Recovery after breast reduction

The first few days

The first few days after your breast reduction are the most critical in the healing process. You will most likely experience swelling, bruising and some pain, which can be eased with painkillers. During the first few weeks it is important that you rest as much as possible, wear your support bra and avoid all kinds of strenuous activity. Also make sure to get some help from family or friends so that you have good support around you and can focus on your recovery.

Week by week

Recovery after a breast reduction happens gradually, and every week brings new changes. Here is what you can expect from the recovery process week by week.

Week 1 – Immediately after surgery

Your body's recovery begins immediately after your breast reduction, and after a week you may already feel less discomfort. Use this week to rest and to build a routine that supports the healing process.

• Take short, slow walks indoors to keep your blood circulation going and reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Sleep on your back and use pillows to raise your upper body and minimise the swelling. (Avoid sleeping on your stomach or on your side).
• Clean the incisions with mild soap and water according to your surgeon's instructions.
• Avoid using creams on the area unless this is included in the instructions from your surgeon.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

It is common to feel tired during the first week, so try to focus on small, manageable tasks and do not hesitate to ask for outside help with cooking, cleaning or childcare if you need it.

Week 2 – Adjusting to recovery

During the second week the initial swelling and pain should start to subside, although some discomfort may remain. You will feel more mobile and able to manage lighter everyday tasks, but it is important to still avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting.

Start taking a look at your incisions to see that they are healing as they should, and follow your surgeon's advice on how to care for them. Attend your scheduled follow-up appointments and remember to take it slowly – even if you are starting to feel better, your body still needs plenty of rest.

Week 3-4 – Progress in your recovery

During weeks three and four you will most likely notice a considerable improvement in both energy levels and mobility. The swelling continues to go down, the bruising begins to fade and many patients feel ready to take up less physical activities such as gentle stretching or short walks. Just make sure you get the go-ahead from your surgeon before you resume any kind of physical activity.

By this point you may start to feel more comfortable, but your body still has a lot of recovery left to do. So keep wearing your support bra according to your surgeon's instructions and avoid any activity that puts a heavy strain on your body.

Week 5-6 – Returning to normal

At weeks five and six most people feel ready to return to many of their usual routines, including work and lighter exercise. The incisions continue to heal, and the scars begin to fade slightly.

You feel confident in how you move and cope better with daily activities, although the return still has to happen gradually. If your surgeon approves, you can begin to take up slightly more strenuous exercise, but it is important that you keep listening to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort at all.

Week 7 onwards – Long-term recovery

After week seven you will notice even greater progress in the form of further reduced swelling and less discomfort. Although most of the healing process is complete, it can take several months before the scars mature fully and your body has adjusted to its new silhouette.

Stay in touch with your surgeon as needed to make sure that everything is healing and developing as it should. And take the opportunity to enjoy the new, reduced size of your breasts and regain your full self-confidence.

Tips for a smooth recovery

To help the healing process along, we recommend that you follow these routines:

• Always follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions
• Drink plenty of water and stick to nutritious foods that support recovery
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, as these can impair the healing process
• Listen to your body – rest when you need to and avoid rushing back into strenuous activities

Frequently asked questions about recovery after breast reduction

How long should I wear a support bra after a breast reduction?

You should wear your support bra continuously for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery, or as instructed by your surgeon. The bra gives the necessary support, reduces swelling and is good for the healing of your incisions. When your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, you can switch to a sports bra.

Is it painful after surgery?

It is common to feel some discomfort after a breast reduction, particularly during the first week. Many people experience tenderness, tightness and sensitivity around the breasts, but this is completely normal and part of the healing. These sensations can be eased with painkillers and proper rest – after roughly two weeks the pain has subsided considerably.

When can I wash my hair?

You can usually wash your hair 2-3 days after surgery, provided that you keep the area around the incision dry and avoid raising your arms too high. During the first week it may be safest to use a sponge to wash, or to ask a family member for help.

How long does the itching last?

When the area around the incisions itches, it means that they are starting to heal. The itching can go on for several weeks, but most people find it most intense during the first 2-4 weeks. If your surgeon agrees, you can ease the itching with a moisturising cream, but if it does not go away or becomes particularly severe you should contact your surgeon, as it may be down to some kind of irritation or reaction.

Support during your recovery after a breast reduction

Through Adoreal you get access to informative guides for recovery after a breast reduction, reminders about follow-up appointments and tips that help you handle every step of the healing process. You can communicate easily with the clinic and follow your progress directly in the app. Adoreal is here to help and support you all the way.

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