While breast reduction is a fairly common and safe cosmetic surgery procedure, a fantastic recovery is an important part of this process. A woman who may be considering undergoing breast reduction should have a clear idea of what to expect during the recovery period in order to prepare adequately for it. An experienced breast surgeon will discuss the recovery aspect at the time of initial consultation.

Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon with nearly 30 years of training and experience in the field. Dr. Kaufman will provide detailed guidance for recovery to ensure complete success in breast reduction surgery procedures. He provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.

 

First 15 Days of Recovery

The patient should expect mild bruising and swelling in the incision areas following breast reduction cosmetic surgery, which will start subsiding from the second week. The patient may use a moisturizing cream on the breasts to mitigate dryness and itching, but not directly over the incision sites. A special surgical bra will be provided, which must be worn for several weeks to expedite recovery.

Sutures will typically be removed in about one to two weeks. Lifting of heavy weights and vigorous activities should be avoided for several weeks. Most women are able to go back to work in about 10 to 14 days, but should refrain from doing strenuous jobs for about three to four weeks. In the first week, sexual activity should be avoided to prevent the risk of inflammation in incision areas.

 

First Few Months

For the first one to two months, any contact with the breast should be cautious and gentle. Swelling and tenderness in the breasts may occur during the first menstrual period of the recovery process. In some cases, the woman may experience intermittent pain for a few months, particularly during menstruation. The plastic surgeon may prescribe pain medications to address these symptoms.

A change in the sensation in nipples and breast skin is one of the common side effects of breast reduction. Numbness in these areas can last for up to a year in some women, while some others may experience hypersensitivity. In most cases, these effects are temporary, and will resolve on their own. It can take six months to a year for the swelling to disappear completely because significant disruption of the breast tissue would have occurred.

Initial results can be seen almost immediately after the surgery, but final results will establish gradually as the swelling resolves completely. Dr. Kaufman is a leading breast surgeon receiving patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas.

 

Scarring

Some of the scars in breast reduction procedure will be permanent. An experienced surgeon will place the incisions in discreet locations so that the woman can continue to use swim wear and low-cut tops after the surgery.

The appearance and extent of scarring will mainly depend on the choice of surgical technique by the surgeon. In the first few months, the scars might appear red and lumpy, but will gradually fade.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.