Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery – Top Tips

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is the most effective procedure to reduce the size of large and heavy breasts. Breast reduction can help to improve the shape of the breasts as well as help to alleviate back, shoulder or neck pain linked with having large breasts. The shape of the breasts can be when breast is combined with a Breast lift to produce perky breasts. breast liposuction may be recommended to reduce the size of large breasts in women who are not keen on the incisions and scars of traditional breast reduction surgery.

Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in the UK and is considered a centre of for .

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How to prepare for breast reduction surgery

Getting the best results after breast reduction means following all of your surgeon’s preoperative recommendations, including:

How to have the best breast reduction recovery

Allocate a dedicated recovery space in your home before surgery which is preferably located on the ground floor to minimise having to go up and down the stairs in the first few days after surgery.

We recommend all patients sleep on their back after a breast reduction whilst keeping their heads in an elevated position. This is easily in a dedicated recliner chair.

Eating healthy foods after breast is incredibly important to ensure a smooth recovery. You should focus on eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and bind with nuts, seeds, avocados and lean sources of protein such as chicken breast and fish.

Ask a responsible adult friend or relative to you home after surgery and look after you for the first few days after surgery.

Drink plenty of water after surgery to keep well hydrated. Alcohol and fizzy drinks should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.

increases the risk of postoperative wound complications and delayed healing. Smoking and vaping should be avoided for a minimum of four weeks before and after surgery.

We recommend taking a minimum of one week off work and, ideally, two weeks off work, particularly if you have a demanding occupation.

You will be given detailed postoperative instructions by our clinical team, and you should be familiar with these before the day of surgery.

The breast bra should be worn continuously for a minimum of six weeks as this helps to support your in the optimum position for healing. After approximately eight weeks, you should transition to wearing a well-fitted sports bra. Underwired bras should be avoided for at least three months after .

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Breast reduction surgery recovery timeline

Immediately after surgery, a sterile dressing will be to the incisions and should remain on for a minimum of two weeks until you have your postoperative wound checked. A post-operative compression bra will be applied after surgery, and they should be worn continuously for a minimum of six weeks to support proper wound healing. Any postoperative pain and discomfort can be easily controlled with prescription painkillers given to you by your surgeon.

After one week, some patients may be able to return to light work duties such as office-based work. People with more physically demanding occupations should take a minimum of two weeks off work for adequate rest and recovery. You will be reviewed by one of our nurses approximately one week after your surgery to review the incision sites and ensure your breasts are healing as expected.

The breasts may still feel sore and mildly tender, and any bruising and swelling may still be noticeable. The incisions may feel itchy, and this is a normal symptom of recovery after breast reduction.

After week three, you should not experience any pain, with residual and swelling virtually disappearing by this time. Most people start to feel more normal, and physical exercise can gradually intensify. Most women begin to experience the benefits of breast reduction, including a reduction in neck pain and back pain.

Most people will have completed full recovery after breast reduction, although mild swelling may persist for up to 6 months after surgery. The post-operative compression bra can be swapped for a sports bra. You should avoid wearing an underwired bra for a minimum of three months.

Although everyone heals differently, most people will feel back to normal after approximately 3 to 4 months. Swelling will be virtually unnoticeable, and you can now enjoy the final results of breast reduction surgery.

Exercising after Breast Reduction

After breast reduction surgery, it is crucial that you abstain from exercises, such as running, jogging, fitness classes, or sports that engage your upper body, for a period of six weeks.

Throughout this six-week recovery phase, it is also essential to avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing more than 5kg.

Driving Post-Surgery

Following your breast reduction procedure, you will be unable to drive until you can comfortably wear a seatbelt and execute an emergency stop without aggravating your wounds or experiencing pain. It is crucial not to drive any sooner than one week after the surgery.

Bras and Undergarments After Breast Reduction Surgery

Though you might be tempted to go without a bra post-surgery, wearing a sports bra or surgical bra is vital for your recovery from breast reduction, as they help maintain the new breast shape. Opt for a non-padded, wire-free bra, and wear it continuously for 24 hours a day until approximately the eighth week.

This should avoid underwire bras, which can the incision area beneath the breasts. Some women may not resume wearing underwire bras for three to six months after their procedure.

Breast reduction recovery top tips

Complications of breast reduction

Recovery after breast reduction FAQs

You may shower approximately 48 hours after surgery. You should avoid excessively hot water, and lukewarm water is recommended. Try to avoid getting the dressings or incisions wet. You should avoid rubbing the area dry, and the best technique is the pat the area dry gently with a towel.

Make sure to follow all of your post-operative instructions to get the fastest recovery after breast reduction.

Most patients can carry out light activities without assistance one week after . Full recovery after breast reduction generally occurs after three months.

The breasts will be much lighter after a breast reduction, and there will be a significantly reduced amount of breast . The natural ageing process with the effects of gravity may result in gradual breast sagging over time.

You should avoid on your side or front after a breast reduction for at least four weeks after .

You should avoid jogging or running after breast reduction surgery until six weeks after surgery.

Perky breasts can be achieved by combining a breast reduction with a breast lift to improve the shape of saggy or droopy breasts.

Breast reduction surgery at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is the plastic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the UK. HRT What We Treat (peptidesresearch.uk) are renowned for our expertise in all forms of breast reduction using both the traditional method and for women keen on a less invasive approach to reduce the size of large breasts.

Call us today on or complete the contact form below to schedule a breast reduction consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.

Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.

—Please choose an option—Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)Facelift / Neck lift (ear surgery)Breast augmentationBreast liftBreast reductionLiposuctionTummy tuckBrazilian Butt Lift (BBL)Mummy makeoverLabiaplasty / Cosmetic gynaecology (male breast reduction)FTM / MTF top surgerySkin lesion / mole removalMorpheus8 / Fotona / non-surgicalRevision surgery (any previous procedure)Other / not sure yet




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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered surgeons.

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