How long does it take to recover from breast reduction?

Clinic Hunter

How long does it take to recover from breast reduction?

Breast reduction recovery and breast reduction aftercare time is very important. It is difficult to say precisely how long it takes, however patients should expect it to last about 4 weeks. Of course, not all days are the same and over time, the post-surgical recovery gets much easier.

The first 2 weeks of recovery after breast reduction is the most significant period in terms of post-op wounds healing, incisions aftercare and plastic surgery results. The next 2 weeks is the time of getting back to normal. In general, a breast reduction plastic surgery aftercare and recovery timeline (breast reduction recovery week by week) is as below:

Week 1: patients may feel extreme pain which can be alleviated by strong medications; they may experience soreness, fatigue, nausea, swelling and bruising, breast discomfort, there may also be tightness in your chest. These are all normal symptoms which are temporary and after a week, they should significantly lessen. When nausea is very troublesome, women should try a liquid diet or special post-operative diet. Women should remember about wearing a bra all the time (day and night). Also, this week is the time when patients should get rest, and apply recommended post-op care.

Week 2-3: all negative breast reduction post op symptoms that appear in week 1 should be much less intense, most of them disappears at this stage; during this time, stitches are removed, and women should be given wounds aftercare instructions – stitches removal is often combined with a follow-up appointment, during which a surgeon controls smooth recovery. Women should still wear a supportive bra as recommended. Some physical activities may be implemented, women should also feel ready to return to work.

Week 4: most women are fully recovered at this stage, yet all the post-operative instructions should be followed. A supportive bra should be worn for only some time during day or night and there are still some limitations, e.g. it is forbidden to swim or lift heavy objects. What’s most important, the surgery effects are already clearly visible at this stage.