Women have different reasons for seeking a breast reduction procedure. It could be for cosmetic purposes to achieve smaller, shapelier breasts, or it could be a medical necessity. If you suffer from back and shoulder pain and embarrassment because of overly large breasts, a breast reduction can remedy your issues and restore your body confidence.
But once you have the surgery, how long will those breast reduction results last? Can you do anything to protect your results? Choosing to get a breast reduction can be an emotional process, and you will have these and many other questions about what comes after the procedure. We want to answer some of your questions in this post.
How Long Will Breast Reduction Results Last?
Your breast reduction results are maintainable in most cases. During a breast reduction procedure, excess breast skin and tissue are removed to reshape and resize the breasts. Once your procedure is completed, it will take around 3 to 4 months for your breasts to heal and for you to see results. Unlike other cosmetic surgery procedures, you usually will not need a revision procedure to maintain your results.
However, you should remember that while you can maintain your results for years to come, some factors can affect the breast tissue, including weight gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormones. The natural aging process and gravity can also affect your breasts as the years go by. You should talk with your plastic surgeon about how to maintain your results if you’re concerned these issues might be an issue in the future.
How Can I Maintain My Breast Reduction Results?
There are ways you can maintain and optimize your results. Keeping your weight stable by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen is a simple way to make the most of your breast reduction. Constant weight fluctuations can change the shape of your breasts and create sagging skin, which can alter your results.
To prevent the effects of aging and gravity from causing excessive breast sagging, take care of your breast skin by applying a moisturizer daily (once your breast reduction incisions have healed). Wear a supportive bra during the day and invest in a good sports bra to brace your breasts during high-impact exercise.
If you are planning to get pregnant after your breast reduction, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon, as it might also affect your results. Your plastic surgeon can recommend a breast reduction procedure that will minimally affect the mammary glands and ducts.
The Recovery Process After Breast Reduction Surgery
You may experience some swelling and inflammation after your breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon will advise you to wear a compression garment and sleep on your back to help with the swelling. You can add some gentle movement after the surgery, but avoid any strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks after your procedure.
You should be aware of the possible risk of developing blood clots after your breast reduction surgery. Gentle movement around the house promotes healing and can decrease the risk of blood clots. If you notice signs of possible infection, such as redness or odor at the surgery site, make sure to contact your plastic surgeon right away.
Can I Exercise After a Breast Reduction?
While it’s better to refrain from high-impact exercise for at least 6 weeks, you can engage in low-impact exercise as soon as you feel up to it. Walking around your neighborhood or hopping on a stationary bike are great ways to get your body moving and promote blood circulation. You should avoid exercises that affect your chest muscles, such as swimming or bench pressing, until you fully heal.
If you are not ready to exercise during the first few weeks, you can resume household activities or just play with your children to get your body moving. As always, your plastic surgeon should be your guide as you begin your workout routine. Read this related blog for more information on what to expect after your breast reduction surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
If overly large breasts undermine your lifestyle and confidence, you might be a good candidate for breast reduction. Women can experience various medical issues due to large breasts, including difficulty breathing when sleeping on their backs, rashes between and under the breasts, and shoulder pain due to bra straps digging into the flesh.
Women who opt for this procedure also say they have difficulty finding tops that fit and are tired of getting unwanted attention due to their breasts. It’s important to discuss your reasons with your plastic surgeon so they can set realistic expectations on what to expect after your breast reduction surgery. A breast reduction usually includes a full breast lift, so you can expect your breasts to be recontoured and reshaped along with the size reduction.
A breast reduction can benefit you and enhance your life in ways you probably didn’t think possible. At our plastic surgery practice, our breast reduction results give women a new outlook on life, as seen in our patients’ before and after photos. If you want to see how we can reshape and contour your breasts, request a consultation or call us at (480) 423-1973 to schedule an appointment.
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