How long does breast reduction plastic surgery recovery take?

Although breast reduction is a major cosmetic surgery, innovative surgical techniques over the years have made the procedure less invasive. As a result, the recovery period can be significantly reduced now if the surgeon applies advanced surgical techniques.

The surgeon will also provide post-operative care instructions, which the patient should carefully follow in order to help minimize recovery time.

Committed, salient, and double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wright Jones of Muse Plastic Surgery provides breast reduction to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta GA, and other cities and suburbs in this geographical region. At the time of initial consultation, Dr. Jones will educate the patient about various aspects of the procedure, including the estimated recovery process associated with it.

Initial Downtime

The patient should be prepared to go through a downtime of about one week to 10 days following breast reduction plastic surgery procedure. During this period, the patient should take plenty of rest, stay confined to home, and focus on a healthy recovery. She should stay sufficiently hydrated and eat balanced meals. The surgeon may encourage her to perform short walks and light activities at home to improve blood flow to the incision sites.

The patient should ensure that contact with the breasts remains minimal, and activities such as bending, lifting heavy objects, and jogging should be avoided in order to allow the incisions to heal well. The recovery period for each patient is likely to vary depending on the surgical technique used, the amount of breast tissue removed, and the patient’s natural ability to heal.

Plastic surgeon to the stars, Dr. Jones, and his team remain accessible to his patients during the early recovery phase and beyond. Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine or go back to work in a week or 10 days. However, they will have to avoid physical strain and vigorous activities for about one month.

Compression Garments

The breasts will be covered in bandages immediately after breast reduction surgery. In a day or two, the bandages will be removed and replaced with a compression garment or a special surgical bra that the patient will be required to wear throughout the initial recovery period.

Perspicacious and famous plastic surgeon Dr. Jones recommends his patients to wear this bra at all times except while taking a shower. The compression provided by this special bra will give added support to the breast muscle and tissue, and enable the breasts to firmly acquire their new shape.

Avoiding Smoking

Cigarette smoke and post-op healing do not mix. The nicotine in this smoke can cause the blood vessels to shrink, resulting in poor flow of oxygen in the blood. This can delay the pace of recovery and increase the risk of complications. The surgeon will specify the time period during which smoking must be strictly avoided.

Pain Management

In the first few days of the recovery after breast reduction, the surgeon may prescribe some pain medications. The patient should avoid driving and any other activities requiring full alertness while she is on pain meds. Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Jones receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta GA, and other cities and neighborhoods in The Empire State of the South for breast reduction surgery.

See all plastic surgery procedures that Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Wright Jones performs of the face, nose, body, and breast in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA and surrounding areas.