Once waking up fromanesthesia from breast reduction surgery in the recovery room, it is not uncommon to feel confused about your surroundings and cold, although you will have warming blankets on and be connected to monitors. There will be some discomfort but not pain. Your medication and the anesthesia that is wearing off will help with immediate pain relief. Once the anesthesia subsides you may have pain. Pain medication will be given to help during your immediate recovery at home. The medical staff will show you how to take care of your incisions, dressings that cover each breast and the normal swelling. Normally swelling remains for a minimum of a few weeks. It is extremely important that you follow all post-op care directions given by Kole Plastic Surgery. These include instructions about putting on your compression clothing, administering any medications and different classifications of exertion that meet his approval. Dr. Kole will also give you information regarding typical indications you will encounter and all possible indications of problems or emergent situations. It is essential to understand that the time table for healing is always different from patient to patient, as individuals vary with their bodies’ own healing process.
Healing and Recovery
- During your initial breast reduction post-operative recovery period you will need to rest
- Your wounds and incisions need to remain dry
- You will return to see Dr. Kole within 3-5 days after surgery
- Do not allow any fragrances or lotions to get into your incisions
- Swelling may last for 1-2 months but may be minor and obvious only by you due to the breasts reduced size and higher position
Allow your body the rest it needs after this invasive procedure. After a few days, Dr. Kole encourages you to walk and get around your home in small amounts to keep your circulation moving, as long as you can maintain your balance. You might not feel like moving around but this is important. This small amount of movement is different than full blown exercising. That is a whole different story. Alleviation from swelling and bruising can be obtained by sleeping on three or four full pillows supporting your head, neck and upper back areas. This will help keep your upper body elevated. Sponge baths are best while incisions are healing and washing your hair will be difficult, as lifting your arms above your head is not permitted. There are ways around this. You may wash your hair with the help of someone in a sink or at the hair salon, if you so desire.
Because everyone heals at their own rate, Dr. Kole will advise when you may engage in your exercise routine once more; the typical non-strenuous and no-lift rule varies. For strenuous activity the minimum is usually around six weeks. Again, this all depends on how well you have healed and taking the return of your complete range of motion into consideration, which can be anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Fact is the slower the better, as to allow yourself optimal healing for the best outcome. Once you have fully recovered, every activity you weren’t able to do because of your overly large breasts, will be a thing of the past. Take good care after breast reduction surgery and you will be happy that you took the step to enhance your figure.
Please contact The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center at 215-315-7655 to schedule your breast reduction consultation with Kole Plastic Surgery. Our Office and Licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center is conveniently located at: [primary_address] Southampton, PA, [primary_state] [primary_postal]
