While there is a considerable population of women who dream of getting surgery to increase the size of their breasts, many other women would do anything to reduce the size of theirs. From having to carry around more weight to experiencing excruciating backaches and severe postural deformities, women with oversized breasts suffer from a number of physical issues.
These women opt for a plastic-surgery procedure known as breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty. If you’ve been forced to endure the issues that come along with oversized breasts, you may be considering this procedure and wondering about the recovery process.
Immediately After Breast Reduction
First, there is the period immediately after breast-reduction surgery. The breasts are wrapped up in a bandage or elastic bra. The body is sore and painful, and painkillers are prescribed to remove the pain. It is normal to feel tired.
Apart from the physical pain, there may be major emotional shifts as a result of adjusting to the new dimensions of the breasts. The doctor must be kept informed of any depression or mood swings.
During Initial Post-Operative Care
After being discharged and over the following weeks, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of any complications. Concerns include fever, infection, tenderness, redness, pain, unexpected swelling at the site of the surgery, pus oozing out through the incision site, and unraveling of stitches.
Lifting heavy weights must strictly be avoided during this time. It’s also important to have help around the house for a time.
Over the Next Few Months
It takes a couple of weeks to get back to a normal routine. Lifting heavy weights must still be avoided for the first four to six weeks, as should any strenuous work and heavy exercise.
Recovery, in every sense of the word, will vary from one individual to another. Numbness, tingling, and hypersensitivity are commonly felt around the site of the surgery.
The first period after the procedure may cause some discomfort, since the breasts may swell; this may continue over the next few periods. Breast tenderness is expected.
At the End of the First Year After Surgery
Breast reduction is a major surgery, and therefore minor effects will be felt for up to a year afterwards. This is normal, and as long as all the side effects disappear, there is nothing to worry about. However, if there is persistent pain, it is advisable to contact your surgeon to determine if everything is alright.
Reduce Your Oversized Breasts for Better Quality of Life
After a breast reduction, the aches, pains, and other conditions that were associated with the large breasts will be gone. At Marietta Plastic Surgery, we offer breast reductions and a number of other plastic-surgery procedures. Contact us to set up a consultation.
During your consultation, your breasts will be examined, and you will discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon, along with your complete medical history. You will be able to look at before-and-after photos to ensure that this procedure is right for you.