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Breast Reduction Post-Operative Instruction

Breast Reduction Post-Operative Instruction

 

 

Breast reduction and/or mastopexy surgery takes approximately two hours. It is performed under general anaesthesia and requires an overnight stay in hospital.

Excess skin will be cut away from above, below and around the nipple and areola. The skin will be stretched taut when rejoined. The pattern followed by the surgeon is that which will cause the breast to be lifted and allow repositioning of the nipple. Loss of nipple sensation, not uncommon in breast reduction/uplift is not expected, nor is breast-feeding prevented.

  • You will experience mild to moderate discomfort after your breast reduction but you will be supplied with appropriate pain relief medication when you leave hospital. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASPIRIN (anti-inflammatory medications such as ibrubrofen are included) as this may prolong or cause bleeding in the early post operative period.
  • You should be aware that bruising of the skin of your ‘new' breasts may occur but will probably disappear in 2-3 weeks. To help rapidly decrease swelling and bruising you may, if you wish, take Arnica Montana one week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards.
  • It is important to rest as much as possible for the first week after surgery and limit your arm movements for the first week.
  • DO NOT SMOKE. This is very important especially for the first two weeks post operatively since it impairs oxygen reaching the wounds which is imperative for optimum healing.
  • You will be supplied with a support bra to wear day and night for the first two weeks to support the scar lines and provide maximal comfort. You may wish to purchase a spare one. After two weeks you can wear the bra in the daytime only and by six weeks you can commence wearing underwired bras. You should avoid getting the incisions or dressings wet for the first week.
  • For your surgery, buried dissolvable stitches have been used. These normally dissolve spontaneously in the first four to eight weeks, so there are no sutures to be removed.
  • At around one week post operatively you will be seen by the surgeon in his clinic who will remove the dressings and inspect your incisions. If they are healing nicely at this stage you may recommence bathing then.
  • It is very important in the early period after your operation that you move around your accommodation as much as possible, setting yourself a daily walking programme and not lying in bed for protracted periods, however, you should abstain from all exercise from for at least three weeks. After a good week of rest you may commence gentle arm movements and arm exercises and by one to two weeks post operatively you should be ready to recommence light household duties but should avoid heavy lifting. By one month post operatively you may recommence light gym work, returning to full normal activities by six weeks.
  • Following breast reduction/uplift people feel confident to return to driving at various time periods. You should refrain from driving for the first three days. After this you may recommence driving once you feel confident to undertake an emergency stop. Until you feel confident to do this you should refrain from driving.
  • Following the breast reduction/uplift, the type of job that you do determines when you can return to work. If you mainly confined to deskwork, you may feel able to return to work after two weeks. More physical occupations may require four weeks of recuperation before you feel able to return to work.
  • The scars in this procedure are around the areolae of the nipples, possibly extending down to the under breast crease and along this crease, the so- called ‘anchor‘ shape. Your surgeon will define the extent of the scars as they vary depending on your initial shape. Immediately after surgery, the skin adjacent to the incision may appear slightly ‘pleated'. Initially, the scars can be hard, red, raised and lumpy and can take up to 18 months to flatten and resolve, depending on the healing qualities of the individual. Pressure on any lumpy scars with a firm well-fitting bra will help them to soften more quickly.
  • The scars will take time to mature. Over the first six weeks your scars will become stronger and stronger and by week six they will be as strong as they will ever be. During those first six weeks the scars will pretty much look after themselves. By week six you should commence moisturising and massaging the scars with silicon scar gel and rubbing quite vigorously, the aim being to soften the scar and speed up final scar maturation. The delicate scar tissue is at greater risk of sunburn if exposed to the sun, therefore, you are advised to avoid sun exposure to any scar tissue for the first six weeks of healing, after this if the area is to be exposed to sunlight you should apply sun protection factor 15 or greater sun block to exposed scar tissue.
  • Though most people experience uneventful post operative recovery, if you develop any of the following you should contact the team immediately:- 

Temperature greater than 38.5° 

Severe pain not alleviated by simple painkillers 

Fresh bleeding from the wound, other than a minor ooze 

Any wound discharge after 48 hours 

Sudden rapid enlargement of one or other breast 

 

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