How is breast reduction recovery with a baby?

Question

I have a 3 month old baby (single mom) and I'm scheduled for a breast reduction consultation on May 31, 2016. I'm hoping to get the surgery done in August before the school semester starts. Does anyone have knowledge on how bad the recovery is and will I need major help with the baby? She'll probably be around 20-25 pounds by the time I get the surgery done.

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

It may be very challenging to care for yourself and your baby while you are recovering.  Typically, there is weight restriction during the healing process.  It may be wise for you to get some family help during the recovery period.  Best wishes

Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

I generally recommend patients wait until at least 6 MONTHS after finishing breast feeding and when they are back down to near their pre-pregnancy weight before they undergo breast reduction.  Otherwise, they run the risk of over-reduction and ending up smaller than they want to be.  So I think 3 months post-partum is a bit early for this procedure.That said, when you finally do have your surgery, you can expect to be pretty sore.  So a lot of arm motion will be uncomfortable and may put undo stress on your incisions.  Many patients have others hand their baby to them when they are sitting for a few weeks.  Help from friends and relatives is important.  Let common sense be your guide.  If you attempt something and it hurts...stop.  If it feels OK...it probably is.  Best of luck.  But really give some thought to delaying your procedure for a few more months.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, you should wait until your weight is back to normal and your breasts have involuted.  Most patients that undergo a reduction usually do not complain of a lot of pain, but should limit exertion for about 3-6 weeks.

G. Peter Fakhre, MD · Answer

In general you want to refrain from any heavy lifting, which would be nothing greater than 15 pounds for the first four weeks after surgery. Let common sense be your guide. It's preferable to sit and help the baby to your lap rather than pick them up from the floor in the recovery period. As others have mentioned it would be wise to have help following the procedure. An important point is that breast surgery should ideally be performed 6 months after the cessation of breast feeding.I hope this helps and I've attached a link below with additional information about breast reduction surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Yes, you should have help for yourself and your child for at least one-two week after the procedure is performed.    I would suggest that you address this important question directly to your plastic surgeon consultant.   Also, make sure that he/she is a board certified plastic surgeon who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Best wishes.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be ok as long as you try not to lift the baby for 2-3 weeks.  I try and tell my patients nothing heavier than 10 pounds for the first 2-3 weeks.   You should do well , just need to be careful as heavy lifting can cause the sutures to pop.  Good luck!

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