How Long After Breast Reduction Surgery Are Breasts Swollen?

Two weeks is very early after a breast reduction--you will certainly still have a lot of the expected and normal postoperative edema.  I typically tell patients that postoperative swelling resolves slowly; maybe 80% is resolved within 6-8 weeks, but the rest may take up to 6-8 months to resolve.  Be patient!

At 2 weeks you are very early after surgery to judge the outcome.  However, it may not be possible to go all the way down to a C cup from an F cup. There are limitations based on the amount of tissue that must be preserved to maintain circulation and sensation to the nipple, and allow for healing of the skin. It is best under these circumstances to tell your board certified plastic surgeon that you would like to get as close to a C cup as possible, and let them reshape your breast at the time of surgery to the size that is most appropriate based on your anatomy. Then you will get the best breast shape that can be achieved, and maximize the chances of a risk free recovery!

Thank you for your question.
You may still have some swelling. Give it some time. Contact your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process after breast reduction surgery, and it typically lasts for several weeks to months. At two weeks post-op, it’s still common to experience noticeable swelling, which can make the breasts appear larger than expected. In general, the majority of the swelling will subside within the first 4-6 weeks, but some residual swelling may persist for up to 3-4 months. It's important to be patient and allow time for the body to heal fully, as the final shape and size of the breasts will become more evident after about 3-6 months. I advise my patients to not buy lots of new bras until about 3 months since there may be some minor swelling (even 5-10%) at that period.
If you’re concerned that your breasts are still too large despite the swelling, it's worth waiting at least 3-6 months before reassessing. If, after the swelling has subsided, you’re still unhappy with the size, there are options such as revision surgery or additional tissue removal. Your surgeon will be the best person to guide you through the next steps, as it's essential to give the body time to heal and fully settle before making any decisions about further procedures.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Hopkins, and Mayo Clinic Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Breast reduction recovery happens over 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. As time goes on, you will see a steady decline in swelling. By week 6, the majority of your swelling should be gone. However, it can last up to 3-4 months. If your swelling persists longer than 4 months, you should talk to your surgeon about your concerns. Best of luck to you.

Hi there, this is a great question. At 2 weeks out, you are still very swollen. You probably aren’t going to see your final outcome for 2-3 months. After 2-3 months time, your size is pretty much going to be what it’s going to be. At that time you can assess whether you’re too big or too small.