Breast Reduction Post-Surgery Tips

Women with excessively large breasts experience a multitude of discomforts, both physical and emotional. Back aches, painful indentations that have resulted from pinching bra straps, rashes under the pendulous tissue, neck and shoulder aches, inability to participate in athletics or to even fit into clothing easily are reasons why women choose to have breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty.

During a reduction mammoplasty, a plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and fatty tissue and then reshape the remaining tissue in order to establish a smaller bustline. A drain may be attached to the area in order to allow fluid to leave the healing area.

The nipple and areola will be removed during the procedure and then reattached into a new centered position appropriate to the smaller breast. Scarring is hidden as much as possible beneath the crease of the breast and around the areola. Liposuction is often performed in order to shape the breasts into corresponding symmetry.

The procedure usually takes approximately three hours and often requires an overnight hospital stay. General anesthesia is often the anesthetic chosen by physicians. Swelling may last up to six weeks, when the final appearance will become evident.

After the surgery, the patient will need to wear a sports bra over the gauze dressings in order to support the newly healing bustline. The drainage tube will be in place for the initial days following surgery in order to keep the area free of blood and excess fluids. If the stitches are not dissolvable, they will need to be removed by the physician after approximately three weeks.

During the first few days the patient will experience pain but this will be managed with medication prescribed by the plastic surgeon. Be sure to take the medication on schedule in order to stay ahead of the pain. Lifting or pushing objects that weigh five pounds or more should be curtailed for the first month. Stamina may be a bit low during this time, but walking around the block and doing moderate exercise such as bending, stretching and swimming will usually aid in energy recovery.

Cigarette smoke has been proven to hamper the immune response, so if a patient is still smoking, they should quit. Even second hand cigarette smoke can be harmful in slowing down the healing process.

Most of the swelling and redness will subside within the first several weeks. Scarring that will be noticeable in the early days will begin to fade over time. The breasts will finally settle into their newly formed shapes within six months to one year.

Breast Implant Augmentation Surgery: Tips To Follow Before You Have Your Operation

Make preparations at home for your life to be super-simple. For example, buy microwave meals so that you are not having to cook from scratch. Get anything on shelves down prior to having surgery, so you will not have to stretch when you get back. Have all shirts laid out that do not require stretching (ie: being pulled over your head). Make sure you have a drink, tissues, and pain killers by your bed - and do not forget the remote control!

Have your house spotless ready for your return, as you will not feel like cleaning when you get back. Make sure your car is full of gas, to give yourself the longest amount of time possible before needing to pump gas again. Water all your plants!

Buy a range of cheap bras in varying cup sizes. Pad them out yourself and wear them around underneath your clothing to get used to different sizes and heaviness. Use this to gauge what cup size you are most comfortable with, and how large you want to go. Take pictures of yourself in different cup sizes - which looks best?

It is a good idea to start sleeping on your back, as you will need to after the surgery. Try to work on your stomach muscles too, to help you get up from bed. Generally get on a health kick by eating healthily and exercising, as this will aid your body to recover much more quickly. It also helps to reduce any stress and anxiety you may be feeling prior to surgery.

Get a notepad ready or a timer so you can remember to take your medication (or remind yourself that you have already taken it). Keep a diary of your progress, and to be able to note any questions that come up after surgery. Take 'before' photographs to compare afterwards!

Shave or wax your underarms prior to surgery: you will not feel like doing this for some time afterwards. If you are nervous, ask for medication to help you sleep the night before surgery. Nausea and constipation can be experienced after surgery. Be prepared for this with some medication.

Standard advice before any surgery: leave your nails unpainted, as these are checked for problems associated with blood and oxygen circulation during surgery. Find out when the last time you can eat before surgery is, or it may be postponed, and make sure you have someone to be with you for the first 48 hours after surgery.