Breast reduction and Axillery Liposuction at the same time; what is the recovery? (Photo)

The incisions are covered with light dressings, and the breasts may be placed in a bra. The bra holds the breasts symmetrically during initial healing. Axillary liposuction should not prolong your recovery for most patients.Initial discomfort subsides daily and is controlled with oral medication.Discomfort, swelling and discoloration of the breasts are expected for several weeks. Usually, our patients return to most normal activity within two weeks but since you are a house keeper this would be a longer time, most likely 4-6 weeks - Ask your plastic surgeon for the best advice.. The scars at the incision lines typically become reddish, raised and firm a few weeks after surgery, but during the first several months they become pale and soft. After 8-12 months, the scars are relatively inconspicuous. The nipples and some areas of the skin may be numb or sensitive after surgery. Sensation may return within a few weeks or months, but may be diminished or overly sensitive.

Thank you for your question and pictures. I often include axillary liposuction with a breast reduction to contour the lateral corners of the incision. With large pendulous breasts, the tail of the breast often continues into the armpit and if you do not address this at the time of the reduction, you can have some skin and soft tissue excess laterally that can be troubling. It was always there, but when the breasts are reduced, the patient will swear up and down that it was never that way before and you made it more prominent. It is all relative, but best to address it at the time of surgery. As for the recovery, the additional liposuction should not change your overall recovery. As for the specifics of your recovery including time off work, pain medication, and the details of the liposuction, there is no standard for this and each doctor is different so you need to discuss these specifics with your surgeon. Good luck!

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.  Sometimes, extension of the breast reduction procedure towards the axillary area may be helpful when it comes to improving contour of the upper/lateral chest area. Liposuction surgery is also a useful tool in this regard. Best to communicate your goals/questions directly with your plastic surgeon in front of a full-length mirror.  Otherwise, online consultants can only speculate as to what has been planned. Best wishes for outcome that you will be very pleased with.