Breast Reduction Mammaplasty Recovery
Breast reduction mammaplasty recovery is an important aspect of surgery to understand. Safely recovering from breast reduction mammaplasty surgery and healing properly is a joint effort between the patient and the clinic. Here at Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery we aim to provide support and guidance throughout your recovery so you’re never feeling in the dark. We provide you with a comprehensive recovery guide at your initial consultation. At your second consultation, you will go through your post-operative plan. Finally, we speak more than regularly with you after your surgery to monitor your recovery. We will also help you to see if you can have your breast reduction mammaplasty Medicare covered to help with the costs.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner
How long is recovery?
Full recovery from breast reduction mammaplasty surgery is considered to be six weeks. That being said, the majority of Dr. Richardson’s breast reduction mammaplasty patients find that they are feeling pretty good after one week, and almost back to normal by three weeks. Patients are strongly advised to avoid any strenuous activity or increased heart rate for the full six weeks to avoid compromised healing.
Will I have drains after breast reduction mammaplasty?
The majority of patients undergoing breast reduction mammaplasty with Dr. Richardson will wake up in recovery with drains. Surgical drains drain excess fluid and blood from the surgical site and prevent complications such as seroma. The drains are left in for approximately 1-3 days depending on the amount of fluid drained. The nurses at the clinic will call you daily to monitor your drain levels until the time they are ready to be removed. The clinic nurses will remove the drains in clinic.
How long should I take off work after breast reduction mammaplasty?
Patients should take one week off work for office jobs and sedentary occupations, and two weeks for more active jobs. If your job requires you to engage in any strenuous activity or heavy lifting you should seek exemption from these activities for six weeks. You should also ensure that you are no longer on the stronger painkillers before returning to work.
How long after breast reduction mammaplasty can I start driving again?
Dr. Richardson recommends that patients refrain from driving for one week when recovering from breast reduction mammaplasty surgery. The primary reason is due to the likelihood of the patient still being on painkillers during this week. The secondary reason is to avoid any upper body strain in the early stages of recovery and avoid any dangerous situations that may arise from restricted mobility in the upper body.
How long until I can get back to the gym?
Dr. Richardson recommends that patients who are recovering from breast reduction mammaplasty surgery proceed with caution when returning to the gym. The main consideration for patients wanting to get back to the gym is you should not engage in any physical activity that significantly elevates your heart rate for the first six weeks after surgery. This is to ensure the safety of the patient and optimal healing. After one week patients are able to return to light walking around the block at very manageable pace. At three weeks patients are able to go back to the gym and resume light lower body exercise – nothing that engages the upper body. After six weeks patients can return to any and all normal exercise including weightlifting.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Breast Reduction Mammaplasty Before & Afters
How long until I can go swimming?
Dr. Richardson says that after three weeks breast reduction mammaplasty patients are able to submerge themselves in the pool or ocean but should avoid actual swimming or going into any deep waters for six weeks.
How painful is recovering from breast reduction mammaplasty?
Pain after breast reduction mammaplasty surgery is generally very manageable with the prescribed pain relief, and often patients find they do not need the stronger pain relief during recovery. In fact, due to the significantly reduced strain on the back, neck and shoulders from the reduction, patients may feel an immediate sense of relief after surgery.
Do you have questions about breast reduction mammaplasty recovery? Thinking about breast reduction mammaplasty in Brisbane? Contact Dr. Richardson’s team today to obtain a detailed information pack. You can also see before and after photos in our gallery or on our Instagram. If you’re concerned about costs, breast reduction mammaplasty Medicare is an option for some patients, if the heavy breasts are causing medical symptoms.
