Over the last several years, breast reduction surgery has become a very popular option for women who are looking to improve their looks and feel better overall. When Ariel Winter, the 17-year-old star of the hit TV show ‘Modern Family’ had breast reduction surgery so she could look better, and feel better, when walking the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, it became clear to thousands of women that breast reduction surgery is an ideal way for many women to achieve their health and beauty goals.
Even though the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says that breast reduction surgery has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates, and that the procedure’s popularity increased by 183% since 1997, some women put off getting a consultation because they fear the breast reduction surgery recovery time. With most women already having experienced tenderness in their breasts, and because the breasts are such a focal point of the body, many women simply fear they will have a terrible recovery time. When you book a consultation with Dr. Peter Grossman, he will go over the breast reduction surgery recovery time with you, and put your mind at ease.
In the meantime, here are four tips to ensure you have a very easy, graceful recovery time after your breast reduction procedure.
1. Reduce Your Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Time by Following the Doctor’s Discharge Instructions
No two patients will receive the exact same discharge instructions. First, you are unique; your existing health, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and body together create a profile that’s entirely your own. That said, your discharge instructions after breast reduction surgery will be predicated on those factors. Despite this, there are some instructions that most patients will receive. For example, you will want to avoid lifting anything for the first few weeks after surgery. You will also likely be instructed to wear a surgical bra, compression garment, and even wrap your breasts in gauze. Your breast reduction surgery recovery will be easier if you take your pain medicine as directed, stay in a rested position like the sofa or bed for the first week or two, and have someone on hand that can help you with basic tasks such as cooking your meals, cleaning the home, and you may even need someone to help you get around for the first few days. You will also want to keep the surgical area out of direct sunlight and keep all follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing properly.
2. Take Pain Medication Responsibly
You will likely be prescribed some medication for pain management. Make sure you take your medication as prescribed. Do not exceed your doctor’s recommended dosage; if you are following the prescription’s instructions and are still experiencing pain, call your surgeon without delay. Avoid taking pain medication to help you fall asleep, as this medication is prescribed to help you manage your pain, and it is not meant to promote sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, call your doctor and he will potentially prescribe something for sleep, and it will be safe to take with your pain medication (if prescribed at all). Finally, do not store your medication to take at another time; take the pills as needed so that you can better manage your pain.
3. Don’t Exercise After Breast Reduction Surgery (Here’s Why)
Exercising releases endorphins that make us happy, and if fitness is a big part of your lifestyle, you may be tempted to exercise after your surgery. However, straining, lifting, and exercising too early after getting breast reduction surgery can have a devastating impact on your recovery. Some common complications that may arise from exercising too soon after breast reduction surgery includes the following:
- Reopening the incisions
- Pulling out sutures
- Severe or prolonged pain
- Delayed healing
- Need for a revision procedure
- Implant rupture
- Implant shifting or displacement
- Infection
After your breast reduction surgery, your main focus needs to be on resting, recovering, and healing. This means you need to follow your doctor’s orders, and if he tells you to avoid exercise, it is for a very good reason.
4. Don’t Rush Your Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
After the first month has passed since you had your breast reduction surgery, you will likely be feeling pretty good. You may be tempted to resume your normal life, but under no circumstance should you alter your activity during recovery without first consulting with your doctor. After the first month, your breasts may look healed and soft. However, looks can be deceiving, especially if you don’t know what to look for. You may still be experiencing some swelling (this can last for some time). Be sure to move at the recommended opaque your surgeon sets, and don’t rush anything, even if you feel good.
Call Grossman Medical for a Breast Reduction Consultation Today
Imagine what life would be like if you had natural, perfectly sized breasts that fit your body size and frame, or imagine life without back, shoulder or neck pain; now is the time to book a breast reduction surgery consultation with Dr. Grossman. When you have your consultation, Dr. Grossman will carefully listen to your goals and wishes and present you with the ideal breast reduction surgery procedure along with an outline of what your new body will look like, and all the health benefits that will result. Call today and begin that new chapter in your life that leads to a brighter future.