Questions Patients Have During Recovery After Breast Reduction

Breast reduction in Houston surgery is performed with a high success rate on patients struggling with excessively large breasts in many countries around the world. The procedure is safe and can deliver results that will considerably improve the quality of life for patients.

Aside from increased mobility and functionality, the patient will also enjoy having a more proportionate and harmonious appearance of the body and also not having the deal with the daily discomforts and pains of having breasts that are too large compared to the rest of their anatomy.

The procedure is performed in a few hours, and the hospitalization is around the same time. After the procedure, patients are allowed to go home the same day, and this is when the recovery period starts. In this article, we will discuss a few common questions that patients have during the recovery period.

1. Is it going to be painful?

Just like any other surgical procedure, there is a certain amount of pain and discomfort to be associated with undergoing a breast reduction. The procedure entails the excision of a part of the glandular tissue and also skin tissue from the breasts. However, the procedure is not as painful as when the muscles of the chest are impacted. The glandular tissue and the skin will heal in no time, provided that the patient will be committed to following the instructions of the plastic surgeon.

The pain that might be experienced is a sensation similar to a muscular fever that can occur after working too much at the gym. Also, it is important to mention that the plastic surgeon will prescribe you pain medication that will help alleviate both the pain and the discomfort associated with undergoing surgery. Make sure to take the pills as prescribed.

2. How long will the swelling be present?

Patients should be aware even before undergoing breast reduction that there will be side effects. The most common side effects that occur as a result of the surgical trauma are bruising and swelling. While for some patients, the swelling can disappear within days or weeks, for others it can take longer. This is not something to be worried about. Your plastic surgeon might recommend Arnica Montana supplements or creams if you are struggling with excessive swelling. Also, keep in mind that applying ice packs on the operated area during the first few days post-op can significantly reduce the swelling, but it is important to start with the ice packs as soon as you get home from the medical facility. Applying ice a week or more after the procedure won’t be as effective.

3. Do I really need to take antibiotics?

Some patients don’t understand the need for antibiotics after the procedure. However, a responsible and experienced plastic surgeon will make sure to prescribe antibiotics for five days post-op to patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. This is important as it helps patients reduce the risk of infection that could prolong the recovery process unnecessarily and even leave behind unpleasant looking scars. Make sure to take the antibiotics as per the plastic surgeon’s recommendations.

4. Why do I need someone in the house with me for the first few days?

Another thing that a responsible and experienced plastic surgeon will do is ask you to have someone in the house with you for the first few days post-op. This could be a friend or a family member, the nanny of your children. It doesn’t really matter, as long as there is someone you can count on for help. Keep in mind that breast reduction is a complex procedure and your body will need time to heal and recover. During the first few days post-op, you might also experience pain, the side effects of the anesthesia, and general discomfort. You will need help preparing meals and other usual activities around the house. If you have to look after children, make sure to instruct that person about their routines. They will also have to drive them to and from school as you won’t be able to do it for a few days post-op.

5. Do I really need to wear a compressive bra?

The reality is that compressive bras don’t look very attractive. They are surgical bras and have a very specific role in the recovery period. We understand your desire to wear something nice (maybe for the first time ever), but immediately after the surgery is not a good time for this. Before heading to the nearest Victoria’s Secret, you need to give your breasts a chance to heal and restore. For this, they need support and a certain level of compression. This means that the compression bra or a good quality sports bra is essential for the success of your procedure. It should be worn for about three weeks post-op non-stop and for the same amount after this, but only during the day time.

6. Can I smoke?

You should never smoke, especially after undergoing plastic surgery and a procedure so complex as breast reduction. Smoking is associated with increased risks for fat tissue necrosis, delayed wound healing, infections, and wound dehiscence. Moreover, the healing process takes much longer for patients who smoke due to the lack of proper oxygenation of the operated tissues. The recommendation is to stop smoking three to six weeks before the procedure and remain a non-smoker for the same amount of time post-op to ensure you get good results and avoid severe complications.

7. When can I resume my daily activities?

Most patients are able to resume daily activities within days after the procedure. However, this depends on the pace that your body is healing and how dedicated you are to following the recommendations of the plastic surgeon. If you are taking the pain medications as prescribed and making sure you are getting off the bed every couple of hours for short walks, chances are you will be on your feet in no time. Spending too much time in bed during the beginning of the recovery period can actually prolong the recovery process. At the same time, make sure to avoid strenuous physical activities for a minimum of four to six weeks post-op or even more, depending on the recommendations of your plastic surgeon.

8. Can I get back to work after two weeks from the surgery?

Again, most patients will return to work ten to fourteen days after the procedure without any issues. However, it all depends on the type of activities you do at work. If your work involves intense physical activities, you better discuss this issue with the plastic surgeon before returning to work.

9. When will I see the final results?

Your breasts will be smaller immediately after breast reduction surgery, and most of the discomforts associated with overly large breasts will disappear within days. However, it can take up to six or nine months for the final results to transpire. It is important for patients to be aware of this from the beginning and not to have unrealistic expectations about the recovery period. Healing takes time, and the cicatrization of the incisions can take as long as 12 to 18 months. 

10. Will the breasts grow back again in time?

This is not something that can happen. During breast reduction surgery, the plastic surgeon will eliminate the excess of mammary gland. This will never grow back if the development of the mammary gland was complete at the time of the procedure (if the patient is 16 years old and above). However, it can happen for the breasts to increase their size in time but only if the patient is suffering from hormonal imbalance caused by pregnancy or something else, such as weight gain. However, the increase in size won’t be as considerable as the initial size of the breasts before the surgery.

Conclusion

Breast reduction in Houston is an invasive and complex plastic surgery procedure. When it is performed, the plastic surgeon will make incisions on the breasts and eliminate a part of the glandular tissue and also the skin envelope to make the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body. The procedure often takes no longer than two hours and is followed by a short hospitalization period and two weeks of recovery. During recovery, patients can have different questions. In this article, we have discussed a few of them.