When it comes to breast reduction surgery, long-term care and considerations are important for patients to consider. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts and improve their shape. It can help to relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as decrease the likelihood of skin irritation and rashes. Long-term care and considerations after a breast reduction will impact the results.
The first thing that every patient should take into account is a post-surgery regime. The first three to five days post-surgery can be very painful for some patients. Pain, bruising and swelling will be common during this time. Taking the prescribed pain medication on a regular basis as directed by the surgeon is critically important. For the majority of patients, it takes less than two weeks for the pain to subside and for the full effect of the surgery to be seen.
Patients need to take it easy and allow time for healing. Exercising and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first 6-8 weeks post-surgery. During this time carry items that are heavy, and participate in activities that are high-impact can delay the healing process. It is not uncommon for patients to feel sore and tired for the first few weeks following surgery.
Skin Care After Breast Reduction Surgery
Proper skin care after breast reduction surgery is critical in preventing delayed wound healing and infections. Patients should apply an antibiotic ointment to the incision site on a daily basis. It is also important to keep the area clean and dry. It is recommended that patients avoid taking a bath or swimming for two weeks and instead bathe or shower using only soap. A moist, but not wet, gauze dressing can be used to keep the incision site dry.
Potential Complications
Although most breast reduction surgeries are successful, there are potential risks. The most common long-term complications of breast reduction surgery is scarring. The surgeon will discuss the potential scarring and steps to minimize it with the patient prior to surgery. Additionally, inaccurate removal of breast tissue could result in the asymmetry of the breasts.
Some patients may have decreased sensation or changes in nipple and breast sensation after surgery. It is not uncommon for this to occur and most patients note an improvement as healing progresses. For those that experience persistent loss of sensation, this could be a sign of nerve damage and should be reported to the surgeon.
Insurance Coverage
It is important for patients to check if their insurance company will cover the costs of breast reduction surgery. Many insurance providers will deny claims for breast reduction if the surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, those with significant back, neck, and shoulder pain may be eligible for coverage if their general practitioner provides documentation of the pain.
Recovery Process
It is important for patients to follow the advice of their surgeon and comply with all post-surgery instructions. The healing process will vary from one person to the next. Exercise and weight gain or loss can impact how quickly the desired result will be seen. It is important for patients to be patient and allow time for proper healing. Additionally, it is a good idea for patients to schedule follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor the progress of the healing process and to have any questions or concerns addressed.
Conclusion
Breast reduction is an effective way to help alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain. However, in order to achieve the best possible results it is important for patients to adhere to their long-term care plan and take into account all of the considerations. Proper skin care, potential risks, insurance coverage, and the recovery process are all factors that should be considered when contemplating breast reduction surgery. Patients need to be patient and give their body time to heal in order to achieve the desired result.