Breast reduction mammoplasty is a common procedure that is designed to comprehensively remove excess breast tissue, including skin and fat.
While the quality of the surgical procedure process is incredibly important, understanding what you can do to support your body during breast reduction mammoplasty recovery can make a significant difference to your healing.
Learning about what you can expect during recovery, and some practical ways that you can support your body through it, can set you up for a more comfortable experience after your surgery. In this blog, we’ll discuss the aspects of your breast reduction recovery and how you can help your body heal.
Although reading about the recovery process is a good idea, receiving personalised advice will be the most helpful way to prepare you for your recovery.
If you think that you may be suitable for a breast reduction mammoplasty, get in touch with the team at Valley Plastic Surgery to organise your consultation in Brisbane.
What is breast reduction mammoplasty?
A breast reduction mammoplasty is a surgery designed to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin.
While the focus is on reduction, the goal should be to make these changes while considering the procedure’s aesthetic results, achieving a result that suits the patient’s body.
A person may also elect to undergo a breast reduction or be advised to do so by their doctor or specialist to address physical concerns.
It’s common for patients to have the procedure to address discomfort, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, caused by overly large breasts. It can also address skin irritation under the breasts, and challenges with physical activity.
Resting and reducing activity levels during recovery
After breast reduction mammoplasty, you’ll need to rest and lower your activity levels. For the first few days, you’ll likely feel more tired than usual, as your body needs more energy to heal. It’s important not to ignore this and make sure that you give your body the rest it needs.
During recovery, lying on your back with your upper body slightly elevated is often recommended, as it reduces pressure on your chest and minimises swelling. Sleeping on your stomach or sides should be avoided until your surgeon advises.
While rest is important, gentle movement can help you feel better, prevent stiffness and improving blood flow. Once you feel comfortable, simply taking short, slow walks around your home can help.
Lifting, reaching, or straining should be avoided during your recovery, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your chest and incisions. Take care when lifting anything, even if it doesn’t seem overly heavy. You might benefit from having someone stay with you while you recover, to help you with these types of tasks.
When you’re ready, your surgeon will guide you on when to start incorporating more movement or light exercises into your routine. Taking it slow and steady is key, as pushing yourself too soon can slow down your overall recovery.
Managing pain and swelling after breast reduction mammoplasty
Pain and swelling are common after breast reduction surgery, but both are generally manageable. It’s also normal to feel some tenderness, tightness, or discomfort in the chest area, especially in the first week.
Your surgeon may prescribe you some pain relief medication and direct you on how often to take it. It’s important to take it as directed, as staying on top of your pain relief can help to prevent increasing pain levels.
Swelling is your body’s natural response to surgery, but you can do a few things to help keep it manageable. Wearing a surgical bra or compression garment as instructed provides gentle support and reduces swelling.
Cool compresses can also help relieve swelling and discomfort, but to avoid complications, make sure to follow any instructions from your surgeon about applying them. Reducing activity levels will also help prevent swelling from worsening, and light walking can even help encourage swelling to subside.
Caring for your incision sites post-surgery
Proper care of your incision sites can significantly influence how well your scars heal over time.
Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions, including when you can shower and how to keep the area clean. Ensuring that you understand the directions clearly and follow the steps carefully will help prevent complications, like infection or delayed healing.
In the beginning, your incisions may feel sensitive, and you will have small dressings in place. Avoid touching or pulling at the incisions, and only apply products to the area that your surgeon has recommended.
It’s also essential to avoid wearing underwire bras or tight clothing until you’re advised to. Compression garments or bras are designed to give the right level of support without irritating your incisions.
Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol
You’ll need to quit smoking for a period before and after surgery. You’ll also need to avoid consuming alcohol during recovery.
Smoking can reduce blood flow by constricting blood vessels and limiting oxygen delivery to tissues. This can negatively affect wound healing, increase the risk of infection, and lead to complications like delayed healing or noticeable scarring.
At the same time, alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. It can also interfere with medications, such as pain medication and antibiotics, that may be prescribed during recovery. Your surgeon can give you more information on how long to avoid alcohol.
By quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, you can let your body go through the natural healing process more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of complications.
Keeping your body nourished and hydrated throughout recovery
Maintaining a nutritious diet can sufficiently provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs during the healing process and help keep your energy levels stable. We recommend following a balanced diet plan and organising what foods you’ll be eating ahead of time to make it easier.
Staying hydrated will be just as important. Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out any remaining effects of anaesthesia, reduces swelling, and generally supports your body as it heals. We recommend keeping a bottle of water next to you as you rest and taking regular sips throughout the day.
Book a breast reduction mammoplasty consultation at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane
To learn more about breast reduction recovery and how the process may be for you, we advise you to organise a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Valley Plastic Surgery.
All our surgeons are highly experienced, qualified, and well-regarded in the field of plastic surgery. They can perform procedures using refined techniques and to a high standard.
Scheduling a consultation at our Brisbane location will be the first step towards undergoing your personalised breast reduction. When speaking with our surgeons, you can learn about the recovery process and the helpful instructions that will be followed.
Please contact our team to find out how to arrange your consultation or to ask us any questions you may have.
