Breast Reduction Surgery

     Breast Reduction Recovery

     Breast Reduction Complications

Following breast reduction surgery, patients report mild to moderate discomfort, which is easily controlled with medication. Varying degrees of swelling, bruising, and firmness subside in several weeks to months. The periareolar-vertical and periareolar breast reduction techniques often result in varying degrees of “pleats” or folds around the incisions, which will resolve in weeks to months. Sutures (stitches) are removed after seven days. Patients can often return to work after several days to one week. Light exercise may begin after four to six weeks. A support bra is worn for two to three months following the surgery and is encouraged as much as possible thereafter to maintain  contour. Recovery and healing will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Complete healing takes time and patience, taking up to one year or longer.  It can take this amount of time for scars to soften, lighten and fade and for the breast tissue to soften, relax and remodel itself.  As swelling subsides and the effects of gravity and tissue relaxation act on the newly tightened skin envelope, the breasts will the breasts will get slightly smaller and descend to a certain extent as swelling subsides and the effects of gravity and tissue relaxation act on the newly tightened skin envelope, the breasts will shrink slightly and descend to a certain extent.  Most patients find this beneficial because the breasts look more natural.  The ability to breast-feed after breast reduction is usually  preserved, but cannot be guaranteed.

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