How bad is your pain after a breast reduction?

While every patient is different, most patients are pleasantly surprised that breast reduction surgery is not as painful as they expected. There will be some sensation of bruising, but most patients do not think that it is painful. The discomfort with removal of the drains all depends upon the type of drain that is used. If it is a round drain, it will fall right out with no pain at all when the sutures are cut.

Perhaps you should talk to other patients of your chosen surgeon for their opinion, but in general breast reduction patients are very happy they had the procedure within days of the procedure (sometimes even hours). The pain each person experiences varies between people, but most patients report that they need regular prescription pain meds for the first few days, then occasional meds for the next few days. Most of our patients are off Rx meds by 5-6 days. Then they can resume driving, office work, grocery shopping, etc. The drain removal is often an anxious visit, but usually is much easier than patients expect. It can help if you take a dose before you go to your surgeon, but check with that surgeon's recommendations, and be sure to have someone responsible drive and accompany you.Speak to your surgeon about potential interactions before taking prescription pain medication and other medications, including antidepressants or anxiety meds. These topics are usually part of the pre-operative visit discussion.Finally, if you don't mind give RealSelf users some feedback after your recovery to let everyone see how you feel when it is over. Best Wishes

Most patients have little pain after reduction, and are suprised at how easy it is. Also, most doctors do not use drains on breast reductions. So, I think you can worry a little less- most patients tell me afterwards that they just wish they had done it years ago.

I tell patients that usually on a scale of 1-10 if 10 is the worst pain, a reduction is like a 4. More incisional discomfort than anything else. Taking the drains out is usually not too uncomfortable for most patients.

First, the worst pain associated with large breasts is the discomfort from the heavy breasts straining the shoulders and neck and back. Having a breast reduction takes away this awful pain immediately!. That is the reason to have the surgery and not delay with "non-surgical options" like back exercises, chiropractor, physical therapy, etc. None of these treatments have been shown to be successful.Second, pain after surgery is very subjective. One person has more, someone else has less. Different techniques of breast reduction can have more healing and possibly more pain after the procedure. Drain tubes are routine for some techniques, not used for others. If you have pain, routine pain medications for up to three days should be fine. Early mobility and good health also make for a faster recovery.This blog may be helpful for anyone who wants to know more about the latest techniques in breast reduction surgery