Best practices for breast reduction surgery: What to do and what to avoid

In this informative guide, highly respected consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon Miss Sascha Dua shares her expert insight on the key dos and don’ts following breast reduction surgery, including what to expect from the recovery period and when you can expect to return to normal activities.

How should I prepare for breast reduction surgery?

I like my patients to prepare fully and read, read, read! There is so much information out there – you have already started here and you can also look at my website for more.

What are the dos and don’ts after breast reduction surgery?

I have a few rules that are non-negotiable, but with good reason. These are:

• a BMI lower than or close to 30
• no long-haul travel for 6 weeks pre or post surgery to reduce the risk of thrombosis
• no sports post operatively for 4 weeks – or in fact, no activity that puts your blood pressure up
• no swimming, saunas or hot tubs for 6 weeks post surgery (or when I give permission) to avoid bacteria

Should I sleep in an elevated position or wear a special type of bra?

You might find it easier in a supported position semi-upright for the first night. Much like heavily pregnant women, you may wish to sleep with a V-shaped cushion or pillows either side of you. After a week, you can sleep however you wish.

How else can I care for myself at home?

The important risk in the first twelve hours after surgery is bleeding, but beyond that its actually clotting. To prevent complications, I have a clear set of instructions, as follows:

• Go home in your surgical stockings until fully mobile.
• Do not head straight up to bed for a long old nap, as much like a child, you won’t sleep at bedtime, and we all know everything hurts more at night!
• Spend your first couple of days of recovery mobilising at regular intervals.
• If you feel like you need some TLC, make a comfy nest of fleecy blankets and favourite pillows on your sofa downstairs and surround yourself with an iPad, magazines, nice snacks and chargers.
• Then, every half hour get up and walk to your kitchen, round your garden or even pop to the local shop if you are up to it! It’s also important to drink throughout the day. This means you will be up all day drinking and peeing so come bedtime, you should sleep through.

When will I be able to drive, do heavy lifting and return to work safely?

Patients are able to drive after 2 weeks and take part in sport and lifting 4 weeks following breast reduction surgery.

As more of us are now working from home (not us surgeons!), you can get straight in front of your laptop whenever you wish. I would, however, recommend taking at least forty-eight hours to allow the anaesthetic to leave your system – especially if your job involves looking after your or other people’s legal affairs or money.

If you travel into work, I would say two weeks is sufficient. If your work involves heavy lifting, we may need longer or a modified work adjustment.

If you are considering breast reduction surgery and wish to schedule a consultation with Miss Dua, you can do so by visiting her Top Doctors profile.