Frequently Asked Questions After Breast Reduction Surgery
How much will it hurt?
All patients experience some pain in their chest after breast reduction
surgery. Patients also experience tightness of the chest and the sensation
of difficulty breathing. Women liken it to the feeling of having their
breasts filled with milk during breast-feeding. Most often this discomfort
can be controlled with prescription pain pills. Ten percent of patients
take only plain acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) for pain. Generally, patients
begin switching to acetaminophen three to five days after breast reduction
surgery. Ice packs also help with pain and swelling.
Do I have to stay in bed after
my surgery?
No. Gently get out of bed as soon as possible after your surgery. Try
not to use your arms when you get out of bed. An adult must help you
get out of bed the first few times because of possible fainting. Begin
to walk as much as possible as soon as you can after surgery. Always
get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Do take it easy the first few
days. Do not exert yourself in any strenuous activity. A balance of
rest and reduced activity will speed up your recovery.
Will there be any bandages or
dressings?
There are clear plastic dressings placed at the time of surgery. These
must be left in place for one week. I will remove these dressings during
your first office visit. I ask that you do not wear a bra for the first
week. This will reduce your postoperative pain.
When can I shower after surgery?
You may shower the day after surgery. You may use the antibacterial
soap that you used before your surgery. Do not take a bath or swim for
one week.
When do I come back to the office
for aftercare?
I want to see you within the first week after surgery. After your first
visit, I want to see you at six weeks, six months, and one year. The
reason for this extended care is because it takes six months to one
year for complete healing to occur. There are no charges for these office
visits. You are welcome to be seen in my office anytime you have questions
or concerns about your surgery.
Will there be any stitches to
take out?
No. I only use stitches that will be absorbed or wash out. I do this
to eliminate the discomfort of suture removal after surgery.
When can I have a massage?
Body massage is very effective in relaxation. However, it cannot be
done while there is bruising of the skin due to the risk of long term
or permanent brown-gray staining of the skin. All therapeutic massage
treatments must be discontinued until any bruising has completely resolved.
How long must I be off work?
How long you are off work depends on your occupation. If you do clerical
work (i.e. stockbroker, teacher, or programmer), you can return to work
when you feel up to it. This usually takes about a week. If you do manual
labor (i.e. entertainer, truck driver, or trainer), you must be off
work for three weeks. Regardless of your employment, do not lift anything
weighing more than five pounds for three weeks.
When can I work out after breast
reduction surgery?
Generally, you can go back to working out two to three weeks after
breast reduction surgery. This depends on how you feel. Do not lift
anything that weighs more than five pounds for three weeks. Avoid contact
sports for six weeks. Workouts must stop if you experience discomfort
in your breasts or chest. A balance of rest and reduced activity will
speed up your recovery.
Can I breast feed after a breast
reduction?
If there are no changes in nipple sensation, you may be able to breast
feed after breast reduction surgery. There are significant changes in
milk gland structure that may also interfere with breast-feeding. You
should attempt to breast feed if this is your goal.
Will this problem return if I
have children?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict if this problem will return
after having children. Changes in breast size and shape do occur during
pregnancy.
When can I suntan after surgery?
Sun tanning damages your skin. It leads to wrinkling, discoloration,
and superficial growths. It can also lead to serious skin cancer. For
these reasons, I recommend that you use sun block with an SPF number
of 15 or greater at all times. A physical broad-spectrum sun block works
best. If you are exposed to the sun, I recommend that you protect treated
areas for six weeks with clothing such as a T-shirt, or pareo. You must
be careful to protect any scars from sun exposure with clothing, tape,
or sun block for six months. Better yet, stay in the shade where it's
cooler!
How long will the results last?
The results are usually very long lasting (i.e. five to ten years).
Sun exposure, weight gain, weight loss, aging and pregnancy will reduce
the longevity of the results. To maintain the best result, it is important
that you avoid sun exposure and drastic weight changes.
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