How Much Drainage Is Normal After Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery removes some of the breast tissue and skin from the breasts. This reshapes and lifts the breasts and reduces their size. It can also make the dark area around the nipple smaller. After surgery, you will probably feel weak. You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks. You also may feel pulling or stretching in your breast area. Although you may need pain medicine for a week or two, you can expect to feel better and stronger each day.

Drains are an important part of the post-surgery recovery process, as they help to remove excess fluid from the body. Typically, drains are left in until the fluid output reaches a low level, usually less than 20–30 cc per day for two consecutive days, which is about 2 tablespoons. Most drains are removed one to three weeks after surgery to prevent the risk of infection. If drains are left for longer than three weeks, the risk of infection increases, so it is important for healthcare providers to monitor the fluid output closely and remove the drains in a timely manner to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

What Kind of Drainage Is Considered Normal Following Breast Reduction?

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After breast surgery, you may experience fatigue, less energy, and fluid movement in your breasts for several weeks. This is normal and will go away over time. If your doctor closed your incisions with removable stitches, the stitches will be removed in 7 to 14 days. Your breasts may feel firmer and rounder, but some feeling may return in time. It may take time to get used to your breasts after surgery, with swelling at first but softening and developing better shape over time.

Types of breast surgery that require surgical drains include implant removal, reconstructive procedures, mastectomy, and mastectomy. Breast augmentation typically does not require drainage as it involves placing implants without extensive manipulation of breast tissue. Breast reduction surgeries usually do not require drains.

Drains remain in place until the fluid output reaches a minimal level, typically less than 20-30 cc per day for two consecutive days. Most drains are removed within one to three weeks post-surgery, but if they stay beyond three weeks, infection risks increase. Proper drain care includes emptying drains, monitoring fluid, checking color and consistency, rinsing the bulb, creating a vacuum, and securing the tubing.

The color of drainage should follow a progression from bloody and thick to thin and red, straw-colored, and clear as healing progresses. Drainage management is common, and if you notice heavy, bright red drainage or your breast becomes firm or swollen quickly, apply extra padding in your surgical bra and contact your healthcare provider. The area where the incisions come together may require more time to heal than other parts.

After surgery, it is essential to take care of yourself at home. Rest when feeling tired, get enough sleep, avoid lifting anything that would strain you for 2 to 3 weeks, and do not lift anything over your head for 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your doctor when you can drive again and have sex. Take your first shower the day after your drain or bandage is removed, usually within about 1 week. Do not take a bath or soak in a hot tub for about 4 weeks.

Eat your normal diet, but try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt if your stomach is upset. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Take a fibre supplement or mild laxative if you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days.

Take pain medicines as directed by your doctor, taking them as prescribed or over-the-counter. If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach, take it after meals or ask for a different pain medicine. If you were given medicine for nausea, take it as directed.

If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, follow them as directed. Incision care should be followed by wearing a special bra that holds your bandages in place, washing the area daily with warm water and patting it dry. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Cover the area with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing, changing the bandage every day.

Exercise should start by walking each day, gradually increasing the amount you walk to boost blood flow and prevent pneumonia and constipation. Avoid strenuous activities until your doctor says it is okay.

Breast reduction is a major operation that can help make your breasts feel smaller, lighter, and give them a better shape. If you are distressed about the size of your breasts or they are causing problems like backache, you might be able to have a breast reduction on the NHS. If you are thinking about breast reduction for appearance rather than health reasons, you will need to pay for it privately.

Breast Reduction Recovery Week by Week

After breast reduction surgery, it may take two to six weeks for full recovery. This includes a two to three week period off from work, assistance with housework, childcare, and shopping. It is important to refrain from driving until the discomfort of wearing a seatbelt subsides, and from stretching, exercising, and lifting heavy objects for up to six weeks. Some surgeons recommend wearing a sports bra around the clock for up to three months following the surgery.

Scars may appear red for the first six weeks after formation, but most disappear over time and should be undetectable under regular clothing, bras, and bikini tops. Common complications after breast reduction surgery include substantial and obvious scars, unevenly formed breasts or nipples, wound healing issues, absence of sensation in the nipple, being unable to breastfeed throughout one’s life, fat necrosis, excess skin around the scars, and hemorrhaging within the breast tissue, also known as a hematoma.

A minor risk associated with any type of operation is significant bleeding, contamination, an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, and a blood clot developing in deep veins. If you experience any of these risks or consequences, your surgeon should explain how they are likely to occur and how they would be treated.

If you experience significant discomfort or unexpected symptoms, contact the clinic where you had the surgery as soon as possible. Consult with your surgeon at the medical facility or clinic where you received treatment if you are dissatisfied with the outcomes of your breast reduction procedure or believe that the procedure was not performed without adequate care.

If you plan to undergo breast reduction surgery before having children, it is important to consider that breasts may grow larger during pregnancy, which may impact the procedure’s outcomes. Additionally, there is a possibility that you will not be able to nurse your child after the surgery.