How to re-bandage breasts after reduction?

Question

Hi! I just had my surgery about 48 hours ago and just took my bandages off as directed by my doctor. However, I am having trouble bandaging the area as well as the doctor did it. It feels slightly loose and I am worried that I did not bandage the area correctly. How do you recommend bandaging the area? Thanks so much.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Generally after a couple of days breast reduction incisions are close to don't really need to be redressed. Nevertheless the management should be controlled exclusively by your own surgeon.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It would be best to ask your surgeon what he/she prefers.My routine is simply to but a gauze in your bra over the incision sites within your bra.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I would simply follow your surgeon's (or his/her nurse's) recommendations. Your incisions are pretty much sealed by 48-72 hours, and the dressings are simply there to absorb any blood or serous drainage that might come from not-yet-sealed incisions. Shower gently with tepid (not too hot) water and do not soak or scrub. Do this only if so allowed by your surgeon, but in the absence of healing difficulties this should be fine as long as you shower (not bathe) quickly and gently. Some surgeons might have you apply Bacitracin to any tiny remaining opening that still has drainage, but ointment on already-sealed incisions is not helpful and can actually cause allergic reactions that look like infection! Gauze dressings can absorb any drainage and protect the incisions from irritation. A soft cotton bra (or surgical bra supplied after surgery) is all that is needed to hold any bandages in place. You will not cause problems or infection if your bandages are imperfect.When in doubt, call your surgeon for specific advice. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your post. Every Plastic Surgeon has their own formula for post-operative dressings and it is best to ask your surgeon directly about his/ her recommendations. In my practice, I use very minimal dressings - micropore tape (paper tape) placed along the incision lines and a supportive bra. I leave the tape for 10-14 days but let my patients shower immediately. It is a good idea to have the incision lines covered early on but the exact dressing is not so important. Having a loose dressing is better than an excessively tight dressing that may impair skin circulation and healing. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. Your plastic surgeon will your best resource. Generally speaking, along with the incision lines are covered with sterile dressings and protected from irritation or contamination, you should be just fine.  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

All of us have differing approaches to post-op breast reduction management. I typically use a bra and nothing else. Other use ace wraps, I would contact your operating plastic surgeon and see how he / she would like you to proceed.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Suegry

How to re-bandage breasts after reduction?

Answers (6)

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