Post Op Instructions for Breast Reduction
I will see you prior to going back to the OR to place markings and further discuss the surgery goals. The surgery usually takes 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours.
- If you stay overnight I or an assistant will change the dressings the next day prior to discharge. If you were an outpatient you should change them yourself. Plain surgical gauze or even sanitary napkins are fine. Leave the surgical tapes on the skin if they were placed. They can stay adherent for up to 10 days. If they are loose or peeling off it is okay to remove them yourself.
- If a drain was placed it should be emptied 3-4 times per day and the output recorded. The drain needs to be in a compressed state to be working. The drain is usually removed the first post op visit in the office with little to no discomfort.
- You may shower 48 hours after surgery. It is okay to get the drain wet.
- You should wear a soft supportive bra most of the time. One is usually given to you at the hospital.
- Swelling is common after surgery. Your breasts may feel firm or tight. It usually takes several weeks to fully resolve. Do not apply ice. If however, you have excessive swelling, or one breast is much larger than the other or you have more pain on one side vs the other these could be signs of bleeding and you should call.
- It is common to have minor wound healing problems after surgery. Usually this is due to tension on the skin or internal sutures working up to the skin. Most of the time they are treated with antibiotic ointment and soap and water washing each day covered with a clean dressing.
- Infection requiring antibiotics is uncommon. Increasing pain, redness, fever, swelling are typical signs. If you think you have an infection you should call the office.
- You may resume your daily routine as you see fit. However, strenuous activity such as jogging should be avoided until you are completely healed.
For additional information on breast reductions, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for this procedure.
