Is Breast Reduction Very Painful?

It’s not unusual to have pain following breast reduction surgery. Pain tolerance varies from patient to patient with some describing it as minimal, while others describe it as severe. In many cases, the quality of the patient’s surgical experience is related to post-operative pain management.

In the immediate post-operative period, patients are given narcotic pain relievers. They are rapidly switched to non narcotic pain relievers as this becomes possible. This usually takes about seven to ten days following surgery.

Small amounts of discomfort may be present for several months following the procedure. When prolonged pain is present, this might indicate the presence of a complication. Under these circumstances, consultation with your plastic surgeon would be appropriate.

Thank you for your question.  Pain is very subjective and everyone experiences pain differently.  Most patients tolerate breast reduction surgery very well with appropriate oral pain medication afterwards.   In general, most individuals who undergo breast reductions have previously suffered from neck, back, and/or shoulder pain and typically experience relief of these symptoms after surgery.  Be sure to discuss your pain control regimen pre-operatively with your board-certified plastic surgeon.  Best of luck!

#Breastreduction: discomfort during healing#Post-Operative Healing

The incisions are covered with light
dressings, and you will be place in a bra, which you should bring to the
surgery center with you. Our staff at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery
will help you select the proper size. The bra holds the breasts symmetrically
during the initial healing. The initial discomfort subsides daily and can be
controlled with It is best to wear the bra 24 hours each day
until released by the doctor