procedure. Realistically, you will need between two and six weeks to make a full recovery, although you’ll start to regain strength and energy within about seven days. You will likely need at least a week away from work, depending on the nature of your job, and during this time, you’ll have to limit your activities.

This means you will need help with meal preparation, housework, child care, shopping, and even caring for yourself. In addition, we recommend you not drive until you can comfortably wear a seatbelt. This can take between one and three weeks, so plan accordingly for your kids and your own appointments and needs.

A Suggested Timeline

Your surgery will only take a few hours, and then you’ll be placed in a recovery room where we can monitor your post-operative progress. We perform breast reduction as an outpatient procedure, and once you’re feeling alert enough, we will send you home.

You won’t be able to drive, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to bring you to and take you from surgery. That person should also plan on spending time with you at home to ensure you’re comfortable.

Day One

We consider this to be the same day as surgery, and once home, your goal is to simply rest. This will help your body start the healing process. You’ll be placed into a post-operative bra and have bandages over your incisions. But don’t worry – we’ll provide you with all the instructions necessary to properly care for your incisions.

This also marks the time when you’ll need to start wearing your bra 24 hours a day, except when showering. This helps keep you comfortable and also supports breast tissues as they recover from surgery.

Week One

You need this time away from work to continue resting. You should also use this first week to drink plenty of water – it helps with healing – eat well, and avoid strenuous activity. Stick to your pain medication schedule and familiarize yourself with the instructions we provided after surgery. If you have any questions during this time, we urge you to call our office right away.

We should also stress that your post-op instructions will likely differ from those of another patient. That’s why it is important to follow our recommendations for incision care, activity restrictions, and diet. They’re based on your needs specifically.

Gentle Walking

We’ve discussed the need for avoiding strenuous activities, but now is a good time to discuss what you can do just outside of surgery. Yes, rest is important, but you should also begin to incorporate some gentle walking each day. Start slowly, at maybe 10 minutes a day, and work your way up to 30 minutes.

This promotes blood flow, which your tissues need to heal, and prevents blood clots. Establishing this habit can also continue far beyond your healing period. Finally, walking will help you gradually return to normal activities.

No Heavy Lifting

After surgery, it’s important you refrain from straining your body. We therefore recommend you not lift anything heavy, including:

• Weighted purses or briefcases
• Grocery bags
• Milk and juice jugs
• Dog food bags
• Cat litter bags
• Vacuum cleaner

These recommendations will hold for at least two weeks. Additionally, don’t pick up or lift children, and keep your arms at a comfortable position without raising them over your head. Also avoid stretching and exercising until we give you the go-ahead.

Month One

Throughout this month, your body will change in a variety of ways. Your incisions will heal, although it may be several months before we recommend a return to underwire bras; the wire can chafe and damage skin that is still recovering. You’ll also note more energy and reduced pain in the neck and shoulders because, simply, your breasts are smaller.

This will mean more freedom of movement, but we recommend you slowly ease back into full activities. There’s no need to rush. Toward the end of the month, you will likely be cleared for low-impact exercises. You’ll be back to work, driving again, and caring for yourself. In other words, you’ll be back to your old self – only better.

Ways to Help Your Recovery

Much of your recovery will depend on you. If you follow the instructions we provide, you’ll likely enjoy a shorter healing period. For instance, planning for your return home after surgery can make life a little easier. Pour water, milk, and juice into small containers and have them ready in the refrigerator; this will allow you to drink without worry of lifting heavy gallon jugs.

Meal Plans

By planning what you’re going to eat for at least those first few days after surgery, you can give yourself more crucial time to heal. Pre-made meals that you store in the refrigerator or freezer can be easily heated in the microwave. In your planning, opt for high-protein foods like eggs, poultry, and fish. Protein can help you heal more quickly, and a simple meal of dark, leafy greens and grilled chicken is nutritious and comforting.

Plan for snacks as well. Cubed cheese, crackers, pretzels, and fruit are perfect for accompanying your medications and can be enjoyed almost effortlessly. Yogurt and nuts make equally smart choices. Use plasticware and paper plates so you don’t have to worry about washing dishes or loading and unloading the dishwasher as you heal.

Clothing

Loose, cotton pants or shorts and button-down shirts will be the most comfortable choices after surgery. Have a few outfits laid out to simplify dressing, and keep your nightwear within easy reach for nighttime. You should also:

• Designate a space for wound supplies and medications
• Create a basket with reading materials and TV remote controls
• Stock flexible neck straws, extra gauze, and antibacterial soap in the house

The Procedure Explained

The purpose of this procedure is to reduce the weight and size of heavy breasts. To do this, we ensure results are more proportionate to the rest of your body. You then see a smaller bust that is more lifted, youthful, and contoured.

During surgery, we remove extra fat and stretched skin. This eliminates sagging so your silhouette as a whole is improved. We also ensure breasts are more symmetrical, correct stretched areolas, and reduce nipple size. Overall, your breasts will be lighter, well-balanced, and more attractive whether in or out of your clothes.

Reasons Women Opt for Surgery

We understand that each woman’s reason for surgery is slightly different. Some want to correct back pain; large breasts impact posture and spine curvature. They pull you forward without your even knowing it, which can strain the muscles and cause neck and back pain. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to cause headaches as well.

A lack of adequate support can also contribute to pain and poor posture. Because the breasts lack muscle tissue, they have very little natural support. Oversized breasts can therefore tax back muscles that work to compensate for additional weight in the front of the body.

Lack of Self Esteem

A woman inherently ties a part of her self-worth to her appearance. If she feels poorly about her body, as so often happens in women with large breasts, she will likely have low self-esteem.

As if to confirm this, we often see women hunching or wearing bulky, oversized clothing to try to hide their breasts. Surgery can instantly restore confidence in a woman by changing how she looks; it also provides a sense of empowerment because a woman who chooses this procedure is also choosing to take care of herself.

Poor Clothing Choices

It might not seem important, but it actually is. The reality is that women with oversized breasts can struggle to find clothing that is appropriate, comfortable, and fits well. Clothing factors into a person’s overall body image, and having limited choices can make a woman feel worse. Some women may even feel stigmatized by certain clothing brands that fail to meet their needs.

LImited Physical Abilities

Large breasts can make exercise difficult, if not altogether impossible. Even with a sports bra, heavy breasts can impede a woman’s ability to lift weights, run, and participate in workout classes. Going to a gym is often out of the question, as women who feel self-conscious don’t want to exercise in front of others. So the answer is often not to engage at all.

Breast reduction allows a woman to resume a healthy, active lifestyle. Patients can once again move with confidence, which in turn contributes to overall health.