Knowing what to expect from a breast reduction surgery will help with its success

Here’s what you can expect while recovering from breast reduction surgery:

• Immediately after the breast reduction surgery, small tubes will be placed inside each breast to drain excess blood and fluid. Both of your breasts will be wrapped in gauze bandages for the first few days.
• You’ll be fitted for a surgical bra that will help to support and protect your breasts until the swelling and pain from the breast reduction subsides.
• You’ll feel pain in your breasts for about a week, especially when you cough or shift your torso. You should receive prescription pain medication from your plastic surgeon.
• The skin around your breasts will be very dry for a few weeks. You’ll need to use a moisturizing cream during the recovery.
• You may feel swelling and numbness in your breasts and nipples for up to six weeks after the breast reduction. Occasionally this lack of sensitivity may last longer or may even be permanent.
• Stitches should be removed in one to three weeks.
• Your first menstruation after the surgery may cause pain and swelling.
• Sex should be avoided for a week or more, and direct contact with your breasts should be avoided for six weeks.

Wearing a post surgical bra will help with the new shape of your breasts.  There are several types of bras to choose from including post surgical recovery bras, Bali brand bras, bras designed especially for breast reduction as well as compression support bras.  Be sure to speak with your plastic surgeon to find the best bra for your specific case.

Second Stage Garments by ContourMD

If you are planning a plastic surgery procedure, you’ll need to invest in a compression garment. Compression garments, also known as plastic surgery recovery garments or post-surgical garments, improve circulation, help rid the body of potentially harmful fluids, reduce swelling, and decrease plastic surgery recovery time.

Immediately after your surgery, you’ll need a first stage recovery garment. The type of compression garment you need will depend on your type of surgery. If you are undergoing a breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast lift, or arm lift, you’ll need a compression vest or a post-surgical bra. For liposuction or a tummy tuck, you’ll want to purchase an abdominal binder, a compression girdle, or a body shaper. Facial compression wraps are recommended for facelift surgery.

A few weeks after your plastic surgery, your plastic surgeon may tell you to switch to a second stage compression garment. Second stage recovery garments are less bulky than first stage recovery garments. But don’t let the lightweight material fool you. Second stage recovery garments still provide compression, which increases circulation and helps the body heal.

Because second stage recovery garments are less restrictive than first stage compression garments, they can easily be worn undetected underneath everyday clothing. Second stage recovery garments come in a variety of styles. Mid-thigh girdles and mid-calf girdles fit well under shorts, capris, or skirts. Since they are lightweight, they are a good choice during the hot summer. Ankle body garments may be more comfortable under slacks and can add an extra layer of warmth during the cold winter months.

Whether you need a first stage compression garment or a second stage recovery garment, keep in mind that plastic surgery recovery can last several weeks, so it a good idea to have more than one post-surgical recovery garment on hand.