Mother Nature has a knack for treating everyone differently and, as a result, there is an abundance of body shapes and sizes. This variation is what makes us unique but it can also lead to health-related issues. A common problem that many women experience as a result of this diversity is breast enlargement, which can lead to back and neck pain among other things. To remedy this, many opt for breast reduction surgery, which can sometimes be a long and daunting process. Part of that process includes post-operative care that is just as important as the procedure itself.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Before talking about post-operative care for breast reduction surgery, it’s important to understand what the procedure itself involves. Most common among women, this treatment removes breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to get a more proportioned look. In some cases, the areola and nipple can be altered as well. General anesthesia is required and the duration of the surgery typically ranges between two to four hours.
Post-Operative Care Tips
The healing process for breast reduction surgery can take several weeks or months, and it is important to have a trusted support system throughout this entire time.
Limiting Physical Activity
For a few weeks post-surgery, it is important to limit physical activity as much as possible and to inform your surgeon if any pain or soreness continues or increases. During the first forty-eight hours, it is also crucial to stay horizontal or reclined as much as possible. After the aforementioned time span, it is safe to walk and sit upright, but avoid strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks post-surgery.
Wearing Proper Bras
Wearing an appropriate bra is also very important in the weeks post-surgery. During the first month, a surgical bra or support garment should be worn, as it will help to keep swelling down and encourage healing. After that time, it is okay to switch to a non-wire sports bra for an additional two weeks. Both garments should be soft, supportive, and not too tight to avoid any pain or restriction.
Caring for Scars
As with any surgical procedure, scarring is inevitable and it is important to take the necessary precautions to minimize them. Depending on the surgical incision, different scar care techniques can be used. Discussing this with a plastic surgeon is the best way to find out what works best for each individual.
Properly Treating Incision Areas
Properly caring for the incision areas is also important to help avoid infection and promote healing. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic treatment to help with this and the area should be cleaned with mild soap and water several times a day. Additionally, a silicone-based lotion can be gently massaged into the incision to help with healing.
Follow-Up Visit
The most important part of the post-operative care process is the follow-up visit that should be scheduled about two weeks after surgery. This appointment is essential for beginning to determine the healing progress and to discuss any concerns or issues with the surgeon.
Conclusion
As with all surgical treatments, the success of breast reduction surgery is largely dependent on the recovery process. Taking the necessary steps to properly care for the area and following the advice of your surgeon will ensure the best result and the quickest healing. Having a trusted support system in place throughout the healing process is also crucial. By following these post-operative steps, patients will be able to experience the full benefits of the surgery while minimizing any adverse effects.