For you to have more beautiful breasts does not always mean having bigger breasts. It’s mainly about the shape and proportion of your breasts, and a skilled cosmetic surgeon can improve both aesthetics by using breast reduction surgery. Remember that this surgery is always personally designed to meet your unique needs. So, it’s mandatory that you consult with and discuss your expectations and goals thoroughly with your Wellesley cosmetic surgeon and make sure the procedure is proper for you.
As with all surgical procedures, recovery time will vary from patient to patient. However, following your cosmetic surgeon’s post-op orders exactly will always help ensure that you will recover safely and in the shortest amount of time.
Commonly, recovering from a breast reduction procedure can take two to six weeks. However, everyone heals at a different rate, but it’s prudent to note that the most crucial factor in determining how long you take to recover is what you define as full recovery.
You will, most likely, only need approximately one week off from work if you have a sedentary job or two weeks off from work if you have a more physically active job.
Depending on how you feel, it’s also prudent to have someone around to help you take care of your pets or household chores for up to three weeks.
If you define your recovery time as having no restrictions regarding your activities, you will not be recovered fully for about six weeks. Also, even after six weeks has passed, you shouldn’t perform vigorous exercise like swimming, weightlifting, running, and biking, which all require a more intense pace.
You may feel groggy for the first 4-6 hours after your procedure, and possibly tired during the first 72 hours. Your post-op team will encourage you to nap whenever you feel tired, as rest is essential during this time. The more you rest, the sooner and better you will heal and recover. Remember that it’s normal to feel groggy after any procedure that involves general anesthesia or any type of sedation.
Approximately one week after your surgery, you can expect to start feeling like your old self. If you have a desk job, you can return to work if you desire to. You should also be taking walks around your neighborhood if you feel well-rested.
You can usually drive twenty-four hours again after stopping taking any of your prescription analgesics. You will find that you only need to take these medications for just a few days.
Can I Make My Recovery Time Go Any Faster?
You can do a few things to make your breast reduction surgery recovery go a bit faster, and they can all be summarized below.
The first and most important rule is to follow your experienced Wellesley cosmetic surgeon’s post-op instructions to the letter. During your consultation, you will commonly receive a detailed list of instructions. If you sincerely don’t believe you can follow all these post-op care instructions, you may not be suitable for the procedure.
One of the best ways to help you recover faster and more comfortably is to drink more water than you think you need to drink. Drinking more fluids will assist in your healing and overall health.
Sleeping more than you usually do is essential to help you heal as quickly as possible after your procedure. Most people suffer from some sleep deprivation; even if you do not suffer from sleep deprivation, your body will heal itself faster the more you allow it to rest.
You should also nap when you feel tired and try to sleep at least eight to nine hours per night. Nevertheless, it is also crucial that you walk as much as possible. Walking supports your cardiovascular system, and your cardiovascular system plays a critical role in transporting nutrients to your skin so it can heal.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery has been done for an exceptionally long time and is commonly very safe and effective. Consulting with your Boston or Wellesley cosmetic surgeon will help to ensure that you are a viable and safe candidate for the procedure.
However, there are risk factors with any surgery, no matter how small.
The most common breast reduction complications are infections, loss of nipple sensation, and breast reduction scarring. Some patients may have a lollipop-shaped scar that circles the nipple and includes a straight line down to the crease under the breast. However, your experienced, knowledgeable surgical team will always attempt to ensure that you are pleased with the life-changing results your surgery can provide.
Some other minimal risks are:
- Side effects of the anesthesia.
- Minor bleeding.
- Some minor swelling and bruising.
- Damage to some nerves and blood vessels
What Are Some Reasons for Needing Breast Reduction Surgery?
It’s imperative that you are direct with your cosmetic surgeon and openly discuss the problems your breast size is causing you. You need to initiate the discussion if you suspect that breast reduction surgery may enhance your life. Also, be aware that there could be medical, psychological, or other reasons for not recommending this procedure.
Commonly though, there are the following symptoms that may show that you need a breast reduction, they are:
- Chronic shoulder, back, and neck pain requiring pain medications.
- Grooves or marks on the shoulders from bra straps.
- Nerve pain.
- Poor self-image due to large breasts.
- Chronic rash or skin irritation underneath the breasts.
Remember that it’s always best to consult with your Wellesley or Boston cosmetic surgeon and thoroughly discuss all your possible options, risks, aesthetics, and health benefits of this procedure.
I Feel I Need Breast Reduction Surgery; How Should I Proceed?
You must note that breast reduction surgery has been helping women like yourself safely feel better and be healthier for decades. Also, many patients gain confidence and enhance their self-esteem immensely.
However, suppose you have questions about breast reduction or are considering having surgery. In that case, you must consult with your Wellesley or Boston board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and they will help you learn more about how this procedure might be proper for you.