What Not to Do After Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery can be life-changing. It’s more than just about changing your appearance; it’s about regaining your comfort and confidence. 

Surgery recovery can be tough, but being prepared is key. Knowing what not to do after breast reduction surgery makes all the difference between healing quickly and running into unnecessary complications. 

Below you’ll find your game plan for ensuring a smooth breast reduction surgery recovery.

What Not to Do After Breast Reduction Surgery

To minimize complications, a balance of rest, self-care, and patience is key. Here are things to avoid to protect yourself during recovery and maximize results: 

❌ Don’t Rush Back to Work or the Gym

Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Even if you feel fine after a few days, your body is still in the process of healing itself. Avoid returning to work and performing strenuous activities like lifting or standing for long periods of time. 

It’s also advisable to hold off on workouts. Straining your upper body can interfere with healing, delay scar fading, and increase swelling. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on when it is safe to resume activities like this, and make sure to listen to your body and start slowly when restarting workouts.

❌ Don’t Sleep on Your Side or Stomach

Sleeping on your back is a must during the initial recovery period. This posture helps reduce pressure on your chest and prevents unwanted pulling on your incisions. Use extra pillows to keep your upper body elevated and supported for the first few weeks. If you have a comfy recliner, that can be a great way to sleep for that initial recovery period.

❌ Don’t Wear Underwire Bras

Avoid underwire bras, as they can irritate incision sites and disrupt healing. Instead, use a soft, supportive post-surgical bra to reduce swelling and provide support. Your surgeon might recommend compression garments to support healing. These should be worn for a certain amount of time before you return to a normal bra. 

❌ Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol

Both drinking and smoking affect your health and can slow down healing. Surgeons typically advise avoiding both for a few weeks before and after surgery. Smoking affects blood flow, which can delay healing and even increase the risk of infections. Alcohol can also lead to complications like increased bleeding, delayed healing, and a higher potential for infection.

What To Do for a Smooth Recovery

Now that you know what not to do after breast reduction surgery, here are some proactive steps to speed up healing:

✅ Prioritize Rest

Your body has been through stress, and it takes a lot of energy to heal, so give it plenty of time to rest. Take naps and breaks from projects and housework as much as you can. Now’s the time to catch up on the books and TV shows you’ve been saving!

✅ Eat a Nutritious, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Give your body the fuel it needs to recover. Eat fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods like berries, salmon, and leafy greens are also great for supporting the immune system and aiding tissue repair. Lastly, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to promote healing.

✅ Manage Pain and Swelling

It’s normal to experience pain and swelling after surgery. Take prescribed medications as directed and don’t skip doses. Use cold compresses to ease swelling and keep your upper body elevated when resting. 

✅ Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Recovery requires patience and discipline. Follow your surgeon’s instructions down to the smallest details, such as wearing compression garments or caring for drains. Ignoring post-op instructions can sometimes lead to infections and scarring. 

Remember to keep follow-up appointments as well, so your doctor can address concerns early.

Regain Confidence and Comfort With Breast Reduction Surgery 

Breast reduction can significantly improve your quality of life, from relieving chronic pain to allowing you to enjoy everyday activities without discomfort.

At Harris Plastic Surgery, we specialize in breast reduction procedures and provide patient-focused care every step of the way. Dr. Stephen Harris has over 20 years of clinical experience and has helped thousands of patients achieve life-changing results.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.

Do you still have questions about what not to do after breast reduction surgery? Reach out to our office by phone/text to schedule your consultation to learn more.