- April 6, 2023
- 5:01 pm
7 Common Questions After Breast Reduction Surgery
Table of Contents
How long Do I have to wait to have sex after Breast Reduction Surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, it is typically recommended to wait at least 2-6 weeks before engaging in any sexual activity. Sexual stimulation increases blood flow to the breasts, particularly the nipples, which can be painful during the initial healing phase. Following your surgeon’s specific instructions regarding post-operative care and activity restrictions is essential, as individual recovery times may vary.
Waiting to have sex until the incisions have healed can considerably reduce the risks of infection and bleeding. Patients are advised to refrain from any aerobic activities, including sex, that could cause swelling to the chest for at least three weeks post-surgery. However, the length of time one should wait before resuming sexual activity can vary based on the individual patient’s healing process and how well the incisions have healed.
Patients are advised to use pain as their guide and to approach physical intimacy carefully and slowly after the initial healing phase. It is crucial to avoid any activities that could put pressure on the breasts during the initial recovery period to prevent compromising the healing process.
What should I expect in terms of scarring after the surgery?
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after any surgery or injury, and the appearance and healing time of scars could depend on a few factors such as the type of surgery, location of the incision, and individual healing capabilities. In the initial weeks following the surgery, it is important to follow the instructions from your healthcare provider on how to care for your surgery site, which may include keeping the wound clean and dry and limiting sun exposure.
After many weeks, the scar that forms may feel hard, tight, raised, or bumpy and may appear red, swollen, or numb. However, over time, scars generally become thinner, flatter, and more similar in color to surrounding skin.
If scarring is a concern, there are various treatments available that may help reduce the appearance of scars. In some cases, a patient may receive an injection of a medication such as corticosteroid or 5-FU to reduce the size of the scar. Scar surgery, in which a dermatologic surgeon cuts out the scar, may also be an option to reduce the size of a keloid.
It is essential to monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as abnormal drainage or increasing redness, and to seek medical attention if necessary. The first healing phase of a surgical scar revision might last 1 to 2 weeks and may include regional edema, discolouration, or pain. Healing will take many weeks, and the new scar will gradually refine and diminish as it heals.
Overall, the appearance and healing time of scars after surgery can vary depending on various factors, and it is vital to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and monitor the wound for any signs of infection or other complications.
Can I breastfeed after having breast reduction surgery?
Breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery may be challenging, but it is possible. The amount of milk produced may be reduced, and it is essential to plan ahead if you are considering this surgery and want to breastfeed in the future.
Certain surgical techniques can help preserve lactation-related structures, increasing the likelihood of successful breastfeeding. A 2017 study showed that techniques that preserve the column of subareolar parenchyma have a median breastfeeding success rate of 75%, compared to 4% for techniques with no preservation.
It is essential to note that success rates for breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery are similar to those for women who have not had the surgery, with around 75% of women breastfeeding initially and 50% still breastfeeding at 6 months.
Additionally, getting a copy of “Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery” by Diane West, a breastfeeding expert and mother who underwent breast reduction surgery herself, can provide detailed information on the topic.
In summary, while breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery may be challenging, it is possible with certain surgical techniques and planning ahead. Success rates are similar to those for women who have not had the surgery, and resources such as the book “Defining Your Own Success” can provide detailed information on the topic.
What are some of the potential risks and complications associated with breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, like any major surgery, has potential risks and complications. Common risks associated with the reduction surgery include bleeding, infection, and bad reactions to anesthesia. Other potential complications may include bruising, scarring, difficulty breastfeeding, differences in breast size and shape, and dissatisfaction with the results.
In some cases, complications may occur within 30 days of surgery, such as infection at the surgical site, delayed wound healing, fat necrosis, partial areola necrosis, and total areola necrosis. Other potential complications of breast reduction surgery include allergic reactions, damage to underlying structures, hematoma or seroma, changes in sensation, and scarring.
Complication risks may be affected by factors such as body weight and age. As with any surgery, there is also an extremely rare risk of death, averaging about one death in 200,000 cases. If you are contemplating breast reduction surgery, it is important to discuss potential risks and complications with your surgeon and carefully weigh the benefits and risks before making a decision.
Will my breasts still sag after the surgery, or will they be lifted?
if you undergo a breast lift surgery, your breasts should be lifted and reshaped by removing excess skin and tightening supporting tissue. A breast lift surgery is a plastic surgery option to correct saggy breasts, which can be performed as a stand-alone intervention or in combination with implants or breast reduction.
It is essential to note that while a breast lift procedure can surgically restore the youthful position and appearance of your breasts, age and effects of gravity can cause slight sagging even after the surgery. Therefore, small, easy things like wearing a supportive bra, maintaining a healthy weight, and doing exercises that strengthen the chest muscles can slow down the sagging process and keep your breasts looking their best.
If you are considering breast lift surgery, it is necessary to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon and discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon can evaluate your breasts and determine if a breast lift is the correct option for you. After the surgery, you may need to wear a surgical support bra and take proper care of the incision sites to ensure optimal healing.
When can I start to resume normal activities, such as exercise and work?
After breast reduction surgery, it is essential to take time to rest and recover before resuming normal activities. While the exact timeline for recovery can vary from person to person, there are also general guidelines that can be followed.
Most sources recommend waiting at least two weeks before resuming normal activities after breast reduction surgery. However, it is necessary to note that patients may still experience fatigue and discomfort during this time, and should listen to their bodies and pace themselves accordingly.
In terms of exercise, it is generally advised to avoid any activities that could be jarring to the breast tissue, such as running or jumping, for at least two weeks after surgery. After this initial period, patients may be able to start with light exercise, such as walking or gentle stretching, and gradually increase the intensity over time.
It is important to note that every patient’s recovery process is unique and may require a different timeline for resuming normal activities. It is best to consult with your surgeon for specific recommendations based on your individual circumstances. Additionally, patients should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several weeks after surgery to avoid complications.
In terms of returning to work, patients may be able to do so after two weeks if their recovery is going smoothly. However, this can vary depending on the nature of the work and the individual’s recovery process, and it is essential to discuss this with your surgeon as well.
Overall, it is important to prioritize rest and recovery after breast reduction surgery, and to listen to your body as you gradually resume normal activities.
When will I be able to see the final results of the breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, known as well as reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic/surgical procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to reduce their overall size. After the surgery, patients typically experience a reduction in shoulder, back, and neck pain as well as a sense of relief from the heaviness of their breasts.
While patients may feel and see an immediate difference in their breasts after the surgery, there will be a period of healing before the final results become visible. The results of the surgery will emerge slowly after the procedure and will become visible when the post-operative swelling has fully disappeared and the incisions have healed.
It could usually takes at least six months after the reduction surgery to see the final form, shape and size of the breasts. By the end of three to four months, the breasts will have fully healed and settled, and patients can expect to see the final, shapely, and smaller results. However, some patients may experience numbness of the nipples and sensitivity of the breast skin, which can last up to a year.
It is essential to note that breast reduction surgery is a major surgery, and patients need to allow themselves time to heal. Physical activity needs to remain limited during the healing period, and patients should avoid strenuous exercise, including swimming, yoga, biking, running, and weightlifting, for at least five to six weeks after surgery.
Additionally, patients may experience potential complications following breast reduction surgery, such as persistent pain, loss of sensation in the nipples, and infections, but the risk of severe side effects is low.
In summary, breast reduction surgery results become visible slowly after the procedure, and it usually takes at least six months to see the final shape and size of the breasts. Patients need to allow themselves time to heal and avoid strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks after surgery. While potential complications may arise, the risk of severe side effects is low.
References:
https://www.realself.com/question/long-after-major-breast-reduction-size-breasts
https://www.realself.com/news/what-to-expect-after-breast-reduction-surgery
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/what-to-expect/risks-side-effects
