How long does it take to heal from a breast reduction?

Question

I'm having a breast reduction in April ending. I'm going on holidays in mid may. How long does it take to heal from a breast reduction?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After breast reduction, you should be in your house doing nothing for a week.  After that you can go back to work.  No exercise for 1 month.  By 6 weeks most people are able to do cardio and will feel very well.  You should be able to go on holiday.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Typically I advise my patients that it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to heal from breast reduction. You're operating surgeon may have a different perspective.

George Lawson III, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction patients are some of my happiest ones because they usually feel so much better after their recovery is over.  I tell my patients that it takes about 6 weeks to feel back to normal.  But after 2-3 weeks, your incisions should be healing well and you will already be feeling better.  I recommend staying away from strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 3 weeks.  Everyone's surgery is a little unique, everyone's recovery is a little different, and everyone's body heals at a different rate but these are general guidelines that most people fall into.  Good luck!

Mahsa Moghaddam Smoot, MD · Answer

Congratulations on scheduling a breast reduction procedure! I usually tell my patients to avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk (10 lbs) and to refrain from strenuous activity for three weeks. This includes weight lifting and cardio workouts that will increase your heart rate for a sustained period of time. After the first three weeks you may ease yourself into a workout and increase your weight lifting gradually over an additional two to three weeks. By six weeks after surgery you should be able to resume all normal activities without restrictions. Complete healing after an operation takes six months and your breasts will continue to change in shape during this time. I always advise my patients to wait a full six months before judging their result. Also remember to protect your incisions from exposure to the sun during the first six months after surgery. Early tanning of the incisions may result in permanent darkening of the scars. Enjoy your vacation! Best wishes.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Most people in my practice are back to normal (restricted) duties two to three weeks after breast reduction (although I do recommend avoiding any upper body excercise or strenuous activity till the 6 week mark), but its important to listen to your own body and seek the advice of your plastic surgeon based on your individual surgery and recovery.  Travel plans would depend on your recovery and your destination.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction sutures come out two weeks postoperatively so I think your travel plans are a bit too ambitious. You should not be in a situation in which you cannot access followup care from your plastic surgeon or address any postoperative issues.

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

In most instances, if there are no complications, a breast reduction should be reasonably well healed in three weeks, but light physical workouts should not be started for another two weeks.

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD (retired) · Answer

Because of the risk of bleeding after surgery I request my patients to stay quite with out any lifting, bending over or exercise or any activity that gets their blood pressure or pulse elevated for two weeks. After two weeks I allow my patients to exercise and elevate their blood pressure and pulse but ask them to be very careful not to have any trauma to their breast for 6-8 weeks, the time it takes for the breast wounds to heal well. Since all my sutures are in side the breast and there are no sutures to remove. The latest information is that it is usually better not to use drains. I believe it is very important to start full range of motion of the arms the day after surgery. It makes for a quicker recovery and less discomfort..

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The postoperative activity recommendations after breast reduction will vary from surgeon to surgeon. I generally give the go ahead for full activities after breast reduction 1 month following surgery. I recommend asking your plastic surgeon what he or she recommends. Thanks for your question. Best wishes.

How long does it take to heal from a breast reduction?

Answers (9)

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