Recovery Time for Breast Reduction

Large breasts in women can be a problem as it might lead to painful strain on the neck, the shoulder and also the back. The strain exerted on these areas, can often lead to chronic headaches or backaches and some women might even suffer from several serious problems such as trouble in breathing or they might even suffer from severe skin irritation and other health related issues. Hence, it's important that one undergoes the reduction mammoplasty (mammaplasty) or the breast reduction surgery. Let us see in detail what this surgery is all about and also what is the recovery time for breast reduction surgery.

Mammaplasty or Breast Reduction Surgery

This operation is carried out by many not because they are ashamed to be seen with unusually large breasts, but because of physical and health issues. As it has already been mentioned above, big breasts can often lead to some serious health problems. Hence, this breast reduction surgery is done.

In this surgery, the excess breast tissues are removed in order to reduce the size of the breast and also to lift them up and give them proper shape. If you have to undergo this surgery, then you have to get it done from a good surgeon. The entire operation will take around two to three hours, but it might take even more or less time, depending on the extent of repair that is required. If you are worried about the breast reduction cost, then don't, because, the health insurance usually covers this surgery. The average cost might be around USD 5000 to USD 12,000, including the surgeons fee and the rest of the medical fees.

Recovery Time

Like any other operation, a person who has undergone this operation, will take some time to recover from it completely. Once the surgery is done, the patient will be wrapped up in a surgical bra, which will be placed over the gauze. Along with this, a small tube will be placed so that any excess blood or fluid can drain off easily.

For the first two weeks after the operation, the patient will have some swelling and bruising in that area. The area might also become very dry and itchy. The doctors will give a medicated moisturizer, which is supposed to be used to counter this itchiness and dryness. After 2 weeks, one can get back to normal life, but it is advisable not to carry out any strenuous jobs that can exert pressure in that area.

The few months, the patient has to be very careful, especially during their menstrual cycle. The breasts become tender and swell up. Some women may also undergo some minor pain in that area. The nipple, as well as the breasts become numb and this feeling remains for almost a year after the surgery has taken place. This might not be experienced by all women. During recovery, some women might experience hypersensitivity in the area. These reactions; numbness or hypersensitivity, may be a permanent reaction of the surgery. Overall, the average recovery time can be around 6 months to a year and a half. If the patient is taken proper care of and follows all the instructions that the doctor has given, then the breast reduction recovery time can be reduced. Besides this, there are also some breast reduction exercises that you can carry out.

After the surgery has taken place, the patient is usually left with a scar. Sadly, these scars are permanent and they remain swelled up and red for months before fading to fine white lines. Do not worry, you can still wear that sexy black dress that you have been waiting to wear for long, without letting others know that you have had a surgery. If you are a smoker, then stop it right now as it will only make the scars appear bigger with time. If you are worried that you will be scarred for life, you should still go and get the surgery done otherwise you might end up with even worse problems. So, relax and go get the surgery done.