If you’ve had breast reduction surgery, it’s possible that you’ll experience swelling after the procedure. This is normal, but if your symptoms are severe, it’s important that you get checked out by a doctor right away.
To understand why this might happen and what you can do about it, we need to talk about how breast reduction surgery works. The surgeon removes fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breasts and then reshapes them into smaller breasts that sit higher on the chest. In some cases, he or she will also remove excess skin from around the nipple area. In this guide, we review the aspects of abdominal swelling after breast reduction, how to lose belly fat after breast reduction, underarm swelling after breast reduction, and lymphatic swelling after breast reduction.
This requires removing a large amount of tissue from underneath your arms (your armpits) as well as from your chest region. Because so much tissue has been removed from these areas, there’s less space for all the fluids produced by your body—including blood and lymphatic fluid—to drain out through small channels known as lymph nodes. This causes swelling in these regions which can last anywhere from two weeks to three months after surgery (or longer).
Breast Reduction Side Effects: Surgical Recovery
The team here at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD. has achieved excellent results through the latest body contouring and sculpting techniques. This includes breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), which helps address issues with large, heavy, pendulous breasts, reducing pain and other symptoms associated with the breasts and improving overall breast appearance and body contour in the process.
We’d like to look at some of the things that patients experience following breast reduction surgery so you have a good understanding of the surgical process.
Discomfort and Soreness
Varying degrees of soreness and discomfort are common issues after surgery of any kind. Many breast reduction patients remark that (although they had some discomfort after surgery) it was “less than I expected!” That being said, discomfort / pain is a highly subjective and individual response, but after this operation it is usually quite tolerable, especially after the first several days. Some soreness is normal, and you will notice that discomfort abates as healing progresses. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory prescriptions (do not use Advil–ibuprofen–or other NSAIDS; can increase risk of bleeding) can be taken to address this soreness. Most women are up and doing everyday activities within a day or two after surgery–nothing strenuous, mind you, but going about the house and taking care of one’s self.
Bruising Around the Breasts
Bruising is another common side effect of many surgeries, and patients should not be surprised if they experience bruising to a certain degree after a procedure. Resting well and refraining from strenuous activities are good ways to reduce the duration and severity of bruising.
Swelling of the Bustline
Swelling is most often experienced in the early part of the healing process and is a result of your body’s normal response to surgery or injury. Resting well and wearing your surgical dressings and/or a surgical bra as instructed help keep swelling manageable. The most prominent amounts of swelling will fade within two weeks, though mild swelling may persists for several weeks afterward. Swelling reaches its peak at about day 3-5 after surgery; after that it diminishes over time. You will also note that swelling will “move” to the ribcage, abdomen, hips, and even legs–this is normal (gravity). “Final” healing and lymphatic swelling resolution takes 6-12 months. Sudden or asymmetric enlargement can be a sign of bleeding; if you have markedly increasing swelling and increase of breast size (1 1/2 to 2X larger), contact your surgeon.
Redness Around Incision Sites
As with the other side effects noted, patients can expect some redness or discoloration around the incisions sites. This is the body’s response to healing–vascular dilation causing redness where active healing is going on. Unfortunately, infection (very rare, but possible with any surgery) can also cause an increase in redness around an incision. Localized progressive increase in redness, discomfort, and swelling outside what is seen (normally) in other areas should be brought to the attention of your surgeon. Bright pink incision discoloration tends to only last for a few weeks, but final scar fading takes 6-12 months. Use of Scar Recovery Gel (after 1 week) and Vitamin E massage (after 3 weeks) will help scars soften and fade. Ultraviolet avoidance (sun AND tanning beds) is critical as long as scars are pink; otherwise, dark (permanent) pigmentation results. Rest, hydration, and refraining from strenuous activities help improve the healing process. Silicone scar sheets can be used to help flatten and fade scars that are red, thick, or raised (hypertrophic).
Changes In Breast and Nipple Sensitivity
As patients heal from surgery, they may notice numbness or sensitivity of their breasts, particularly their nipples. This is common in the early weeks after surgery and tends to be less of an issue as healing continues and sensory nerves regrow and repair. That said, numbness and tingling may diminish over the course of a few months before reaching their “new normal.” About 15% of breast lift or reduction patients will experience permanent nipple numbness depending on their specific anatomy and the course of their sensory nerves.
Post-Surgical Scarring
Scarring is a reality with any surgery. With breast reduction surgery, there will be scars, though they will fade with time so long as patients are fully committed to the healing and recovery process. The extent of the breast reduction/breast lift scars depend on the exact amount of tissue removed, as well as the design chosen for each woman’s optimal result. This depends, in turn, on pre-operative breast anatomy and post-op goals. Rest assured that most bathing suits and undergarments will conceal the scars from view. In addition to careful and precise surgical technique, dissolving sutures under the skin (no “railroad tracks” or crosshatch marks), and meticulous hemostasis (control of bleeding vessels at the time of surgery) we will instruct you in the use scar reduction techniques and products, such as Scar Recovery Gel, Vitamin E massage, and silicone scar sheeting. Over-the-counter products such as Mederma may also be helpful.
Remember: Follow Post-Operative Instructions Carefully
Post-operative instructions are in place in order to ensure that you heal fully and most efficiently, avoiding major complications and reducing the duration and severity of side effects. Make sure to follow these instructions to the letter and to contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns as you are recovering.
how long does stomach bloating last after breast augmentation
Some of the most common questions we receive from patients following breast and body surgery are, “why do I look and feel so bloated?” followed by a very distressed, “could I have I put on weight?!” It is always very reassuring for patients to hear that stomach discomfort, distention, bloating, and swelling are very common after surgery and that these symptoms are only temporary. Post-operative bloating and swelling usually peaks 2-3 days after surgery and most subsides by about 3 months.
Bloating and swelling occur after plastic surgery for a number of reasons:
- You aren’t as active as you usually are
During your recovery, your activity level will be significantly reduced. This decrease in movement can lead to fluid retention, increasing your swelling and bloating symptoms. Without being able to engage in the physical activity you usually would, you may even recognise a small weight gain. This is completely normal! Once you have been given the all-clear to resume gentle activity and exercise, you will find that your weight will return to its regular level if you are also being mindful of your diet.
- Your lymphatic system has been impacted
One of the main reasons swelling occurs in the body is that the lymphatic system has been disrupted during surgery. I always remind my patients that swelling is an important part of the recovery process and is essential for healing! The swollen areas contain a more concentrated amount of white blood cells and proteins that are needed to heal the surgical area.
- Intravenous (IV) fluid
During your operation, you will receive intravenous fluids to replenish your body’s fluids and balance your sodium levels. This IV fluid is often the culprit for bloating as your body attempts to regulates its fluid levels postoperatively.
- Functions of the gastrointestinal tract slow down
Not going to the toilet as regularly after surgery? Antibiotics, anaesthetic, pain relief, and other medications all tend to have a “slowing” effect on the gut. The means that patients often experience post-operative constipation, which of course can lead to more bloating and discomfort.
What can I do to help ease bloating and swelling?
Post-surgical bloating and swelling is mostly resolved with time. Although most bloating and swelling symptoms will clear by the 3-month mark, some patients find that swelling comes and goes for up to a year after surgery. Some ways you can help ease bloating, swelling and stomach discomfort are:
- Continuing to wear your surgical garments is a must. Yes, I know it can be uncomfortable, especially in the warmer months, but the compression makes a huge difference. If your garment is far too light or loose, please talk to your surgeon!
- Increase your fluid intake to flush any excess fluid from your body
- Ensure your post-surgical diet is rich in fibre to aid bowel movements
- Gentle stool softeners (such as Movicol sachets) may be utilised to help with post-surgery constipation
- Gentle mobilisation such as slow walking once you have received clearance to do so
- Cease stronger pain medication as soon as possible and replace with those that are gentler on the gut, such as paracetamol. Post-surgical bloating and swelling unfortunately cannot be improved with further prescription medication.
Although post-surgical bloating and swelling can be uncomfortable, rest assured that it is a completely normal, universal part of the recovery process and will subside over time.
Is there swelling I should be concerned about?
In a small number of cases, swelling can indicate an issue your surgeon may need to investigate. This can be a collection of fluid under the skin which is not being drained away using surgical drains. It may look like a bump only on one side and if it remains for longer than a day and seems to be getting bigger, then it is worth escalating.
It is also advised to contact your surgeon if you experience other symptoms such as increasing redness, pain or heat near a swollen area.
Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity.
After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids and the swelling to gradually move across your tissue planes. It will take a few weeks for this condition to disappear. I always encourage my patients to wait for the condition to subside with patience.
The abdominal swelling after breast augmentation is absolutely normal. It does not cause much discomfort, and there are no risks associated with it. As such, patients normally don’t need any outside intervention to treat the abdominal swelling.
In my experience, I have observed that maximum abdominal swelling after breast augmentation happens 3-5 days following the procedure and it takes the condition 1-3 weeks to settle. In some patients, the condition disappears fairly quickly. However, you may expect to observe minor swelling in your abdomen even a month after the surgery.
In order to minimize the abdominal swelling, compression bras, dressings, and special garments are used after the operation. These garments not only contain the swelling and help your body heal quickly, but also go a long way toward enhancing the achieved aesthetic results.
Patients may experience anxiety and emotional discomfort due to the abdominal swelling after breast augmentation. The swelling is a temporary opportunity cost for the improvement in the appearance of your breasts. You will have to stay with it for a few days or weeks.
The complete aesthetic improvement in your breasts and body will be visible after the swelling has fully disappeared. It is important for the patient and the surgeon to discuss possible abdominal swelling in advance of the breast augmentation surgery. Doing so will prevent any shock or surprise to the patient, and there will be reassurance for the patient to achieve better outcomes with the intervention. Being aware of every facet of the procedure and the recovery period will make the surgery and the recovery a comfortable experience for the patient.
- Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. It can be due to the anesthesia drugs or pain medication, which can slow down one’s bowels. A lack of movement due to the fact that patients’ activity is generally limited for some time, can also contribute to this as well. Overall, slow digestion can cause both stomach bloating and constipation. However, over the next few days your body will filter out the effects of the anesthetic, pain medication or antibiotics. Keep in mind that if your bowels do not return to normal after 6 days, it is advised to contact your doctor.
- The second cause of stomach bloating is due to swelling. This is the result of the actual fluid from your lower chest, breasts and upper abdomen. The fluid naturally moves downward due to gravity.
Tips for Reducing Stomach Bloating:
Here are some ways that might help you to reduce stomach bloating and make you feel much more comfortable after your surgery:
- Stay Hydrated. Water is crucial in order to return to your normal bowel function. Ensure that you drink at least eight glasses each day.
- Do Light Movement. Walk around for a few minutes throughout the day to stimulate your digestion. However, it is important not to exercise until your doctor gives his or her approval.
- Discontinue Pain Medication As Soon As Possible. Narcotics can slow down or even entirely stop your bowel movements, which contributes to bloating. Discontinue them as soon as possible.
- Take Stool Softeners. This can help if you are suffering from constipation, which can contribute to a bloating sensation.
- Consider Laxatives. Although this should be a last resource, laxatives can sometimes be useful if none of the above has worked. However, ensure that you take them safely and do not abuse them.
how to lose belly fat after breast reduction
From weight to health to mood, oversized breasts create unnecessary heaviness. If your breasts are weighing you down, a breast reduction surgery could lighten up nearly every aspect of your life. Let the experts at Aesthetic Surgical Arts/Mia Bella Donna Medspa in Overland Park, KS, show you the way toward greater freedom with a mammaplasty.
What Is a Breast Reduction?
If you are living with large breasts, you already know how painful they can be. Sometimes it may feel like you are carrying the weight of the entire world on your shoulders. You may wonder why many women long for large breasts when yours have caused you great discomfort.
A breast reduction, or mammaplasty, is an operation to decrease your cup size. Although changing the size and weight of the breast is the most common reason women reduce their breast size, this surgery can also address breast positioning and shape. This empowering procedure helps women achieve optimal health with enduring, lifelong benefits.
Who Could Benefit From a Breast Reduction?
Any woman unhappy with their large breasts could benefit from reducing the size. Many women with enlarged breasts experience health problems that impact their daily lives. Women of all ages are eligible for this procedure.
Although many women recognize that their very large breasts cause their symptoms, many others don’t because they seem unrelated. Some problematic symptoms of oversized breasts include:
Chronic Pain
Ongoing pain in the neck, back, and shoulders are a fact of life for many women with big breasts. The breasts themselves can feel too heavy to carry. Your pain may range from mild to severe, but chronic pain is always a reason to contact your doctor.
Breathing Difficulties
Breast weight can impair your ability to breathe normally, and you may not even realize it. The excessive poundage on the ribs and diaphragm can make it more difficult for you to breathe deeply. Some women notice the effects more when lying on their backs.
Poor Posture
The weight of breasts takes a toll on your posture. All the yoga in the world may not be enough to keep your spine straight. Big breasts can put too much pressure on your frame, resulting in a curved posture. Years of bearing the weight could eventually lead to a spinal deformity if the chest and back muscles aren’t equipped to handle the load.
Low Self-Esteem
Your breasts can influence the way you feel about yourself. Whether you are struggling with pain, tired of never finding clothes that fit or receiving unwanted attention, you could be a candidate for this procedure. Although women with large breasts are the typical candidate for this procedure, we can help any woman who wants to reduce her cup size.
Grooved Shoulders
Finding a supportive bra for larger breasts has become easier in recent years, but finding the right strap to weight ratio is still a challenge. Large breasts need wide bra straps, but even wide straps sometimes aren’t enough. If your straps don’t support the weight of your breasts fully, it can lead to deep and painful grooves in the shoulders. After a time, these grooves can even cause scarring on your shoulders.
Rash or Infection Under the Breast
Weight isn’t the only cause for concern with big breasts: also common are rashes under the breasts. Large breasts trap in heat, moisture, and bacteria that can lead to rashes or other infections. A skin infection or rash almost always leads to some form of irritation or pain.
Migraines and Tension Headaches
Your breasts may cause migraines or tension headaches. Evidence suggests that women with large breasts have a dramatic reduction in head-pounding headaches after reducing the size of their breasts.
Tingling and Numbness
If you have tingling or numbness in your arms, fingers, or hands, your overly large breasts could cause it. Excessively large breasts combined with poor posture can obstruct the pathways of nerves to create that uncomfortable numbing or tingling feeling.
Trouble Exercising
If you struggle to exercise due to the size of your breasts, you aren’t alone. Many women with bigger cups sizes have a tough time getting the recommended amount of physical activity in the day-to-day. A sports bra can only go so far in protecting your sensitive tissue, and a breast reduction may be your best bet.
Will Losing Weight Reduce My Breast Size?
Many women experience a change in breast size when they lose weight. Breast tissue is primarily fat, which you can lose through diet and physical activity. However, not every woman can expect a significant reduction in breast size from exercise; therefore, it’s an unreliable method for reducing this area of the body.
Reducing Your Breast Size Helps You Lose Weight
Staying active and eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to safeguard your health. If you can’t engage in physical activity comfortably, reducing your breast size could have a two-fold effect. It removes the discomfort caused by your breasts and makes working out possible.
Will I Lose Weight After a Breast Reduction?
Yes, you will probably lose some weight after this procedure because you are removing fat from your body. The amount of weight you’ll lose depends on how much tissue you remove with surgery. However, you shouldn’t expect your operation to tip the scales. Even the largest breasts only weigh only a few pounds per breast.
One of the most significant advantages of weight loss after breast reduction surgery. Most women report feeling much more capable of exercising and maintaining their weight after the operation. It’s common for women to lose between 10 and 20 pounds in the months following surgery. This weight loss is a combination of the ability to partake in physical activity, and the motivation resulting from a woman enjoying her new physique.
You’ll Look Like You Lost Weight
One disadvantage of having large breasts is how it skews your proportions. Many women who have disproportionately large breasts look like they weigh more than they do. A benefit of reducing breast size is that it seems like you’ve lost a lot of weight, even when you haven’t.
This effect is especially marked in women who have a smaller frame and a bigger bust. Many women report others commenting on how much slimmer and taller they look after reduction surgery. Even though you won’t lose substantial weight from removing breast tissue, you will probably look like you have.
Should I Lose Weight Before a Breast Reduction Procedure?
If you are not at your target weight, it’s a good idea to lose weight before your procedure. If you have your reduction before losing weight, it could impact the results of your surgery. Losing a lot of weight after a reduction operation could result in you having smaller breasts than you want. It may also cause changes to the skin changes and the overall shape of the breasts.
Your best bet is to achieve your desired weight and maintain it for a few months before scheduling your appointment to reduce your breast size.
Things to Know
Before undergoing this life-changing operation, it’s essential to know what to expect. Although no two women are exactly alike, there are several results women commonly share after reducing their breast size.
Our Premier Johnson County Facility
Skip the hospital: your procedure takes place in our state-of-the-art Johnson County facility. We carefully remove the unwanted fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts to reduce the size. We reshape them to your desired firmness and roundness all in the comfort of our pristine surgical facility and Medspa.
Loving the Results
This surgery has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates immediately and after ten years post-op. According to studies, 95% of women feel extremely satisfied with the results of removing breast tissue. The reason for these rave reviews is simple: this operation treats all the painful symptoms associated with bigger breasts.
Your quality of life is bound to improve when you remove chronic pain from your life. You can say goodbye to back, neck, and shoulder pain while breathing more deeply every day. Your entire world opens up with opportunities and possibilities that you may never have considered before.
An Outpatient Procedure
We usually perform this safe procedure on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. In only a few hours, your surgeon transforms your bust to more manageable proportions, and you typically won’t have to stay in a hospital for days after the operation.
You Can’t Choose Your Cup Size
This aspect may sound concerning to you, but it makes sense when you put everything into perspective. Bra sizes vary from one company to another, and there isn’t a universal standard for cup sizes. Although you are probably accustomed to identifying your breast size with a letter, it’s more useful to think about how you want your breasts to look after surgery.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your breast goals with you to understand what you want the result to be. Together you find a size that works for you and your body. Also, keep in mind that the results immediately after surgery may not be what you had in mind. It takes a little time for your breasts to settle into their new size and shape.
underarm swelling after breast reduction
No matter the size or shape of the breasts, they are all naturally imperfect. Unfortunately, global studies have shown that more than 70% of women are unhappy with how their breasts look, and many see breast cosmetic surgery as a logical step.
When it comes to breasts, bigger is not always better. Big heavy breasts can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. They might look disproportional with the rest of your body. This is why many women opt for breast reduction. Breast reduction improves your natural proportions and gives you a smaller, symmetrical, youthful, and more comfortable pair of breasts.
Dr. Craig Rubinstein is one of the best accredited plastic surgeons here in Australia. His passion for his profession sets him apart from others. Dr Rubinstein specializes in cosmetic breast surgery. Together with his dedicated care team, you’ll be offered a customized plan for all your breast reduction procedure goals and needs.
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to know what lies ahead and after your surgery. The recovery process of breast reduction surgery is fairly smooth, comprising mainly of bruising and swelling.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known medically as breast reduction mammaplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that involves the surgical removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and stretched-out skin, to give you breasts that are in proportion with your body shape and size. If you have large sagging breasts and want smaller lighter ones, boob reduction is the surgery for you.
While many women choose breast reduction mammaplasty to alleviate discomfort associated with heavy drooping breasts, such as neck and back pain, the cosmetic perks of boob reduction should not be ignored. Breast reduction surgery can help firm and lift your breasts, eliminate sagging breasts, correct breast asymmetry and enhance your overall silhouette.
What to Expect During Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery?
Your chest will be covered in post-operative garments such as a bra, binder or bandages. In the first few days following your boob reduction surgery, you will experience some soreness and discomfort, this is when bruising and swelling are at their worst. In your one-week follow-up appointment with Dr Rubinstein, you will have sutures and drains removed (if drains are used) and the surgical area will be cleaned. You’ll notice that most of the pain, bruising, and swelling have decreased significantly at this time. In fact, a lot of women feel comfortable enough to drive and can return to office work or light duties 7-10 days after surgery.
The pain, bruising, and swelling will decrease over time in the weeks following your breast mammaplasty. Dr Rubinstein will advise you when you can start returning to your usual routine. However, you will need to wait to do any strenuous job or activity for at least three weeks. In fact, this is usually discouraged until you have fully recovered.
It usually takes six to eight weeks before you can return to your full normal life routine such as gym classes, swimming, running etc. You will feel a newfound lightness in your chest area and your general body weight will feel lighter because you will be less restricted by your breasts.
Why Do Bruising and Swelling Happen After Breast Reduction Surgery?
During breast mammaplasty, several surgical techniques may be used that involve a significant amount of breast tissue manipulation. Bruising and swelling after boob reduction is your body’s natural reaction to any form of injury. Both are common and you should expect their occurrence after any cosmetic procedure.
Bruising appears as an area of discoloured skin around your chest. It is the result of ruptured underlying blood vessels that are inevitably damaged during your breast reduction surgery. Blood will collect into certain areas, giving your skin its black/purple colour.
Swelling, also known as oedema, is the accumulation of fluid inside your blood vessels. Similarly, it is also a result of “trauma” experienced during your procedure. In the area of injury, damaged cells release chemicals that increase your blood vessels’ permeability. The fluid accumulated contains white blood cells, and other chemicals that help kick start the healing process.
How Long Do Bruising and Swelling Last After Breast Reduction Surgery?
The amount of time required for your bruising and swelling to disappear depends on;
Bruising and swelling reach their peak approximately three days following your breast reduction surgery. After about a week, the majority of your swelling will start to decrease. The remaining bulk of your swelling will continue to wane over the following six weeks. Any lingering swelling should be gone in two to four months after your initial breast surgery date. This may be so minimal only you will notice.
So, while you may enjoy the prompt relief from your neck, back, and shoulder pain immediately after your boob reduction, it’s important to be patient and note that it may be a while before your new breasts completely settle.
What Are the Best Ways to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction is a rewarding procedure that alleviates both physical and psychological discomfort associated with large heavy breasts. Bruising and swelling are common after most surgeries. They shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your newfound sense of freedom to wear whatever you want, or from participating in physical activities you previously steered away from. Here are some tips to deal with bruising and swelling after breast mammaplasty:
Wear Your Compression Bra
Before you’re discharged after your procedure, your plastic surgeon will instruct you to wear a compression bra for at least a month’s time. Both day and night. Compression garments provide support to your sensitive breasts and help quicken your recovery. The pressure from your support bra prevents blood from seeping out from your damaged blood vessels, therefore limiting your post-op bruising. Swelling is also reduced, due to increased blood circulation to your injured breast incision sites, flushing out any chemicals and toxins there. Wearing a garment also reminds you that you are still in the healing phase even if you’re feeling great.
Keep Active
After your breast mammaplasty, plenty of rest is necessary and welcome. However, as tempting as your bed might be, light activity and gentle walks are beneficial as soon as two days following your boob reduction procedure. Moving your body promotes blood flow and reduces postoperative swelling. It also decreases the risk of developing blood clots (which can be a serious complication after surgery).
Note that any activity involving reaching above your head or lifting anything heavy should be absolutely avoided in the first weeks. You can ask Dr, Rubinstein for some safe recommended exercise after your procedure. We do recommend putting your gym membership on hold and can supply a medical letter if needed.
Apply Cold Compresses
Cold temperatures can cause your blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow and fluid leakage. This will not only help with your swelling but also limits the spread of further bruising. In the first three days following your breast reduction surgery, apply cold compresses like ice packs or bags of frozen peas on your surgical site. Make sure you wrap them in a towel and avoid any direct application to your surgical breast incisions. You may use cold compresses multiple times a day, in 15 minutes intervals with a 20-minute break in between.
Sleep Right
Sleep is an essential component of any cosmetic procedure’s recovery process. Breast reduction surgery is no exception. Having a good night’s sleep is more than how many hours you get in each night. It’s also the position you sleep in. After breast surgery, the best sleep position is on your back with your upper body resting at a 30 to 45-degree angle. This allows your breasts to rest in a relaxed position, without any strain tugging on your surgical incisions. This position also causes your blood to flow away from your sore breasts, decreasing pain, bruising, and swelling in the process.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Good nutrition plays an important role in your body’s healing process post-breast reduction surgery. It helps manage postoperative bruising and swelling and boosts immunity and breast tissue repair. Make sure to include food rich in proteins, fibers (berries, broccoli, beans, nuts), complex carbohydrates (bananas, vegetables, whole grain), iron, and vitamins (Vitamin K and C) in your diet.
Avoid food with high salt content, as tempting as it may be. Salt causes your body to retain fluid inside its blood vessels, worsening your bruises and swelling.
Stay Hydrated
It may seem counterintuitive to drink a copious amount of water when you’re suffering from swelling, but in actuality, staying hydrated can reduce your swelling. The more you drink, the more your body will feel it’s unnecessary to retain fluid inside its tissues. Adequate fluid intake encourages your blood circulation and aids nutrient-rich blood to reach your injury site for a speedier recovery. We suggest you drink 2 L of water daily and avoid the use of any supplements that may interfere with your water balance like caffeinated beverages and diuretics.
lymphatic swelling after breast reduction
Lyphedema is an ailment that affects the lymphatic system which is an important contributor to the immune system. The extensive network of the lymphatic system vessels helps to protect the body from invasions by foreign bodies.
When the lymphatic system is fully functional, the lymph vessels carry excess fluid that leaks from the space in between tissues due to pressure from the surrounding muscles. Lymph nodes act as filters to remove waste, bacteria and debris from this fluid, and free from these materials, the fluid then drains into the bloodstream.
Lymphedema results from a malfunction of the lymphatic system. The lymph stops draining into the bloodstream and instead, collects within the tissues, causing them to swell. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will determine what type of treatment is appropriate for you. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides lymphedema treatment to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
Types of Lymphedema
Lymphedema refers to the swelling that results due to an abnormal buildup of the lymphatic fluid. Lymphedema can be of two types: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema occurs due to a developmental defect in the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema is a result of an external factor causing damage to the lymphatic system.
Secondary Lymphedema in Breast Surgery
Any surgical procedures on the breast that cause blockage of the lymph vessels or interrupt the movement of the lymph fluid may cause secondary lymphedema. People who undergo mastectomy, lumpectomy, modified radical mastectomy or radiation therapy to a region with lymph nodes may experience secondary lymphedema.
The condition is also likely to occur following breast reduction or breast augmentation surgery if the procedure is not performed with the necessary precision. It may show up soon after surgery or years later. Minor swelling in the first few weeks following surgery is normal so if you see this don’t be alarmed.
How to Tell if You Have Lymphedema
The following symptoms are a common occurrence in patients with lymphedema:
How is Lymphedema Treated?
The best way to treat lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) administered by a certified lymphedema therapist with at least 135 hours of training. This therapy involves a manual draining of the lymph with care of the skin and the use of multiple layers of compression bandaging. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the lymphedema is due to an infection.
Your doctor may put you on light exercise therapy to stimulate and contract the muscles of the arm and leg, in order to stimulate the flow of lymph. If the lymphedema is severe, the doctor may advise surgery to reduce the surgery by removing excess tissue from the leg or arm. Newer surgical techniques such as lymph node transplants and lymphatic to venous anastomosis are also available.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage Treatment Post Surgery
The success of post-surgical advanced manual lymphatic drainage massage lies in its gentleness. Most experts believe that heat and deep massage are counterproductive in a post-surgical setting; thus, it is important that you NOT substitute deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, or other massage technique for this advanced treatment. Your specific treatment plan—including when to begin advanced MLD and how frequently you should receive treatments—will depend on the surgical procedure you had and your unique state of health.
Post-surgical MLD is an advanced technique requiring specialized training, and should only be performed by a licensed massage therapist. If you have had—or if you are planning to have—a mastectomy or a cosmetic procedure such as a facelift or liposuction.