Every individual's recovery after breast reduction surgery may differ. However, individuals generally go through similar recovery processes. The recovery process after breast reduction surgery is as follows:
What does breast reduction surgery mean? You can read this article for detailed information.
Day One:
After the operation performed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ, you will wake up wearing a surgical bra and dressings protecting the incision sites. It is important to have someone to help you get home.
At home you should rest plenty, and you can use ice packs to reduce the swelling in your chest area. It is recommended that you do this frequently during the first 24 hours.
Week One:
After one week you can start taking short walks and carefully do your daily household chores.
Week Two:
You will be called for a check-up by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ 2 weeks after the operation. During this check-up your dressings will be removed completely and your recovery will be assessed.
After the check-up you can shower normally, but you should continue wearing the special bra.
After two weeks you can generally return to office-type work.
Week Three:
After three weeks you will be shown how to apply a special cream for your scars.
After three weeks an assessment will be carried out by your nurse. Your dressing will be removed and you will be shown how to apply a special cream for your scars.
During this period, most patients begin to return to their daily lives. However, mild pain and swelling may continue; these symptoms will decrease over time.
Month 1:
After 1 month, a general check-up and assessment will be carried out by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ.
From this point on you can take off your compression garment and start wearing your normal bra. However, it is important to stay in contact with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ and her team about this.
After six weeks you may consider starting light exercise, but you must get your doctor's advice before doing so.
Following the advice of your doctor and their team throughout your recovery contributes to a healthy recovery process. It is worth listening to your body's signals and acting accordingly.
Recovery Tips After Breast Reduction
Recovery after breast reduction surgery can vary from person to person. However, you can pay attention to some recommendations to make this process more comfortable and faster. Preparing an environment where you will feel comfortable after the operation, and planning activities you enjoy and healthy eating habits, are very important during this process.
The recovery recommendations of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ are as follows:
Rest: Listening to your body during your recovery is important. You should rest plenty, pay attention to your sleep pattern and allow yourself time to rest until you regain your energy.
Physical Activity: You should stay away from intense exercise or heavy work and not strain your body. You should take a break from physical activities, especially in the first few weeks after the operation.
Especially in the first two weeks, you should not lift heavy objects and should avoid reaching upwards.
Wound Care: Keeping the surgical area clean and dry is very important. This will reduce the risk of possible infection.
Choice of Clothing: You can take off the post-operative bra as advised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ. This has a positive effect on your recovery and makes the process more comfortable.
Nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet will help your body recover faster after the operation. Drinking plenty of water also supports the elimination of toxins from the body and the rebuilding of cells.
Smoking: For the incision sites to heal, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before the operation and avoided for at least 2 weeks after the operation.
Follow the Instructions: After surgery, you should carefully follow the instructions given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ and her team. These instructions help the process progress more healthily and reduce risks.
During this process it is very important to take care of yourself, follow the recommendations and listen to your body. Pay attention to your specialist's recommendations so that your recovery progresses in the healthiest way.
Instructions After Breast Reduction Surgery
- To reduce swelling in the breast, ice can be applied to the sides of the breasts for 10 minutes every 2 hours during the first two days.
- Start walking as soon as possible.
- You will need at least 1 to 2 weeks to recover after the operation. Do not lift anything heavy during this time. You can resume light exercise 5 to 6 weeks after the operation.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks after the operation. This includes activities such as upper-body exercises.
- Do not go into sea water or pool water for 3-4 weeks after the operation, or until your wounds have fully healed.
- Do not drive for the first 24 to 48 hours after anaesthesia. For safety reasons, avoid driving in the first week after the operation.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
It is important to know when to call the doctor after any operation. Breast reduction surgery is no different. You should contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive bleeding from your incisions or abnormal swelling in the breast
- A fever above 38 degrees
- Increasing pain that is not relieved by medication
- Redness, swelling or discharge at your incisions
If you have any concerns or questions about your breast reduction surgery, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ or her team. We are here to help you at every step of the process!
Reduction surgery is a big decision. For this reason, it is recommended that you make your decision after a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon who is a specialist in the field.
You can also read this Hürriyet newspaper article on recovery after breast aesthetic surgery (in Turkish).
