Does it take a while for back pain to go away after a breast reduction?

Question

I'm about 3 days post op and I still have the same stiff, thoracic back pain that I've had prior to my surgery. I'm a little frustrated, but maybe I should just wait it out and see if it improves because it's so early in my recovery. I think that I'll like my new, smaller size so I wouldn't say I did this for nothing, but alleviating this back pain was a big part of my decision. Any insight?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and
congratulations on your recent breast reduction. At three days post-op, you are
still in the early stages of healing. There will be some level of discomfort,
although this should resolve over the coming weeks. Back pain, caused by the
weight of your heavy breasts before surgery, will take time to improve. If you
have any further concerns about your back pain, or notice an increase in
discomfort, I recommend contacting your operating surgeon for their advice.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

While some patients note an immediate improvement in the heaviness that they were experiencing before breast reduction, it can take some time to see improvements in symptoms including pain in your back. 
Years of poor posture can not be expected to resolve in 3 days. Concentrate on recovering from your surgery and I am sure you will feel an improvement in your back pain as well as improvement in your posture as time goes on.
Congratulations!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If the back pains related to the weight of the breasts, it would likely take a few months for  it to improve. Part of what you might be experiencing now is positional when you are lying in bed.

Does it take a while for back pain to go away after a breast reduction?

Answers (3)

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