Breast Reduction Recovery
Performed on an outpatient basis in our surgical facility, your breast reduction in Sacramento will take two to four hours. Afterward, you will spend some time in our recovery room. When you wake up, you'll have gauze dressing around your breasts and a support bra.
Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Clark will provide specific instructions for a smooth recovery, including what medications to take and how to gradually return to normal activities.
Breast Reduction in Sacramento - Recovery Basics
- The most comfortable position for the first 2-3 days is semi-reclining. Elevating the upper body reduces swelling and aching.
- Most people can sleep on their side in about one week and on their abdomen in about two weeks.
- We encourage you to move about and not be sedentary in order to reduce the chance of forming blood clots in your legs.
- In some cases, back pain or muscle spasms can result from sleeping propped up. If this happens, use a heating pad on your back and have a family member massage the area.
- Avoid greasy and spicy foods for the first 3 days, and have antacids available in case you should experience an upset stomach.
- On your first post-operative day, we'll remove your dressings to inspect your breasts and ensure you're healing well. Steri strips (thin bandages) will be left on to support the incisions as they heal.
- Recovery varies for each patient, as will the timing for resuming exercise and other physical activities. Although you will probably be able to return to work within 1-2 weeks, we ask you to avoid heavy physical exertion - including heavy lifting, frequent bending, reaching high over your shoulder and jogging - for the first 3-5 weeks.
- Do not wear underwire bras or sport bras for the first several weeks because they tend to put uneven pressure on your incisions and may push your breasts too high. The best type of bra to wear during this period is a "sleep-in" bra. If you can't find one, just get soft bras and remove any underwire.
- Be aware that your menstrual cycle may be altered for a month or two, but should return to normal.
You will be given a complete list of pre-operative and post-operative instructions before surgery. And we're always available to answer questions or help in other ways should you need us.
After Your Procedure
After breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty as it's also known, most patients report feeling good in about a week and completely normal in 8 weeks or less. If you "do too much" within the first several days of surgery you'll be uncomfortable, but you won't damage your results. During your recovery period listen to your body - it won't steer you wrong.
Dr. David Kaufman and Dr. Christa Clark, board certified Sacramento plastic surgeons, look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve greater comfort and satisfaction with your shape. Request a consultation with one of them soon at 2220 East Bidwell Street in Folsom. Or, if you have questions we can answer right away, call us at (916) 235-8838.
