When Can I Drive After Breast Reduction
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, the first step is talking to your surgeon and getting a second opinion. Your surgeon will conduct a thorough breast exam and perform diagnostic tests — such as mammograms and ultrasound scans — to confirm that you have the condition called breast hypertrophy (excess breast tissue). This condition is present in half of women who undergo breast reduction surgery.
In this guide, we find out When Can I Drive After Breast Reduction, how long after breast reduction can i workout, how long do i have to sleep elevated after breast reduction, and What can you do 2 weeks after breast reduction?
When Can I Drive After Breast Reduction
If you’ve been dreaming of having smaller and perkier breasts, breast reduction surgery might be right for you. It can improve your quality of life by reducing back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooving and arm swelling in addition to improving posture. The procedure removes excess fat, glandular tissue (breast tissue) and skin from the breasts to make them smaller, lighter and firmer. You’ll have scars where your incisions were made during surgery but these will fade over time with proper care.
Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of exorbitantly large breasts.
Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of exorbitantly large breasts. Breast reduction is not for women who are experiencing back pain or other symptoms of breast hypertrophy (breast enlargement). It is also not for women who want to change the size of their breasts.
Breast reduction surgery can help with physical discomfort caused by extreme breast size, as well as improving self-esteem and confidence. By removing excess breast tissue and fat from your chest wall and reshaping your breasts, you can free yourself from having to wear tight-fitting clothes or sports bras just so you feel comfortable in public.
The surgery involves removal of breast tissue and skin in order to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer.
When you have breast reduction surgery, the surgeon will remove breast tissue and skin in order to make the breasts smaller, lighter and firmer. Breast reduction surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Your surgeon may also use a variety of techniques to reduce your breast size and shape, including liposuction as well as removing excess fat or skin from other parts of your body.
On average, patients can expect to take off 2-3 weeks before returning to work and driving after breast reduction.
On average, patients can expect to take off 2-3 weeks before returning to work and driving after breast reduction. This is because of the major procedure that has just taken place. The patient needs time to rest and heal from the surgery before resuming their normal activities, including driving.
- Patients should be careful about lifting heavy objects for a few weeks post-op, which means he or she may not be able to drive for several days after surgery if they have had major breast reduction surgery done where large amounts of skin were removed from their chest area.
- They may also need help getting around for a couple of days after his or her surgery due to pain or other issues associated with recovery from breast reduction surgery
how long after breast reduction can i workout
Are you considering breast lift surgery but want to know when you can start exercising again safely? It is not uncommon for patients to be eager about getting back to their normal routine after cosmetic surgery. A common question most patients ask during the consultation is, “When can I get back to the gym?” While staying active can help speed up the healing process during breast lift recovery, too much too soon can put a patient at risk for unnecessary complications.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao and his professional team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ are helping patients with this highly effective procedure. Many patients choose to combine breast lift surgery with either breast augmentation or breast reduction to enhance results. Read on to learn more about this popular procedure, including when it is safe to exercise after breast lift surgery.
Do I need breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure that can tighten and lift a woman’s natural breasts and make them look young and perky again. Breast tissue is mostly composed of fat and ligaments, containing no muscle mass. Therefore, no amount of strength training or exercising will change the shape or tighten loose skin. Breast tissue can become stretched or thinner, causing a woman’s natural breasts to sag or droop. At our Tucson, AZ surgical center, we see women considering breast lift surgery due to the following reasons:
How is a breast lift done?
The primary goal of breast lift surgery is to tighten up loose skin and create more aesthetically-pleasing breasts. By removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissue in the breast area, a woman’s natural breasts can be reshaped and lifted, removing a sagging silhouette. The nipples can also be repositioned during breast lift surgery to give a more natural, symmetrical appearance. It is also common for women to consider a breast reduction or breast augmentation during breast lift surgery. Women who consider combining a breast lift with implants gain size, shape, and firmer breasts for an overall rejuvenated look. However, breast lift surgery is an excellent standalone cosmetic procedure that can provide patients with long-lasting results.
When can I exercise after breast lift surgery?
When can patients get back to exercising during breast lift recovery? Patients can start taking short walks after the procedure to promote proper blood flow and aid in the healing process. Women must forgo more rigorous exercising or strength training for six weeks or until cleared by their plastic surgeon. Patients can gradually incorporate light exercise, like riding a stationary bike at the gym or taking long walks around the neighborhood, in about 2 – 3 weeks after surgery. The main concern for breast lift patients is not to exert their pectoral muscles. Pull-ups, push-ups, yoga, or lifting anything over ten pounds could cause complications following surgery. Breast lift patients should plan on waiting at least six weeks, or until cleared by their plastic surgeon, before doing more strenuous exercise or upper body strength training.
Breast lift surgery can remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue to create a firm, perky appearance. With advancements in surgical techniques and qualified, experienced plastic surgeons, like Dr. Rao, breast lift results are more natural-looking, which is one of the reasons why the cosmetic procedure has become so popular. Although the natural aging process doesn’t stop after breast lift surgery, women who live a healthy lifestyle and wear the proper supportive garments during exercise can enjoy their results for years.
The ideal way to determine if you are the right candidate for breast lift surgery or any other type of cosmetic procedure is to be evaluated by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon. We invite you to contact our Tucson, AZ office and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao. We can provide bilingual Spanish speaking staff if necessary. At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, we can create a custom surgical plan to help you feel more confident about how you look.
how long do i have to sleep elevated after breast reduction
Many patients find themselves feeling fatigued after breast surgery as their bodies are working hard to heal. Getting enough sleep — and sleeping in the right position — is an integral part of your recovery process. When you are sleeping, your body enters into a state of repair, dedicating more blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the injured muscles and tissues to promote healing.
Additionally, adequate sleep after surgery, ideally around eight to10 hours, is proven to ease the patient’s pain as it allows your body to release hormones that help relax your sore muscles.
This is important after breast augmentation surgery, breast lift surgery, or breast reduction surgery.
How Do You Sleep Better After Your Breast Surgery?
1. Sleep on Your Back With Your Head and Chest Slightly Elevated
While it may seem a bit difficult at first to sleep in this position, it is the best way to help you recover faster. Sleeping on your back with your head and chest slightly elevated minimizes fluid buildup, enhances circulation, and allows you to take the pressure off the chest area for the most beautiful outcome.
Sleeping on your stomach or rolling onto your side should be avoided. This can pose undue stress on your healing tissues or even cause complications like implant leakage or rupture after augmentation.
Typically, most patients will be required to maintain this sleeping position for at least three to four weeks after surgery.
2. Use a Reclining Chair or Stack Pillows for Extra Support
To stay in the elevated position, it is best to start by sleeping in a recliner or using special pillows to ensure you stay in the correct position. Many people sleep on their back by placing a pillow under each arm to prevent the body from rolling over while sleeping. Also, ensure you wear an approved surgical bra during recovery to keep your implants and/or healing tissues in place while sleeping comfortably.
3. Walk Around
Moving around from the first day of recovery will help reduce the risk of complications and also improve your emotional health and sleep patterns.
Go for short walks or move around the house but avoid participating in any strenuous or serious physical activity too soon.
4. Use the Prescribed Anti-inflammatory Medications to Ease Pain and Swelling
It is common to feel pain and soreness for a few days following surgery. Taking the prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medication will help ease discomfort and help you sleep better.
5. Prepare Your Recovery Area
One of the best ways to prepare for your post-operative recovery is to get your recuperation space ready in advance to ensure maximum comfort in the extended period.
Consider getting soft pillows and a recliner bed that helps you relax in the suggested positions. It is also important to have someone by your side during the initial days of recovery.
Visit Our Photo Gallery
If you are interested in learning more about how breast surgery has helped Dr. Bridges’ previous patients, visit our breast augmentation before and after gallery or our breast lift before and after gallery.
What can you do 2 weeks after breast reduction?
Personalized details about how to navigate your breast reduction recovery will be discussed with you in detail prior to your surgery. During the recovery process, your breast reduction surgeon will be in close contact with you to ensure you remain comfortable and are healing well. Dr. Neil Zemmel and Dr. Karishma Reddy put a high value on this communication, as it allows patients to rest easy and focus on their recovery. Learn what you can expect during the recovery period after breast reduction surgery by visiting the sections below. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Breast Reduction?
The recovery after breast reduction can take about two to six weeks, depending on the details of your surgery. This process occurs over multiple stages, as you gradually feel more like yourself and can resume your normal activities.
Dr. Zemmel and Dr. Reddy are very thorough in helping patients understand what to expect during the recovery from reduction surgery, and they are available to answer any questions that may arise throughout the healing process.
1 to 3 Days After Surgery
Immediately after your breast reduction procedure, you will mostly likely be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay, so our nurses and doctor can maintain close observation over your recovery. Any post-operative pain is typically well-tolerated with intravenous medicines, and should you need it, additional medication can be provided to help with nausea. The following morning, members of the surgical team will meet with you to change your bandages. Once you are ready, you will be discharged to go home.
Though resting is essential throughout the course of your recovery from breast reduction, you will also need to frequently move around to facilitate healing. After about two or three days post-surgery, you can begin to perform light daily activities, including showering.
1 to 2 Weeks After Surgery
During your first week after surgery, you will have more post-operative care instructions to follow, such as getting more rest and avoiding driving. You can expect your breasts to feel tight and swollen for about one week – many women compare this feeling to when their bodies start producing milk for breastfeeding. Throughout this time, you should not have too many issues moving around.
After this first week, patients tend to have less discomfort and should incorporate more activity into their day, though strenuous activities should still be avoided. By the second week, you should feel even more like yourself, and soreness should begin to resolve. The majority of patients take anywhere from 10-14 days off from work so they can relax and focus on recovery.
3 to 4 Weeks After Surgery
Most activities can be resumed by this point. As the swelling continues to go down and your body heals, you can begin to notice your beautiful breast reduction results taking shape.
By the three- to four-week mark, your swelling should be significantly reduced, and most activities can typically be resumed. At this point, your final breast reduction results should become more apparent.
4 to 6 Weeks After Surgery
After your fourth week of recovery, you will most likely be able to resume all exercise. While most of the breast reduction recovery happens over these first four to six weeks, keep in mind that residual swelling can last for about three to four months. Your breast reduction scars can take about six months to a year to fully heal, during which time they will gradually lighten in color and flatten.
Breast Reduction Recovery Tips
As you recover from your breast reduction, it is important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions as closely as possible. This not only ensures you obtain optimal results, but also reduces the risk for potential complications as your body heals. In addition, by following the tips below, you can expect a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
How Do I Clean My Breast Reduction Wounds?
Keeping your incisions clean after breast reduction surgery is important for your healing and final results. You will be instructed to gently clean your incisions with mild soap and keep the area dry. No lotions or creams should be used, as this can cause inflammation. To help reduce your risk of infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics.
How Do I Shower After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Patients can typically resume showering after two to three days. Before this period, you can take a sponge bath but should avoid washing your incisions, as well as washing your hair since this can put stress on your incisions as the skin is pulled. When you are ready to shower, your surgical bra can be removed, but it should be worn the rest of the time. When you shower, you can gently wash your breasts and incision sites, unless you are instructed otherwise by Dr. Zemmel or Dr. Reddy.
During your first few showers, you may feel slightly lightheaded, so it can be helpful to have someone help you or to have a shower stool available for sitting. When drying off after your shower, make sure not to rub your incisions, but to instead pat dry and let them air dry the rest of the way. You should avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, and pools for at least two weeks, as these can expose your wounds to bacteria and increase your risk of infection.
What Bra Should I Wear After Breast Reduction Surgery?
After your breast reduction surgery, you will need to wear a surgical bra or compression garment for approximately six weeks. As noted above, this can be removed while showering, but it should be worn the rest of the day and night. Once this six-week period is over, you can wear regular bras again, as long as they do not have an underwire. Underwire bras can be worn after about three months. This is because the skin under your breast can be irritated by the underwire as you are in your initial recovery.
How Should I Sleep After Breast Reduction Surgery?
You should keep your torso elevated when you sleep after breast reduction surgery to reduce the amount of pressure around the breasts. This position can be uncomfortable, though, so Dr. Zemmel or Dr. Reddy may prescribe medication to help you sleep. To ensure you stay in this position throughout the night, it can help to put a cushion under your knees and by your sides.
How Can I Reduce Swelling After My Breast Reduction?
Swelling is a normal part of the recovery after breast reduction surgery, which is an inflammatory reaction from your body due to injury. To help control the swelling that occurs, you should wear compression garments at the beginning of your recovery, which help support your breasts. Light activity and elevating your upper body while you sleep can also help facilitate healing. You should stay hydrated and follow a low-sodium diet, as well. Most swelling subsides within three to four weeks after surgery, but minor swelling can last up four months. Should you have severe swelling, please contact your surgeon as this may indicate a problem has occurred, such as infection.
When Can I Drive After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Most patients feel comfortable enough to drive after about one week from their breast reduction procedure. At this point the act of driving a vehicle and wearing a seatbelt across the chest is more comfortable. That said, you should avoid driving altogether until you have finished taking prescription pain medications.
How Soon Can I Exercise After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Rigorous exercise that engages the pectoral muscles should be avoided for at least four weeks. Walking, doing lower body exercises, and performing light non-impact aerobics may all be safe for you to do, but you should avoid using heavy weights and doing vigorous cardio for four to six weeks. By exercising too hard too fast, you can cause your incisions to separate or bleed, which can increase the risk of scarring. Once you are cleared to exercise, you should wear a quality sports bra.
Most patients with an office-based job take 10-14 days off from work to recover from their breast reduction surgery. This allows them enough time to focus on relaxing, managing any discomfort, and reducing post-operative swelling. After these first couple weeks, you should be able to drive yourself to work and feel more comfortable completing day-to-day tasks. If your job requires more strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects, you may need to take additional time off to allow for adequate healing time.
How Soon After Breast Reduction Surgery Can I Get Pregnant?
Although it is typically recommended for patients to wait to get cosmetic breast surgery until after completing their family, Dr. Zemmel and Dr. Reddy understand that procedures like breast reduction surgery can significantly improve a woman’s quality of life before they consider having children. Should you wish to conceive after reduction surgery, they recommend waiting at least three months post-surgery before trying to get pregnant. This allows internal and external sutures to properly heal and reduces the risk of potential complications.
If you are considering future pregnancies around the time of your breast reduction consultation, you should explain this to your plastic surgeon, so they can provide you with realistic expectations of how this may affect your long-term breast reduction results. This initial communication also ensures they can customize your surgical plan to minimize any contact with the nerves and milk ducts.