What happens at the one-week post-op appointment after a breast reduction?

Question

I had a breast reduction six days ago, and everything seems to be going well. I have my first post-op appointment in two days, and am just wondering what to expect. I do not have drains, and I have dissolvable stitches.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Each surgeon has a different approach to their techniques and their post operative care. Most surgeons will want to make sure that you are not experiencing any signs of seroma, hematoma, necrosis, poor wound healing or infection. Surgeons will want to make sure that your incisions look clean and check to see if they look like they are on too much tension. If a surgeon has placed drains, they will want to check the log of your daily output and check the color of the fluid coming out to make sure there are no signs of anything happening inside the breasts that would be worrisome. Adequate follow up care is essential for recovery and to ensure great results! I wish you the best of luck!

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Generally at your one week postoperative appointment your surgeon will assess the overall shape, symmetry, nipples and appearance of your incisions. Every surgeon has their own protocol, but we like to ensure you, the patient, are doing well and answer any of your questions too. Best of luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Every surgeon has a different postop protocol. Usually at one week, it is time to check the incisions and make sure everything is healing well and there are no signs of infection or wound healing problems. At this point, you may also discuss scar management techniques.Hope this helps!

Jonathan Adamthwaite, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for your question. Surgeons differ in their post-operative management but generally a breast reduction patient would be seen at one week for a wound check. At this visit all dressings are removed and the incision lines inspected and breasts checked to ensure there are no issues. This is very straight forward and be reassured this is very routine and you should not expect to feel any discomfort.
All the best,
Jonathan

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bestlambchop,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol.I see all my patients one week after surgery, and then weekly until healed generally 6 weeks. Then 3 month and 6 month check ups. I perform a lot of scar management weekly in the office to optimize healing including taping. I also do not use absorbable sutures in the skin because they cause inflammation that can thicken the scars. I remove the skin stitches on week one and week two.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

What happens at the one-week post-op appointment after a breast reduction?

Answers (5)