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Recovery After a Breast Reduction

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney who specialises in aesthetic and function breast reduction surgery. As part of your recovery process, Dr Turner likes to see breast reduction surgery patients frequently during the first 12 months –  1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.

Here’s a detailed week-by-week guide to what you can expect during your recovery in the first year following breast reduction surgery.

Tips for a Better Recovery after Breast Reduction

  1. Preparing a recovery room

Preparing your recovery room before undergoing the procedure will make your recovery journey easier. Keep all essential things that you’ll need for the first few weeks stored nearby that can be accessed easily. Go shopping and get the things you will need.

  1. Sleeping comfortably

It is recommended that you sleep on your back while keeping your breasts in an elevated position. If you don’t own a recliner, use some pillows to keep your breasts in an elevated position.

  1. Enlist help the first few days

You should enlist the help of someone to take you home after you are discharged home and to assist you with daily activities for the next few days

  1. Eat a healthy diet

Have a healthy and nutritious diet to supply your body with plenty of energy to speed up your recovery. Consume lean meats, fibre-rich fruits like apples and bananas, as well as seafood, eggs, rice, and beans. It is recommended that you avoid salty foods as they can contribute to swelling.

  1. Drink plenty of fluids

You should replenish yourself by drinking plenty of water with some lemon or orange juice. It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol for a few weeks.

  1. Avoid smoking or vaping

Smoking increases risks and complications as well as affects the final result. Nicotine found in cigarettes and vapes causes constriction of blood vessels, which affects the blood supply. It is recommended that you should consider avoiding smoking as long as possible – 6 to 8 weeks before and after surgery would be ideal.

  1. Get plenty of rest

You should plan to take at least two weeks off from work to allow your body sufficient time to heal. Mobility will gradually improve, but it’s important to keep strenuous physical activities to a minimum in the early stages. Gentle movements, such as short walks, are encouraged to promote healthy blood flow, but avoid overexertion. If you experience any pain or discomfort during activity, stop and take a rest.

  1. Follow the post-op care guidelines

The post-surgical care instructions provided by Dr Turner for each procedure will make your rehabilitation easier.

  1. Wear the compression bra during recovery

The compression garment provides support to your breasts, helps reduce bruising and swelling, and lowers the risk of seroma. It should be worn for the first 4 – 6 weeks full time. After this time, you can wear after wear a sports bra during the day and the compression garment at night.

Week 1: Immediate Post-Operative Recovery

After the procedure, a surgical dressing will be applied to aid wound healing, which should remain in place until your follow up appointment with Dr Turner. In some cases, a surgical drain may be inserted to remove excess blood and fluids for the first few days. You will need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation and are discharged home the next morning.

During the first week, expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Rest is crucial, and you should limit movement, avoiding lifting your arms above your head. Walking is encouraged within the first few days but keep all physical activities minimal.

You must wear the supportive post-surgical bra provided by Dr Turner. You may remove it for short periods while at home or when showering over the breast dressings. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with Dr Turner at 1 week to check your incisions and overall healing. It’s normal to feel emotional as your body adjusts but will typically begin to subside by the end of the week.

Week 2: Settling into Recovery

If you work from home or in an office, you can typically return to work after the first week. However, if your job is physical, it’s advisable to take an additional 1 to 2 weeks off to ensure proper rest and recovery. Swelling and bruising will begin to decrease, though you will still feel tenderness, discomfort, and a tight sensation in the breasts, along with tingling pain as the sensory nerves recover – these are normal parts of the healing process.

Focus on maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. Gradually ease back into light daily activities like walking but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Continue wearing your surgical compression bra as instructed. Be diligent in caring for your dressings and following Dr. Turner’s recovery guidelines. It’s also important to avoid smoking and alcohol, as both can hinder your healing process.

Weeks 3-4: Resuming Normal Routine

Swelling will continue to decrease, and pain will significantly subside. You may experience numbness, tingling or ‘zings’ in the breast area as the sensory nerves heal. As the incisions heal, you might feel an urge to scratch—try to resist this. Dr. Turner review at your 1-month appointment and outline your scar management routine, which includes massage and silicone gel taping.

You can begin light activities, such as using a treadmill or exercise bike, but avoid pushing yourself too hard. Continue to refrain from vigorous exercise or lifting heavy objects. Your breasts may still appear high or firm, but this will gradually soften and drop as the breast settles. Most patients at this early stage will have some breast, this is expected and will improve as residual swelling resolves over the next 6 months. Keep wearing the compression bra as directed.

Month 3: Adjusting to Your New Shape

By now, most of the swelling will have subsided, and your incisions will be healing well, though they may still appear slightly red or raised. As part of your routine follow up with Dr Turner at 3 months, he can provide advice about ongoing scar treatments to improve your scars such as silicone gel taping and potential steroid injections or laser treatments.

At this stage, you can typically resume all activities, including regular exercise. More intense physical activities, such as running or strength training, can be gradually reintroduced.

Your breasts will start to take on a more natural shape, and you’ll begin to see the final results as they continue to settle, however it is normal to still have minor breast asymmetry which will continue to improve up to 1 year. You may stop wearing the surgical bra and switch to a sports bra or t-shirt bra, and you can begin to try underwire bras. While you’ll feel almost fully recovered, keep in mind that your body is still healing.

Month 6: Mid-Term Healing

At six months post-breast reduction, you should feel significantly more comfortable, with your incisions starting to fade. Your breasts will continue to soften and settle into their final shape. This is an ideal time to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Turner to assess any lingering asymmetry and discuss the possibility of scar revision or adjustments, which can be planned for your one-year postoperative mark.

By now, you’re likely back to your normal activities with minimal or no discomfort. However, it’s still important to be cautious of your incisions and avoid any harsh impact to the breast area.

Month 12: Final Results

By the end of the first year, your final results will be largely visible. Scars will have faded considerably, and your breasts will feel soft. You’ll be able to fully engage in all normal activities without any restrictions, but it’s still important to wear well-fitting bras to maintain proper support.

Next Steps

 Always Do Your Research

  • Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
  • Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

  • A medical referral is now required for all medical and cosmetic surgery consultations with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia due to regulations set out by AHPRA
  • Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.

Making The Most of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.

How to Book Your Consultation

  • You can book your initial consultation by paying the $450 consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.
  • Contact us or call 1300 437 758 or email us at enquiries@drturner.com.au to arrange your consultation in Sydney with Dr Turner.