Breast Reduction After Surgery Care
Breast reduction is a major surgery, but recovery doesn’t have to be hard. Depending on the amount of tissue removed and how long you’ve waited to have the procedure done, it may take anywhere from one week to three months or longer before you are back to your normal self. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during various stages of recovery.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Breast Reduction After Surgery Care, how to lose belly fat after breast reduction, what to wear after breast reduction surgery, and when to remove dressing after breast reduction surgery.
Breast Reduction After Surgery Care
You’ve had breast reduction surgery, and now that you’re home from the hospital, you’re probably wondering what to expect. From the first day after surgery, how long should it take before I’m back on my feet? How much pain will I experience? When can I go back to work? Here’s a rundown of what your body might be going through in different stages of recovery.
Fatigue in the first 24 hours
After your breast reduction surgery, you will likely be tired. It is important to rest and recover as much as possible for the first 24 hours after surgery. Try to sleep as much as you can, but if you have trouble sleeping, try taking pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are completely recovered from anesthesia and other medications prescribed for pain relief. You may also feel very sore; be sure to follow instructions about lifting heavy objects or exercising until instructed otherwise by your surgeon or healthcare provider.
Impending nausea
You will need to eat a little more food and drink a lot of water. You may experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This is normal and will usually pass within 24 hours. You can take over-the-counter antiemetics (for example, Tylenol or ibuprofen) if you’re having trouble dealing with the nausea, but don’t use them unless your doctor tells you it’s okay because they can mask symptoms that might be a sign of an infection or other problem.
Night sweats
Night sweats are a normal part of the healing process. Use a fan to cool down if you’re sweating more than usual. You can also use a cold compress if you feel overheated or you experience night sweats. If your pain is severe, take ibuprofen for inflammation and discomfort.
Pressure on the chest
The first few days after surgery are the most challenging. You’ll likely feel pressure on your chest, which is normal. The pain and discomfort will disappear as you heal.
- Take painkillers as directed by your doctor or nurse
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or take sedatives or sleeping pills
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
Pimples and lumps
Pimples and lumps are a normal part of the surgical healing process. They may be present for up to four weeks after surgery, but you should see them begin to disappear within two weeks. To treat pimples, apply hydrocortisone cream once or twice daily as prescribed by your doctor. If the pimple is sore or causes discomfort, we can prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If a lump forms under your skin, it is usually because some tissue has been inadvertently left behind during surgery. This will usually resolve on its own within two weeks if left alone; however, if it becomes painful or bothers you in any way, our office staff can remove it with one quick stitch in our office at no charge if you come in between appointments.
The day after surgery, you’ll need to eat a little more food and drink a lot of water.
The day after surgery, you’ll need to eat a little more food and drink a lot of water. You may be able to start taking your pain medication about 6 hours after surgery, but don’t take any more than prescribed. It’s also important not to lift heavy objects or put yourself in situations where you’re likely to get hurt until the stitches around your breasts heal (about 10 days).
how to lose belly fat after breast reduction
Breast reduction can help improve physical comfort. During breast reduction surgery, heavy, lumpy, and asymmetrical fat and tissue is removed from the breasts before loose and sagging skin is excised. The end result is smaller, more comfortable, and more complimentary breasts that no longer cause back pain or require extraneous support. In the process, breast reduction helps tone and trim the upper body, producing a slimmer, more attractive, and more appealing look to all surrounding areas.
Will I Lose Weight After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery may result in weight loss, though it is not intended as a weight-loss procedure. Designed to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from heavy and pendulous breasts, reduction surgery improves physical comfort and brings the chest into ideal contour with the chest, ribs, and hips.
By removing excess fat and skin from the breast mound, reduction surgery may assist with:
The best way to learn what breast reduction surgery may be able to accomplish for you is through a one-on-one consultation at our comfortable Los Altos office.
Body Contouring
Body contouring can be used to sculpt and tone the frame – from the ankles to the neck – and may be used in conjunction with breast reduction to improve overall results. If your goal is weight loss, procedures that may be suggested in addition to breast reduction include:
We offer arm lift, thigh lift, butt lift, and similar contouring procedures that can be used to eliminate loose and sagging skin along with stubborn fat deposits for a more comprehensive result. We will help you determine if additional procedures will be necessary for meeting your specific goals.
Your Responsibility
Following breast reduction or weight loss through body contouring, you will have to work to maintain your results. This means eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.
We can produce remarkable results. You will have to take steps to maintain them. We will discuss this in greater detail during your time in our care.
what to wear after breast reduction surgery
Searching for the perfect bra is already a pain in the you-know-what, and adding post-surgical support needs into the mix just makes a tough process even harder to navigate. You may ask yourself,What do I even need to look for in a post-breast reduction surgery bra?Don’t worry, we got you covered. Read on to discover the best qualities to search for and our favorite AnaOno post-surgery bras to support your new size.
How To Find The Best Bra After A Breast Reduction
Finding the perfect bra after a breast reduction involves taking a few new things into account. These include:
How Long Do I Need To Wear A Compression Bra After a Breast Reduction?
After your surgery, you’re going to need to wear a compression bra for quite some time to help promote healing. You will get specific instructions from your surgeon, but expect to wear a compression bra most of the time, if not around the clock, for anywhere from two weeks to six weeks after the procedure.
When Can I Go Braless After A Breast Reduction?
You can typically go without a bra after six to eight weeks. Since everyone’s body is different, for some women, it may take longer to heal than others. Make sure to speak with your doctor to confirm when you can go braless after a breast reduction.
The Best AnaOno Bras To Wear After A Breast Reduction
Your new breasts will have different support and coverage needs than you did pre-surgery. Here are our favorite bras to wear after a breast reduction.
Bianca Bra
If you were given the choice between a regular bra and a sports bra, you may not go for “uniboob” sports bra, but the Bianca Bra keeps you lifted, separated,andsupported. The Bianca holds you in place without digging straps. Featuring light padding, adjustable racerback straps, and front hook-and-eye closures, you’ll feel secure whether you’re still a few weeks post-recovery or you’re leaping right back into your daily yoga routine.
Monica Bra
Perfect for running errands, working out, or lounging around with your family, the Monica Bra is designed for your everyday adventures without skipping out on the support you need. This full-coverage bra is casual, comfortable, and supportive with its light padding, thick adjustable straps, and ultra-soft modal fabric. The Monica Bra is so comfortable that you’ll forget you even have it on!
Rora Bra
If there’s one bra that’ll get you through your post-surgery recovery smoothly, it’s the Rora Recovery Front Closure Bra. This doctor-recommended bra features a front-closure design that makes it easy to take on and off while you’re recovering. The back bridge offers additional support under your arms and between your shoulders, while the super-soft modal feels luxurious against your sensitive skin. If you want a high-quality, post-surgery bra, you’ve found it with the Rora Bra.
Gloria Soft Lace Bralette
The Gloria Bra is the perfect combination of flirty, feminine, and practical for your post-procedure needs. Named one of the best post-surgery bras of 2021 by Healthline, this bra features fully-lined soft cups, adjustable straps, and a supportive four-hook back closure. Additionally, this bra has breast form pockets if ever needed. All these design details guarantee that the Gloria Bra provides the utmost comfort and support after your procedure, without giving up on feeling sexy.
The Best AnaOno Clothing For Surgical Drains
Did you know that there’s clothing specifically designed for breast surgery recovery? This clothing is easy to take on and off, gives easy access to change dressing, and often includes drain management accessories to help keep these post-surgical needs in place. Here are AnaOno’s recovery must-haves:
Miena Robe and Drain Management Belt
The Miena Robe was thoughtfully designed to wear after recovery and long after you’ve healed. The robe includes a hidden inner belt and pouch system that keeps your drains organized, if your surgeon placed these after your breast reduction surgery. The Miena robe is made with an unbelievably comfortable and breathable modal that glides over sensitive skin, while the open front classic robe design is simple to slip in and off — no need to reach your hands over your head.
Conley Recovery Romper
Recover in style with the Conley Recovery Romper. Unlike most rompers, the Conley is easy to get in and out of, with a zipper-free step-in design that doesn’t involve any uncomfortable contorting. The sleeves are extra loose to provide good airflow, while an optional drain management belt can help keep these devices in place.
Kara Recovery Dress
Recovery clothing you can go out in? It’s possible! The Kara Recovery Dress is a customizable wrap dress that can be tightened or loosened around your body in both directions, ensuring the utmost comfort and best fit for you. With optional drain management, you can keep your drains in place with ease. This dress also includes breathable mesh panels for extra breathability and a little extra detailing to the garment. So whether you’re grabbing coffee or hopping on Zoom, the Kara keeps you comfortable while you recover from your breast reduction surgery.
Find Your Best Post-Reduction Garments With AnaOno
Long after recovery, your breasts still need to be supported, comfortable and cared for. This is why AnaOno has designed a line specifically for your post-surgical needs. From underwire-free bras to gorgeous (and comfy!) recovery clothing, this collection prioritizes support and comfort, while also providing modern, sleek design elements. Check out AnaOno’s post-surgical bras to explore more options.
Founder and CEO of AnaOno. After a diagnosis of breast cancer in her late 20’s, Dana took her own lived experience and fashion design background and (re)designed intimates for those that have undergone breast surgery. Dana’s story has been published around the world in outlets like New York Times, BBC, Huffington Post, The Today Show, and more.
when to remove dressing after breast reduction surgery
When you are discharged from the hospital, your medical team will instruct you on how to care for yourself at home. They may change your bandages, drains and/or dressing over a period of time. Make sure to discuss activities with your surgeon to determine if you should stop lifting heavy objects or doing any exercise that puts pressure on the chest.