Breast Reduction: Q&A

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Breast Reduction and Lift Recovery Time

I'm seriously considering breast reduction and lift. I'm 18 and very active (I'll be playing college soccer starting this August.) I'm a 34DDD and I want to be at most a 34C. I can't afford to get too out of shape if I get this surgery, will it take me a long time to recover?

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21 Doctor Answers | Asked by 7662anon in San Clemente

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You can do it and not miss a day.

I have done Laser Assisted Breast Reductions on professional atheletes who have not missed a day of working out in some fashion. Lower body, eliptical, treadmill, etc. WGS

Breast Reduction Recovery Time?

Thank you for the question. You may find that you will be able to return to lower body workouts one week after surgery. Strenuous upper body exercise and/or lifting me require 4 to 6 weeks of recovery. Best wishes.

Breast Reduction and Lift Recovery Time

Every person heals a bit differently, but for the most part you can expect to get back to exercising within 4 weeks. You really want to make sure you have enough time to heal from this surgery, the worst thing you can do is rush a recovery. You need a good amount of time to make sure you heal before you put your body through strenuous activities. Here are some things you can expect after surgery: first few days you must wear a bandage or special surgical bra. For the first two weeks you... more

Breast Reduction for An Athlete

You may benefit tremendously, particularly when your breast size is currently interfering with your activities. Plan on a 4-6 week period of low impact fitness and lower body resistance training. It is very important to give the incisions (internal and external) adequate time to heal. I advise a full 6 weeks before getting back to running, jumping, big arm motions. Being careful to avoid healing complications is well worth it, though a challenge for athletes who are used to... more

Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast reduction is one of the most satisfying of all plastic surgery procedures for the patient when it is done skillfully. Breast reduction recovery usually takes 4 weeks. In younger patients who are fit physically and physiologically it can take less time. For a few days after surgery you may need some pain med to control minimal pain. You can go back to normal exercising in six weeks. Your surgeon can help you have a shorter recovery if smaller incisions are... more

Recovery Time after Breast Reduction & Lift Varies from Patient to Patient

Breast reduction is a commonly performed operation amongst female athletes. Many of these patients not only report alleviation of symptoms, but improved athletic performance as well following breast reduction surgery. It’s important to remember that recovery varies from patient to patient. We generally recommend taking one week off from school and work following this procedure, but many patients are able to return sooner. Strenuous activity such as athletics should be avoided for four to... more

Breast Reduction Recovery Time

A breast reduction or a breast lift has a recovery time of between three to six weeks. During the first three weeks it is necessary to protect the area from undue stress so as to allow it to fully heal. During this time we would recommend that the elbow not be lifted above the shoulder height and you do not lift more than five pounds. After approximately a week or 10 days, you could use a recumbent bike to exercise and increase your heart rate. Hopefully this will help to keep you in a... more

Recovery Time After Breast Reduction

Every surgeon has their own postoperative protocol regarding exercise in the post-op period so it is important that you understand fully your surgeon's instructions. In general, I make patient's understand that healing takes place over many weeks. The knitting together fibers of your new breast will not be at full strength until 8 weeks post-op. As a result, I make my patients restrict all upper body activity for at least 4 weeks. I... more

Breast Reduction Recovery

Recovery after any procedure varies among individuals. A good news is that breast reduction recovery is not too long and it is not very painful. Most of my patients take pain medication about 3-5 days. You should take about a week off from work or school. Please do not perform any heavy activities or exercises for 3-4 weeks.

4-6 Weeks

Assuming an uncomplicated recovery, it generally takes about 4 weeks before you can resume aerobic excercise and 6 weeks before unrestricted activity following breast reduction surgery.

Downtime after breast reduction

We generally recommend that you take a week off work and avoid strenuous physical activity for three weeks. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Recovery

Being young, in good shape, and properly motivated help in the recovery period. Most patients may need three to four weeks (possibly up to 6 in extreme cases) before returning to working out. You may be at the lower end of this range.

Breast reduction at young age.

There are several things to consider here. You are still pretty young. Make sure that you and your parents fully understand the complications and risk of having a breast reduction. Also, you need to understand that you will have significant scarring. Of course they will subside over time and may well be worth it to you. You should be in good health which it seems like you are and at a stable weight. You should wait at least three weeks before you resume lighter exercise and at... more

Recovery after breast reduction

Hi there- Particularly athletic young women like yourself almost universally feel the reduction of breast volume is more than worth the short term disability and limitation in physical activity. You will most likely take pain medication for 2-3 days, be able to attend classes in 3-4 days, and be unable to play soccer for a few weeks.

Recovery from a breast reduction

A breast reduction recover is not too bad. Usually drains are palced and they come out within a few days of surgery. The post-op activity should be limited for the first few weeks. It does not mean you can not go back to school in 7-10 days, but you need to limit your exertional acitivity for several weeks after surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and recovery time at 18

The average recovery time from a breast reduction is 1 month but in extreme cases it can take 6 weeks. And that if there are NO complications. From MIAMI Dr. B

You will do great with a breast reduction, you will wish you had done it sooner

Young, 18, playing sports with massive breasts is tough. With a well done breast reduction you should be able to start exercise in two weeks and be involved in contact sports in 6-8 weeks. Most of my patients have surgery and in 2-3 days are back in their every day life. The biggest complaint I get is, "I wish I had done this sooner." Go for it and enjoy your youth and sports.

Breast reduction recovery at age 18 generally faster

There is no doubt that younger patients often do better after surgery of all types, and breast reduction is included. My younger patients will be out and about after reduction within the week after. Most reduction perform we perform is with a vertical or short scar technique, and there is less incision to heal, the post surgery bra will fit and support well, and as I mentioned most will be out with friends within the week. Full exercise or near contact sports such as collegiate soccer will... more

Breast reduction recovery

Recovery after breast reduction is usually quite rapid barring unforeseen complications. Pain is minimal and you should be back to normal non-strenuous activities around the house within a week and back to light exercise within three weeks. Full recovery for contact sports might be 4-6 weeks.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Make sure breasts have stopped growing before having a breast reduction.

Hi. You can exercise freely three weeks after a breast reduction as long as you wear a tight sports bra. And it certainly sounds like you need it. But 18 may be a little young

Recovery from breast reduction in athlete

It sounds as if you are a very good candidate fotr a breast reduction. Recovery varies a good bit among patients. I would suggest that you refrain from running and playing soccer for about 4 weeks and then wear a good athletic support bra when playing.