After the anesthetic
wears off the area may be tender and sore for a few hours, and there may
be slight nausea caused by the anesthetic. However, the pain after a breast
reduction is usually slight – much less than after a breast enlargement.
Most patients manage with mild analgesics, and if the operation was a small
one the patient can usually go home the same day.
The area operated on
may be somewhat swollen, but usually the swelling is not severe and the
area only pulls and hurts with certain movements. The arms should not be
stretched too high over the head, since this puts extra stress on the stitches.
Regardless of how the incisions were sewn, all stitches are removed within
about fourteen days. The patient is usually advised to wear a supportive
sports bra both day and night for the first three weeks, and during the
daytime after that. Exercise and physical
exertion should be avoided for three weeks, but may then be gradually resumed.
All physical activity that stretches or pulls at the scars before they have
stabilized, however, can make them broader. It takes about three months
for scar tissue to develop its full strength.
The result of the operation can be judged about half a year after the surgery,
although the scars may mature further after this time and may still be slightly
red at the six-month checkup. Using surgical tape on the incisions for a
long time (up to six months) after the surgery will help the scars to mature
more quickly.
The breast, which contains no muscles, is constantly pulled down by gravity.
A large bust will therefore always tend to sag over the years, especially
if it does not have the support of a brassiere. All women with large breasts,
including those who have had breast lifts or breast reductions, should therefore
wear brassieres. Sports bras that hold the breasts in place vertically should
always be worn for sports. Everyday bras should also provide good support,
and wired bras are usually more supportive. If the patient does not wear
a bra after the operation, the new breasts are certain to sag faster.
