Post OP Breast reduction, any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I've just recently underwent a breast reduction. I have no stitches or drain tubes which I find odd. Will this increase my chance for infection? When will I be able to return to exercising?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to not have drainage tube. However, I can guarantee you that you have stitches. You will have internal stitches that will not be visable. With proper would care and following ALL of your post-op instructiin, you should greatly reduce your chance of wound breakdown and infection. Most women are able to return to work and normal or limited activities two weeks after having a breast reduction, but for some it may be longer. Full activity such as heavy lifting, sports and vigorous exercise without restrictions is safer after six weeks recovery.
#plastic surgery #breast reduction #post-op care

Owen Reid, MD · Answer

Your description regarding the sutures and drains sounds quite typical.  For breast reductions in my own practice, I use dissolvable sutures that are buried underneath the skin and covered by Steri-strips (paper tape). I don't use drains either. Neither of these practices will increase the risk of infection. You should discuss the timing of your return to exercise with your surgeon. For most patients, light cardio can be resumed after two weeks and most other exercises by 4 weeks.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

1. I never use drains with my breast reductions, so that is not odd.2. There is no way there aren't any stitches- they may just all be "buried" or under the skin so you can't see them.  Otherwise, your incisions would open up .  Trust me- there are a lot of stitches.3. I allow walking as exercise at 2 weeks, jogging at 4 weeks and full exercise at 6 weeks.Hope this helps.  Definitely ask your surgeon for their opinion and guidelines though as we all do things a little different.-JGH

Asaf Yalif, MD, FACS · Answer

It is impossible to make recommendations for you in particular as I can't tell anything from your photo. The best answer is to contact your plastic surgeon and ask them when you can exercise. As to infection risk - many plastic surgeons perform breast reduction surgery without drains. For those that do use drains they are to remove fluid/blood from the area, not to prevent infection. If you are concerned about infection I would contact your plastic surgeon to be examined and determine if you need antibiotics.Good luck!

Post OP Breast reduction, any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (4)

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