Is Breast Reduction major surgery?

Any surgery that is performed under general anesthesia and takes more than 2 hours is considered a "major procedure" by many. On the other hand it is a very common procedure with few complications when performed in the hands of a qualified board certified plastic surgeon. The procedure is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis or in the hospital.

Thank you for your question about breast reduction.In general, breast reduction is a straight forward well tolerated procedure.  See web reference for recovery instructions.



To be sure, see two or more
experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make
sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.



I hope this helps.

Breast reduction is outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day as your surgery. Most plastic surgeons will ask patients to refrain from strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and any soaking of the incisions (pool, tub, etc.) for 6 weeks. Typically, my patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after surgery with the above restrictions. For more information, please visit the following link. Good luck!

Breast reduction is an outpatient surgery that takes between two and half and three hours. The recovery is one hour. Follow up next day.

But extremely safe, regular, common and well managed nowadays; in my case all patients are in day case standards, leaving the hospital in the evening.

Thank you for the question. Yes I would consider breast reduction "major surgery”. It is also one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.Like every procedure performed,  every patient will have a different recovery experience. Some of this experience will depend on the patient's personality/pain threshold etc.Most patients are need to rest for a few days and return  to light activities within 7 to 10 days. Heavy lifting should be delayed for 4 to 6 weeks.  I hope this, then the attached link (dedicated breast reduction surgery concerns), helps.Best wishes. 

Breast Reduction surgery can be done as an Outpatient so that you can go home the same day about 4 hours post surgery, provided you are awake, alert, comfortable, able to walk, eating and drinking and controlling pain with oral pain killers. You cannot drive and stay at home alone for the first day. If you go home with drains, drain output needs to be monitored. Drains come out 24 - 48 hours post op depending on Surgeons preference. Some don't use drains.I recommend taking it easy for the first 2 weeks. You must be cautious for the first 6 weeks and avoid heavy lifting, gym work and chest based exercises