Choosing breast reduction surgery is a big decision: both physically and emotionally. There are a lot of physical factors to consider, including neck and shoulder pain, skin conditions, shoulder grooving, or mastectomy asymmetry.
Part of considering surgery is understanding the expected recovery commitment and timeline. You’ll want to know how long you’ll need to request time off work, organize help around the house, and, most importantly, your commitment to the recovery process (resting, compression garments, and methods to aid in swelling and pain reduction).
While everyone’s body handles surgery and recovery differently, patients are usually back at work within a week or two and see final results after about three months. Your surgeon can help you understand more about the procedure, commitment, and recovery during your personalized surgery consultation.
Here’s a pretty typical week-by-week breast reduction surgery recovery timeline to help you understand what to expect.
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Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Timeline, Week by Week |
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Post Op Day 1 |
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Week 1 |
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Week 2 |
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Week 3 |
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Week 4 |
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Week 5 & Beyond |
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6 months |
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What to Look for During Recovery
Most of the time, breast reduction surgery recovery is a smooth process. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common, but patients are typically back to daily activities within a week or two. However, any surgery comes with risks. While breast reduction is a common, fairly low-risk surgery with a high satisfaction rate (up to 95%), some things to look out for during the recovery process include:
- Redness, discharge, or heat around incisions
- Fever or pain that can’t be controlled with pain medication
- Loss of nipple or breast skin sensation
- Breastfeeding difficulties
We list these risks as a precaution to consider, but the truth is that most women have a smooth surgery and recovery period and can quickly jump back into their lives with greater comfort and ease than before surgery. Patient satisfaction rates are high with this surgery, and many report improvements in back and neck pain as well as more confidence in their body post-surgery.
Tips for a Smooth Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
Recovering from surgery isn’t the most fun, but there are things you can do to make the process easier.
Follow your post-op instructions, including medication timing, activity restrictions, and any wound care instructions.
Take it easy! No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least 4 weeks.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy. Fueling your body properly is key for an easy healing process.
Get the right bra. Your surgeon might suggest a special recovery bra for extra support to help with swelling and pain.
Keep incisions clean. Follow all wound care instructions given to you by your doctor. You may be able to shower within the first week.
Elevate your body and use ice to help with swelling and bruising.
Be patient. You may not feel great right away, but give your body proper time to heal and you’ll feel better slowly but surely.
Choose a great surgeon – this is truly the most important factor in a smooth breast reduction recovery process. Having a good surgeon makes all the difference.
Want to learn more about breast reduction surgery and recovery week by week? Reach out to our office to schedule your consultation. You can also contact us by phone/text.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.
