11 Things You Need to Know After Breast Reduction Surgery

 

We hope you become one of the many happy individuals whose lives are improved by breast reduction surgery.

• What will you feel the first day after breast reduction surgery?
• When can you shower after breast reduction?
• How much activity can you do in the first weeks after breast reduction?
• What medications and supplements should you take after breast reduction?
• When can you smoke after breast reduction?
• How long will you wear a corset after breast reduction?
• When will the results of breast reduction become apparent?
• What are the symptoms of complications after breast reduction?
• What is determined by the pathological examination after breast reduction?
• When will sensory and sensation problems resolve after breast reduction?
• When is pregnancy possible after breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is a significant procedure that can greatly improve quality of life. For optimal results and a smooth recovery, it is essential to be well-informed. Here are 11 key points every patient should know.

1. Surgery and Initial Hospital Stay
The surgery itself typically lasts 3 to 4 hours. Afterwards, an overnight stay in the hospital is mandatory. Upon waking, you will be fitted with a special surgical bra. You may experience sensations like throbbing, stinging, or pain in the initial hours, especially in the first 24 hours. It's important to remember that the most challenging period is right after the surgery and on the first day, and you will not have to relive this intensity again.

2. Post-Discharge Hygiene and Follow-up
After being discharged, you should not take a full shower until your doctor gives permission. Until then, you can wash your lower and upper body separately. Patients are sent home with drains, which are usually removed during a follow-up appointment around the 2nd or 3rd day. It is crucial to attend this check-up. Always contact your doctor with any concerns; do not attempt to solve problems on your own.

3. Activity and Position Restrictions
For the first 7 to 10 days, avoid excessive shoulder movements. Try to meet all your needs using your lower arms (forearms) and avoid putting pressure on the surgical area. This means refraining from sleeping on your stomach or side. Protecting the breasts from pressure is a critical point that requires special attention.

4. Medications and Nutritional Supplements
While you will be prescribed pain medication and possibly antibiotics, be cautious with other supplements. If you have nutritional deficiencies that could affect wound healing, discuss this with your doctor. They can guide you on appropriate supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, or Zinc to support your recovery process.

5. Dressings and Smoking
If your doctor recommends specific wound care or dressings, adhere to this routine diligently without skipping sessions. For patients who smoke, poor wound healing is a significant risk. This should be discussed with your doctor before surgery. If possible, avoid smoking entirely during the recovery period, as it can severely compromise healing.

6. The Importance of the Surgical Bra (Corset)
You will need to wear a special surgical bra or corset for 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes extending to 5-6 weeks. You can wash it after your first shower, around day 10, with your doctor's permission. This garment applies optimal pressure to support the breast tissue, regulating healing. It should be snug but not excessively tight—follow your doctor's guidance on fit. Swelling (edema) will gradually decrease; as it does, the need for the corset lessens. While some patients can remove it after 4-5 weeks, others may need it longer. The fear that breasts will "sag" once the corset is removed is common, but this is related to swelling, not the corset itself.

7. Final Results Take Time
Do not expect to see the final result immediately. After surgery, especially when wearing the surgical bra, your breasts will appear high, lifted, and often quite perky or pointed. This is not permanent. It is vital for patients to understand that self-assessment in the first 1-3 months is not reflective of the final outcome. You must be patient for 3 to 6 months. The appearance at 6 months will be more natural and will make you much happier.

Pregnancy After Surgery

8. Recognizing Signs of Complications
Be alert for signs of complications in one or both breasts, such as excessive swelling, severe bleeding, signs of infection (fever, localized heat, or unpleasant odor). These could indicate problems requiring medical attention. Do not hesitate to share any concerns with your doctor during early or late recovery stages. Delaying intervention for such issues can prolong recovery and lead to negative outcomes. Maintain open communication with your surgeon.

9. Pathology Report of Removed Tissue
The breast tissue removed during surgery is always sent for pathological examination. The pathology report, typically available 1-2 weeks post-op, provides information about the breast structure. Findings are usually normal or show common benign conditions like fibrocystic changes. Rarely, significant cystic issues or, unfortunately, breast cancer may be detected. In the case of cancer, further surgical intervention and a revised treatment plan would be necessary. Therefore, patients over 40 planning breast reduction should have a mammogram and a detailed family history assessment before surgery.

10. Sensation Changes
Temporary or long-term changes in sensation, especially on the breast skin and nipples, are possible. We consider temporary numbness in the early period normal. The return of sensation can take up to a year. If nipple sensation hasn't returned within 1 to 1.5 years, the likelihood of it returning diminishes over time. To support nerve healing, we often recommend patients take B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Selenium, and Zinc during recovery, under their doctor's guidance.

11. Pregnancy After Surgery
If the surgical technique preserves the milk ducts and the connection between the nipple and breast tissue, breastfeeding function can be maintained. Full healing is considered complete after about one year. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1.5 to 2 years after surgery before becoming pregnant. If a pregnancy-compatible technique was used, patients can usually breastfeed after this period. In rare cases, significant breast regrowth during pregnancy might occur, potentially leading to a need for a second reduction surgery later on.

Final Note
A successful outcome is a team effort between you and your doctor. The more open and clear you are about your concerns and symptoms, and the more diligently you follow post-operative instructions regarding check-ups and lifestyle factors like smoking, the more satisfying and problem-free your results will be. We hope you become one of the many happy individuals whose lives are improved by breast reduction surgery.