Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery

Because breast reduction surgery can be extensive, recovery from it is longer than with other types of cosmetic breast surgery such as breast augmentation. You may need to be out of work for two weeks or longer and you will be told not to lift any heavy objects or exert yourself too strenuously for a month or more.

The first few days after surgery you will be very sore and very swollen. This is normal. You may also have bruising. Your surgeon can prescribe pain relievers for you. Pain, swelling, and bruising will slowly resolve. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to take for a week after your surgery. Do not skip a dose of antibiotic or stop taking it early because this can lead to a resistant infection. You may be told to sleep with your head and shoulders elevated for a week or two.

You will be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra or an elastic pressure bandage on your breasts 24 hours a day for the first week or longer. You will be told when you can take a bath and when you can switch to a regular bra, which you may also be asked to wear night and day for some time.

Sutures are usually removed between day 5 and day 10 after surgery. If you had drains inserted under your incisions, these will come out several days after surgery, but this depends on how much fluid is draining. After your incisions heal, your surgeon may instruct you to put silicone sheeting or paper surgical tape over them to help with healing and minimize scarring.

Your surgeon will tell you when you can resume your normal activities.

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