AESTHETIC NEWS
Women who were born with large breasts can experience problems associated with them, including chronic back pain and bra strap chafing. Overly large breasts can also take an emotional toll on a woman, as she may be subjected to unwanted attention. Fortunately, there is a permanent solution. Breast reduction surgery is a type of plastic surgery that removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts in order to create a silhouette that is in proper proportion with the body. Like any surgery, there is some down time involved. Women should defer to the guidance of their plastic surgeon, although this guide can serve as general advice.
It’s important to know that every patient recovers from surgery a little bit differently. Some patients may heal relatively quickly, while others need more time before returning to their usual activities. Your plastic surgeon will give you a more definitive timeline during your follow-up appointments, and you should always defer to your surgeon’s post-op instructions. In general, however, you should expect to rest quietly at home for at least one week. Some patients may need a little longer than this to return to work, particularly if their job is not sedentary.
You may engage in light exercise when your surgeon clears you to do so (usually about a week). Light exercise includes walking. You will need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting (for example, avoid lifting grocery bags and children) for about six weeks. You may begin driving again when you are no longer taking prescription pain relievers.
There are many things you can do to improve your recovery and support the healing process. First, read your post-op discharge instructions carefully and take medications as prescribed. It’s helpful to write down the date/time when you’ve taken various medications so that you can keep track of your dosages. You should have a trusted adult helping you out during your first week. You may need some assistance with bathing and dressing, as lifting your arms above your head will be painful for a few days.
Follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding care of the incision sites. You may be provided with ointment to apply to the area, and you should change the dressings as instructed. Once you no longer need bandages, you’ll switch to wearing a surgical bra for a few weeks. The surgical bra helps control the swelling and holds the tissue in the proper contour.
Planning for your recovery well ahead of time is important, but so too is your choice of plastic surgeon. Patients travel to New York City from all over to consult Dr. Thomas Loeb, a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his technical skills and clinical experience. Dr. Loeb prioritizes the health and safety of his patients above all else, and will ensure you are fully informed about the procedure and your recovery so that you can make a thoughtful decision. Call our Manhattan plastic surgery office at 212.327.3700 to request a confidential consultation with Dr. Loeb.
