Planning Your Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a fairly common type of breast surgery in New Zealand, where many symptoms of having large breasts can be relieved by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts.
Your breast reduction surgeon will need to consult with you before surgery to establish your goals. The changes resulting from a breast reduction will often be permanent and dramatic, and you will need to understand that breast reduction surgery will create both changes in self-esteem, and physical changes in your body.
The surgery for a breast reduction usually takes three to four hours. You will probably be in hospital for a day or two following breast reduction surgery depending on the extent of the surgery, so remember to pack any medications you might need post-surgery, a few books and magazines to read if you are able to, a few changes of very loose and comfortable clothing, a roomy bathrobe, and any toiletries and feminine products you may need.;
It may take as long as four weeks to recover from breast reduction surgery. For the first few days following your reduction surgery you will need to rest as much as possible. Try some gentle walking a few days after your surgery, this will help to reduce the risk of blood clots. Do take the pain medication you are prescribed after your breast reduction, as this will help you feel more comfortable.
A support bra will need to be worn for at least three weeks following your breast reduction surgery. Your breasts will need the support as they will be bruised and swollen, and avoid putting pressure on your breasts by only wearing soft-cup bras for a month after surgery.
Having breast reductions means you will also need to limit how much physical activity you do. If your job is not physically demanding you should be able to return to week two or three weeks after breast reduction surgery, but exercising and heavy lifting should be limited for the first four weeks after surgery.
Follow up appointments will be scheduled with your doctor. Any incision stitches will be taken out about seven days after your breast reduction, and additional consultations will be held to discuss any concerns around your overall recovery.
Remember to avoid taking medications that have blood thinning properties both before and after your breast reduction surgery, and discuss any herbal remedies and dietry supplements with your surgeon before continuing to take them. Smoking greatly reduces the quality of blood circulation in your body, and impedes much needed oxygen from reaching your tissues for healing.