Breast reduction recovery | Top aftercare tips for scars & pain
After any cosmetic surgery, patients can expect a recovery period with varying scarring and discomfort. For breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) procedures, full recovery and resuming of normality can take several months. During this time, it is important to follow the plastic surgeon’s instructions and recommendations for recovery and follow aftercare tips to ensure the desired breast shape and size are obtained for optimum cosmetic results.
This guide will provide insights into the recovery period following breast reduction surgery, and our top recommendations for ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.
Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
- What scarring and pain can you expect after breast reduction surgery?
- Top tips for managing pain and discomfort in breast reduction recovery
- How to reduce scarring after breast reduction surgery
- Why is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon important?
- Frequently asked questions
What scarring and pain can you expect after breast reduction surgery?
Scarring should be expected after breast reduction surgery, and will depend on the surgical technique used. During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess which procedure will be most suitable based on your breast size, the size you want to be, and any other specifications. This discussion will give you complete clarity on the proposed surgical technique and the scarring to be expected as a consequence.
The two most common types of breast reduction procedures and scars include:
- Short scar or vertical technique: Also known as the lollipop surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will make an incision around your areola and another running vertically down to the bottom of the breast. This is less suitable for patients with larger breasts. Breast reduction patients can expect a vertical scar in the middle of their breasts as shown below.
- Inverted or anchor technique: This surgical technique also involves an incision around the areola and a vertical line to the bottom of the breast. Your plastic surgeon will make a further incision along the breast fold, as shown below.
Straight after your breast reduction, your scarring may look red and darker than your skin colour for the first 6 weeks. These will turn purple over 3 months, then fade to white. As with any cosmetic surgery, expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical area.
For male breast reduction (Gynaecomastia), the surgery involves a small incision through the nipple, leaving a scar that will fade over time.
There are many reasons why somebody would want a breast reduction, and various benefits like reducing backache and addressing asymmetrical breasts.
Find out more about the benefits of breast reduction and what is involved in the surgery with our expert guide here.
Top tips for managing pain and discomfort in breast reduction recovery
Typically, younger patients often feel more pain and discomfort after breast reduction surgery. It’s important to ensure that you are allowing enough time to properly rest and recover, which may mean booking 2 – 4 weeks off work (depending on how physical your job is).
Consider the following to help manage pain:
1) Before the surgery, stock up on pain medication
As aforementioned, breast reduction patients should expect a level of discomfort and pain during the initial stage of their recovery. Your cosmetic surgeon may prescribe pain medication and advise you on taking them.
One recommendation is to ensure that your home is stocked with medications to help alleviate pain during the recovery. Avoid blood-thinning painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
2) Stay off your feet
For the first week, you should take it extremely easy. That means no work, no housework and no strenuous exercise. Too much movement can cause further discomfort, placing unnecessary tension on the chest and potentially affecting the healing and final breast shape result.
Try to avoid sleeping on your chest as well, using pillows to keep yourself in an elevated position while sitting and lying.
3) Consider comfortable and supportive bras
During your breast reduction consultation, your surgeon should tell you to bring a soft, non-wired sports bra to the hospital in your planned new cup size. During recovery, your bras should be supportive and comfortable to ease pain and discomfort.
Consider compression surgical bras, which help with the healing process and focus on maximising comfort. These can also help reduce scars as there will be less stress on the incision area.
4) Ask for support
As you shouldn’t be doing anything too physical, it’s important to have a support network at home during your recovery from breast reduction. They should pick you up from the hospital and stay with you directly after the surgery.
Read our guide for how family and friends can support you during your breast augmentation recovery here.
If the pain becomes unbearable or you have concerns, contact your cosmetic surgeon, who will guide you.
For more information, read our guide on what to expect during recovery from breast reduction surgery here.
How to reduce scarring after breast reduction surgery
Certain aftercare solutions can significantly minimise the appearance of scars, and help the overall recovery period after breast reduction surgery. Following your plastic surgeon’s instructions, particularly regarding wound care, is important. You may find that the initial recovery may alter your normal activities.
Consider the following aftercare tips to reduce breast reduction scars:
1) Stop smoking
Smoking can severely impair the body’s healing process. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the skin, essential for healing.
Quitting smoking before and after surgery can enhance wound healing and reduce the risk of complications.
2) Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet is crucial for optimal healing. Nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, proteins and zinc, play a vital role in tissue repair and collagen formation.
Staying hydrated is equally important, as water helps maintain skin elasticity and supports overall healing. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
3) Apply creams to scarring
Topical treatments can aid in reducing the appearance of scars. Creams containing ingredients like vitamin E, onion extract, and hyaluronic acid have been advocated although it is likely the actual massage that helps.
4) Gently massage the surgical area
Massaging the scar area can improve blood circulation and promote the breakdown of scar tissue. Gentle, circular motions using a soft touch can be effective.
Find out more about how to massage breast surgery scars with our guide here.
5) Use silicone treatments
Silicone creates a protective barrier over the scar, which helps retain moisture, reduce collagen production in the scar tissue, and flatten and soften the scar. This may include thin plaster-like stripes that fit under the breast shape and around the areola, and a runny substance that is spread before quickly dries on the surgical area.
Silicone treatments are a great and effective way to minimise scarring after breast reduction. They should be started once the wound fully recovers (typically between 2 – 3 weeks).
For more information, read our guide on how to reduce scars after breast surgery here.
Why is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon important?
Selecting the right cosmetic surgeon is not just about the surgical procedure but encompasses the entire journey, from the initial consultation to the final results. This decision can profoundly impact your health, safety, and satisfaction with the outcomes, so look for a surgeon with positive patient feedback, expertise, and the right certification.
Stephen McCulley works extensively as a cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon, offering his patients the latest plastic surgery techniques. During your initial consultation, Stephen and his team will explain exactly what you can expect from your breast reduction surgery, including recovery and aftercare.
If you are interested in undergoing a breast reduction or would like more information, contact Stephen McCulley and his team here.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can you resume normal activities after breast reduction surgery?
Most patients can resume light activities, such as walking, between 5 and 14 days after breast reduction surgery. However, more strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.
Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your individual recovery progress, but typically, you can return to normal daily activities within 3-6 weeks, with full recovery taking several months. Your new breast shape should continue to improve over 6 to 12 months.