Breast Reduction FAQ

 

Breast Reduction

Quick Fact Guide
 
1Consultation time required
New patient 30 minutes.
2Approx. total cost
Provided at consultation.
3Usual length of operation
2-3 hours.
4 Do I need to stay overnight?
No, it is a day surgery only. No overnight stay is needed.
5Type of anesthesia (usually)
General (you are asleep)
6Are there permanent scars?
Yes. On the breasts. Exact location will be reviewed at the initial consultation as it depends on the technique used.
7On discharge
Go home to rest under supervision, drink well, take pain medications and antibiotics as directed, start a light diet when you feel able to.
8Next Day
Mobilize around the house, rest, drink well, take meds as directed, we encourage walking and taking 2 deep breaths every 5 minutes as well as moving your legs around. Leave the dressings alone.
9Day 2 – 7
Increase mobility as you feel better.
10After Day 7
Return to all but heavy exercise and work.
11When is my first post-op visit?
Usually day 2-4 following surgery.
12Is there pain?
Expect moderate pain – will need painkillers for a few days, hopefully just Tylenol and Advil, but you will have something stronger in case it is needed.
13Is there swelling?
Yes, especially first 7-14 days.
14Is there bruising?
Yes, and usually resolves within 2-3 weeks.
15Are there stitches to be removed?
No, they are dissolving. Sometimes the knot or end of the suture can present itself (works its way to the skin surface) and even though it would dissolve on its own over time, it is trimmed at the 2 week post op visit.
16Are there drains?
No
17Are there dressings?
Yes. Dry gauze only.
18How do I manage these?
Leave them until your first post-operative visit where they will be changed. Following this, keep the skin tapes clean. Change dressing daily after that using dry pads and compression bra.
19Can I shower?
After the first dressing change on day 2 or day 5. You can use a handheld shower or sponge bath in the first few days if the dressings are kept dry.
20When can I see people without surgery being obvious?
Whenever you feel comfortable as the dressings are all covered up. You will not be moving the same for the first few days from the swelling and bruising.
21When can I drive?
Must be able to see clearly, be off strong painkillers and able to move normally and comfortably, usually around 4-7 days. It is always best to try a short drive around the block and if you feel you are moving well, reacting normally and can look around normally, then you should be OK to drive.
22When can I go back to work?
Office work 3-7 days. Heavy lifting jobs: 14-21 days.
23When can I exercise?
Very light lower body exercises 2 weeks after surgery, upper body 4 weeks after surgery.
24When can I resume heavy lifting?
4 weeks after surgery.
25What are things to watch for after surgery or things that I should phone the office about?
A sudden painful swelling on one side or the other can be the result of post operative bleeding, pain not controlled by the above mentioned medications, vomiting and inability to take fluids which can lead to dehydration, excessive oozing from the dressings, fever over 38 degrees, progressive swelling or redness near the incision or on the breast. If you have any difficulty breathing you need to go to the ER or call 911.
 

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