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

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.

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.