A Guide for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is very beneficial for individuals who experience pain or discomfort due to large breasts. Having bigger breasts than normal may cause women to feel insecure. Because of that, many of them want smaller breasts. Don’t feel alone if you are one of these women. You may be put off due to the fact that you will need to undergo a surgical procedure. However, breast reduction is a common procedure in Turkey and all over the world. There are thousands of plastic surgeons who are experts in this field. As long as you make sure that you are in good hands, you don’t have anything to be afraid of.
Breast Reduction Recovery Week by Week
Breast reduction surgery can create smaller and firmer breasts, hence improving patients’ appearance and confidence. As with any surgery, breast reduction requires a certain amount of time for recovery. You may be wondering what the recovery process looks like once you have had your operation. Matters such as what to expect in regards to healing, swelling, and scarring after surgery are quite important for the patients. Recovery periods differ from person to person for many reasons. We will give you a general outline to the standard healing process that is accurate for most people assuming they follow their surgeon’s instructions. Still, keep in mind that your recovery may not align with this timeline completely.
Immediately After Breast Reduction Procedure
You will be in surgery for two to four hours under general anesthesia. You will usually be monitored overnight for recovery after the surgery is over. If your surgeon decides that you are not showing any problems or complications, you will be discharged immediately afterwards.
Right after the surgery is the time you will feel most sensitive. Your pain will continue for a few weeks, but will gradually ease over time. You will need plenty of rest to speed up the healing process.
Week One
Your doctor will prescribe pain medications to help with pain management for the first week during recovery. It also places drainage tubes to help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. If drainage tubes are used, they are usually removed within the first week. Your doctor will also bandage your breasts. The breasts are supported by an elastic bandage or a special bra to help hold the regenerated tissues in place and reduce tension.
Second Week
Patients should take a full week off after surgery. In fact, they may need more time depending on personal recovery times. Most people will be able to return to their normal routines after two weeks. However, strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting are prohibited for four weeks after the surgery. Today, we prefer self-dissolving sutures in breast reduction surgeries. If old-style sutures are used, they are removed one to two weeks after surgery. Patients are advised to continue wearing a surgical bra for the first two weeks after breast reduction surgery.
Pain, bruising and swelling may persist for several weeks after surgery. However, these side effects lessen as the body heals. If pain or swelling worsens and is accompanied by redness, this may be a sign of infection or another complication and should be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately.
A Month (4-6 Weeks) After Breast Reduction Surgery
One month after the operation, you are considered to have overcome the difficult part of the recovery process. Now you can do your housework on your own. Most patients can start light exercises from the fourth week. But they can’t lift weights yet. From the 5th week, it is normal to sleep on the side.
As of this week, you will notice that your neck and back pain has decreased. Your movements will become easier, and your clothes will start to sit on you again as the swelling decreases.
Two Months (6-8) After Breast Reduction Surgery
Two months after the operation, most of the swelling disappears. From the 6th week, you can return to the gym and lift weights again. If you like swimming, you can go swimming in the pool. However, make sure to wear a supportive bra and avoid sun exposure while doing all this.
Recovery After Breast Reduction
A skilled breast surgeon will try to reduce the scarring to make it less noticeable. Breast reduction scars aren’t as terrible as you think, and most of them fade over time. Depending on the type of the surgery, your scars may look vertical, horizontal or both of them.
Breast reduction scars stay red for about six weeks following the surgery. However, to fully heal these scars will likely need about six months. At the end of the sixth month, most of your scars will be white.
Breast Reduction Recovery Tips
Even though you cannot hide the scars completely, you can still reduce scarring significantly. Here are some tips for recovery after breast reduction:
- Avoid smoking until your scars heal completely
- Follow a healthy diet that contains enough protein
- Avoid any activity that puts your incisions under pressure
- Do not expose your incisions to the sun directly
- Avoid drinking alcohol until your scars fully heal
- Stay hydrated
- Drink enough water
- Consider scar treatment
- Take Vitamin E supplements after the sixth-week post-surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery in Turkey
If you choose the right surgeon and hospital, the result of breast reduction surgery is permanent and the possibility of needing revision surgery afterwards is very low. If you choose ClinicExpert Hospital, you don’t have to worry about the recovery period. You are not sure about how to find the best plastic surgery clinic in Turkey? Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have more questions. We are happy to answer any queries either by email, telephone or WhatsApp. Don’t forget that you can get a discount if you contact us right away.