Everyone recovers from surgery at a different rate, but when it comes to procedures like breast reduction, there are general guidelines that should be followed to ensure a smooth healing process. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel, provides his patients with a thorough understanding of what they can expect in their recovery after breast reduction surgery.
While more personalized instructions are given to each individual, he advises women to follow some general rules to help them safely navigate their post-operative period. Take a look at some of the big “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of breast reduction recovery explained below:
- Do start moving around after surgery by doing light walking once you feel ready.
- Don’t resume rigorous exercise until your doctor tells you, about 4-6 weeks.
- Do arrange for someone to drive you home from surgery.
- Don’t drive until you feel ready and have stopped taking a narcotic, about 1-2 weeks.
- Do clean your incisions as instructed by your doctor and take sponge baths as needed.
- Don’t shower for 2-3 days, and avoid soaking in baths and pools for at least 2 weeks.
- Do get help around the house at first, as your range of motion may be limited.
- Don’t lift over 5 pounds or bend over to lift objects for several weeks.
- Do contact your doctor if you have any concerns of infection or other complications.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, since they are known to impede healing.
- Do come in for your scheduled follow-up appointments to check your progress.
- Don’t expect to see your final results immediately, as residual swelling can last for months.
While the timing of when you can resume certain activities will differ based on the details of your surgery and the rate at which you recover, the advice above can be a helpful guide for understanding what to expect after breast reduction. Have more questions about the procedure and its recovery? Contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zemmel.
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