Recovery After a Breast Reduction

Timeline for Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery

First few days after surgery

A dressing that assists in wound healing will be applied after the completion of the procedure. The dressing should stay on for the next 3 weeks. A surgical garment will also be fitted after you are awake and comfortable. It is essential that you wear the garment continuously for the first six weeks as it supports wound healing and settling of your new breasts. You may choose to take off the garment for certain short periods while at home and while showering near the dressings.

In some cases, a surgical drain may be needed to be placed to remove excess blood and fluids for the first few days. You might have to stay in the hospital overnight for observation and could be allowed to go home the next morning.

You should have someone to drive you home and assist you with day-to-day activities during the first few days. Post-op pain is common and is treated with the help of oral medications. You will be prescribed medications and antibiotics.

You can resume walking in the first few days after surgery as it gets your blood flow going, but limit your physical activities to a minimum.

A week later

If you work at home or in an office, you will be able to return to work after a week. If your occupation is physically demanding, you should take another week off to rest and recover.

Soreness will still be present and you may feel tightness of the breast as well as tingling pain around the breast area. This is normal and is part of the natural healing process. You should focus on eating a healthy and nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest, and avoiding any highly intensive physical activities.

Take care of your bandages and follow Dr Turner’s recovery instructions. It is recommended that you abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol as it is known to hinder the healing process.

You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr Turner and the team to check if your wounds are healing as expected as well as to review your new breast shape. There will be numerous appointments with Dr Turner over the year.

Two weeks later

Your breasts will still feel tender and there will be the presence of some amount of swelling and bruising. There may be an urge to scratch the incision site as it begins to heal and become dryer (try not to scratch). You should keep wearing the compression bra. Consider lowering your sodium intake and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and non-carbonated beverages to help further reduce swelling.

You may be able to resume some light-intensity activities but do not push yourself too hard.

About a month later

Around the third week, the bandages will be removed and there should be minimal to no soreness and bruising. Some amount of swelling will persist over six months to a year. You should begin to feel fairly normal and should be able to resume most activities. It is recommended that you consult with Dr Turner and the team before returning to highly physically demanding activities. You should continue wearing the compression bra and comfortable clothes.

Two months later

You will start feeling fully recovered but your body will still be healing. You may be allowed to resume a higher-intensity exercise routine and wear clothes that you want. You may stop wearing the surgical bra from this point forward. You should wear a sports bra but do not wear an underwire bra. See our Guide to Exercise after Breast Reduction Surgery. 

Six months later

Everyone’s body heals at a different pace. Some people may feel normal after eight weeks while some may require twelve to fourteen weeks to feel completely normal. There may be a small amount of swelling in the breast area for over a year. After the swelling is completely gone, you’ll be able to see the final result of the procedure.