Breast Reduction Q&A
95%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
448 Reviews
Breast Reductionbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Reduction Cost: $4,600

Learn about Breast Reduction

1,807 people and 560 doctors are talking about Breast Reduction

Get Free Email Updates

I'm 15 and May Be Getting a Breast Reduction: What is the Estimated Healing Time?

asked 1 year ago by keneefly in Medicine Hat, AB
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 294 times
Tags: age 17 or under, back pain, DD cup, headache, healing, neck pain, scoliosis, timing

I am 15 with 34DD, and in a week I will be talking to a surgeon about getting a breast reduction, And before that happens I was just wondering the Estimated time for healing and when I would be able to get back to school?

I have Scoliosis, and my breasts cause me severe neck should and back pain, which all lead to extreme headaches. Thanks in advance. :)

8 answers to I'm 15 and May Be Getting a Breast Reduction: What is the Estimated Healing Time?

+2

Healing after breast reduction for young individuals

The answer you get can be quite varied, and may depend on personal preferences and local habits. Almost all young patients in our practice will have a short scar or 'lollipop' breast reduction, outpatient, and without drains. Our patients will return to school after one week, and as no muscles are involved in reduction surgery, lifting is not much of an issue. Ask your surgeon carefully about their routine. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction and healing time

Depending on the technique used and the use of drains you can expect to miss about one week of school and take 2-3 weeks to "feel like yourself".  After this time is usually OK to do most daily activities and even some cardio (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.) type of exercise.  I generally want at least 6 weeks to pass before strenuous activities like weight training or high impact aerobic activities.  After 6 weeks it is generally OK to go out and get fitted for an... more
Delio Ortegon, MD

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction healing time

Usually it takes a few weeks to heal from a breast reduction.  Draines stay in for a few days to a week for most of my patients.  They can usually return to light work or school within week. Exercise in 6-8 weeks.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction

The time for healing in a breast reduction is usually 1-2 weeks in terms of resuming normal daily activities. This would not include exercise or heavy lifting  which require a longer period of time.  
David L. Abramson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction Recovery?

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific return to school activity guidelines; in my practice, I suggest at least 2 weeks of recovery time. I hope this helps.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction - I'm 15 and May Be Getting a Breast Reduction: What is the Estimated Healing Time?

Hi keneefly, In general, and depending on how you define it, it takes about 1-2 weeks to "recover" from a breast reduction. Actually, of course, it's more involved than that. Most patients feel better at even 1-2 days after the surgery than they did before (ie, despite the discomfort of the surgical procedure, they're relieved of the neck, back and shoulder pain). Most people need about a week off of work before returning, though it could be less if the... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduciton

Most patients take two weeks off of work to heal from a breast reduction, however, this may vary from patient to patient. I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with a parent and your primary care physician who should be able to refer you to a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon. Upon consultation and examination, your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend the treatment options which would best address your concerns. Best of luck!
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Recover from breast reduction

Most of my patients take two weeks off of a desk job after a reduction and 3 weeks off of a more physical job.  I suspect you would be okay to return to school after a few weeks unless you have to carry a ton of books. 
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question