What to Expect While Recovering from Breast Reduction Surgery By on July 15, 2014

For millions of women who have had to struggle with the physical pain and unwanted attention associated with having disproportionately large breasts, breast reduction surgery has been a miracle in their lives. The procedure has provided women with a variety of life-changing benefits, from the ability to find more clothing that fits properly to the alleviation of severe back and shoulder pain. Many women also experience a dramatic improvement in their social lives as they no longer feel self-conscious about appearing in public.

For all its advantages, however, breast reduction is a major, invasive surgery, and patients should be fully aware of its possible risks and side effects before committing to the procedure. Likewise, they should understand exactly what is expected of them before and after the surgery, particularly during the recovery phase. At Mesna Plastic Surgery in Minneapolis, breast reduction recovery is discussed in detail during the patient’s initial consultation with esteemed plastic surgeon Gregory T. Mesna. He provides each of his breast reduction patients with all of the information they need in order to make educated, confident decisions about whether to proceed with treatment.

What to Expect during Breast Reduction Recovery

As with any surgical procedure, it is vitally important that you follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided to you by Dr. Mesna as closely as possible. The long-term success of your surgery will depend largely on how well you follow these instructions. Remember that Dr. Mesna’s skills and expertise will be available to you during your surgery and follow-up appointments. When you are on your own in between appointments, however, you have to be an active participant in your own healing and recovery. If you are unable or unwilling to follow the instructions to the letter, breast reduction surgery may not be the best option for you.

On the day of your surgery, you will either stay overnight in our surgical facility or be driven home by a friend or family member. You will likely be disoriented and in a weakened state as the anesthesia gradually wears off, and you will have drains placed in your incisions to prevent the buildup of excess fluids. Although you will be encouraged to walk around a bit within the first day or two of surgery in order to prevent blood clots, it is a good idea to have someone stay with you to help you get around and do basic household chores during this time.

During your first follow-up appointment with Dr. Mesna, your drains will most likely be removed, and he will evaluate you to ensure that you are healing properly. It is very important that if you experience signs of infection or cysts that you contact Dr. Mesna immediately.

As you heal, you must:

Take all prescribed medications exactly as recommended
Wear your compression garment as instructed
Sleep with your upper body elevated
Avoid taking baths until your sutures have been removed, possibly arranging for a friend or family member to wash your hair as needed during this time
Not lift your arms above your head until advised that it is safe to do so
Drink lots of liquids
Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium
Gradually increase the amount of walking you do, but otherwise avoid all strenuous activities, including the lifting of objects that weight more than five pounds, until you are cleared to do so by Dr. Mesna