How Long After a Breast Reduction Are You Laid Up?

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Much of the variation is attributed to the manner in which one heals and their unique degree of pain tolerance.I typically prepare patients for 7-10 days of recuperation, after which time they can return to most activity. I discourage exercise for a month and strenuous heavy lifting for 6 weeks.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

This really depends on the type of correction that you have done and can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover. Garments are generally worn for a further 4 weeks after  that. Please see an experienced Plastic Surgeon who has a specialist interest in gynecomastia (male breast enlargement).

That is a very good question that I hear regularly.  The best first step is to check with your surgeon about his personal recommendations, because they may vary slightly depending on how he performs the surgery.  I usually recommend that pt's avoid lifting greater than 20 lbs for 4-6 weeks but they can do light normal activity the night of surgery.  Therefore, if you are doing any heavy lifting at work then you should get someone to give you a hand. Most patients can make it back to non physically taxing work at a week after surgery.  That being said you have to know yourself and be honest with yourself.  If you are very tough and bounce back right after other surgeries or major events, then you will likely do very well afterwards.  If you know at heart that you really don't like pain and it is harder for you to bounce back after things then you will take a little longer to recover.  Pain is a very subjective experience and differs from person to person dramatically.  I can do the exact same breast reduction on two different patients on Thursday and one is back to work on Monday a few days later and another one may still be moving slowly two weeks later.  If you are resilient and have an uneventful surgery you will likely be able to get back to work in a week or sooner after surgery but you will likely still be a little sore when doing certain movements and somewhat fatigued. Some really motivated patients have surgery on Wednesday or Thursday and are back to work on Monday, but most patients take at least a week off.  Best of luck on your journey.