Undergoing breast reduction surgery is an intensive process and recovery time can last from 7-14 days; most patients can resume normal activities within that period of time.
Within the first week following breast reduction surgery, patients may experience moderate discomfort and swelling. Here we explore which are the most painful days after this type of procedure?
Table of Contents
The First Few Days
Women undergoing breast reduction surgery typically experience tenderness in the first week after surgery due to her fresh incisions, although this should subside with time. Rest is of utmost importance during this period and must not be neglected.
Ice packs can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours after surgery, so keep some handy in your freezer and use as needed.
Showering may resume, but beware not to wash your incision sites directly. In the early days, it would be prudent to keep gauze bandages on these incisions outside of showering to reduce bacteria build-up and aid healing of wounds.
Most patients take time off work in order to focus on rest and recovery, making it easier to manage discomfort and reduce post-surgical swelling. Now is also an excellent opportunity for beginning regular short walks. Be wary not to do anything too strenuous at first and take things slowly!
The First Week
Within the first week following breast reduction surgery, it is best to rest as much as possible; however, getting up and moving around to encourage blood flow to your area and reduce swelling or bruising is also crucial.
Some patients experience moderate discomfort during this stage, but it can usually be managed using narcotic painkillers. Be sure to take all prescribed doses on time without missing any. You may be able to switch from narcotic medications to over-the-counter pain relievers at this time, though always consult with your physician first before doing so.
Your surgeon will likely recommend wearing a surgical bra during recovery, which must be removed only for showering. Wearing this bra for several weeks to control swelling and ensure correct breast tissue contours during recovery is key for optimal healing. Also make sure you consume plenty of water while keeping sodium intake to a minimum for maximum recovery results.
The Second Week
In the first week after surgery, many patients may be kept busy by work and family obligations. It’s important to listen to your body during this period and rest when needed, avoiding anything which causes pain or discomfort, says our plastic surgeon.
At this stage, bruising and swelling should have significantly subsided. You may still experience itching due to incision healing but should gradually improve over time. Be sure to drink plenty of water and consume a low-sodium diet for optimal healing.
Start slowly resuming light exercise to promote blood flow and decrease fluid retention, but be wary of intensive exercises such as jogging as they can cause pain in the breast area. Instead, start off slowly with incline walking to build stamina gradually. Wear your compression bra as this will continue to help alleviate swelling while shaping your breast tissue correctly during recovery.
The Third Week
After your first week of recovery, swelling should have decreased and you should start seeing results of your breast reduction surgery taking shape. Light movement should resume; however, strenuous activities must wait until your body has fully healed before returning, says our best Plastic surgeon in India.
Your chest or nipples may experience occasional tingling, which is most likely caused by healing nerves and will eventually subside as they heal. Therefore, it’s important to take pain medications according to instructions as soon as symptoms surface rather than waiting until symptoms worsen.
Conclusion
As part of your effort to ease swelling, try decreasing sodium consumption and increasing water consumption. Enlist the assistance of friends or family to assist with basic tasks like bathing, cleaning and changing dressings so you can relax more comfortably during recovery. When exercising be cautious to use loose bras that won’t place strain on the area.
