For More Information Call
0845 456 8511
Breast Reduction -
Surgical Recovery
Length of surgery
Operation takes 90-180 minutes depending upon technique and size of breast.
Nights in hospital
Usually one night, occasionally two.
Dressings
You will wake up with dressings/or skin glue on the wounds and elastoplast support tape on the breasts (say if allergic to elastoplast). These dressings will be replaced on discharge from hospital or after 2-3 days. They are to be kept dry during that period. You will then return the following week for a wound check. Further dressings will be used as needed but usually there are no dressings after two weeks. I request that patients do apply surgical or silicone tape to the wounds for six weeks as this may prevent early stretching of the scars.
Drains
These may or may not be required. They are used to remove any unwanted blood/fluid. When used they stay for 24 – 48 hours.
Bra’s
You should bring a soft shaped sports bra of the planned new cup size. You will need two when at home (one for the wash). The chest measurement does not usually change or may reduce by 1-2 inches. An under wired bra can only be worn after 8 weeks which must be properly fitted.
Time off work
Allow 2 weeks. People vary in recovery. Younger patients tend to get more discomfort with this surgery. Most patients are very mobile and comfortable at one week and although feel they could return to work it is preferable to wait. If you have a highly active job you may require longer.
Time to exercise
Walking a distance at 5-7 days, swimming by 10-14 days (if fully healed). Strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Postoperative instructions
Day 1-4 You should be taking it very easy! You should not be looking after very young children or doing housework.
Day 5-14 Can start getting more exercise including longer walking, shopping etc. You will be quite pain free by the end of this period. If all wounds are fine at day 10 you are unlikely to ‘damage’ anything by increasing your activity, so build up activity, as you feel fit.
Week 3-6 Should be back to work and doing anything you wish by 6 weeks.
Recovery and Final outcome
You should expect bruising and some swelling in the breast. This will last 2-4 weeks. Some leaking from the wounds is common for the first week as they heal. Your breasts will be firmer and higher than the expected end result. You will have a good shape by 4-6 weeks by which time the breast will be much softer. However the final outcome will improve over 6-12 months.
Driving
Although you may feel able to drive by 7-10 days you need to be completely free of pain and restriction to be covered by your insurance. This may be in your second to third week.
Follow up
Wound check and dressing change at day 5-7 post surgery. Then see Mr. McCulley at 3 months. NB There are no charges for any follow up appointment relating to your surgery.
