Post-operative care is designed to promote rapid healing for patients. This involves monitoring wounds and avoiding infection.
The initial two weeks following surgery are critical in healing. Patients should take it easy and avoid strenuous activities during this time while also getting plenty of rest to prevent fatigue or blood clots.
Get Plenty of Rest
One of the best ways to recover from breast reduction surgery is to get plenty of rest. This will not only enable your body to focus on healing, but it will also refresh you mentally.
For the first two to three weeks after surgery, you should sleep on your back with a few pillows under your head and shoulders. This will help avoid straining any fresh incisions or scars still healing.
Although this may cause pain and discomfort, it will help you recover faster from surgery. Be sure to limit activities during this time, particularly if you must attend work.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration is essential for your body’s healing and recovery process. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help your blood transport essential nutrients to wound sites and flush away waste products from cells.
Maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential to avoid dehydration, which can lead to pain, swelling, and other issues. Most adults require at least 6-8 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
Many find a reusable water bottle is an effective tool in reminding themselves to drink enough liquids. If you’re unsure how much liquid they should drink, ask your doctor for guidance.
While your breasts are still healing, it is best to refrain from activities that could cause them to move or put stress on the incision site. For instance, avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for several weeks following surgery.
Avoid Excessive Activity
Breast reduction surgery can be a lifesaver for women who have trouble fitting clothes and suffer from back/neck pain, but it comes with a recovery period.
In the weeks following surgery, low-impact cardio exercises such as walking and stationary bicycling are recommended.
Exerting yourself can put strain and stress on incisions, leading to bleeding, infection, and poor wound healing.
Exercise after breast reduction should include short, periodic walks. These help increase blood flow which is essential for the quick healing of body tissues and muscles.
Take Your Medications
By taking your pain medications on schedule after breast reduction surgery, you’ll have fewer side effects and be more comfortable during your recovery process.
After surgery, your best Plastic Surgeon will likely provide antibiotics and pain medication. With proper management of these medications, it should be possible for you to reduce or discontinue them within three to seven days.
Additionally, you should attempt to walk daily during your recovery period in order to strengthen and tone up your muscles and lungs. Doing this helps expedite healing and avoids the formation of hematomas – blood clots beneath the skin that could interfere with healing.
Once you’re cleared to exercise, begin with gentle exercises like an elliptical machine or stationary bike. Prior to this, avoid activities known to disrupt the chest wall such as swimming or running.
Ask for Help
Help from someone else can make the recovery process much smoother. It’s especially comforting to have someone else take care of things for you in those first 72 hours after a plastic surgeon when rest is key for healing.
After breast reduction, you may find it challenging to move your arms or lift them above your head. Ask a loved one or friend for assistance with any activities that require lifting the arms above the head – such as washing hair or brushing teeth. A pillow under both the back and head can keep the area elevated and relieve pressure, helping you sleep better at night.
