After Breast Reduction Surgery in Denver

With the completion of surgery, patients are sent to the recovery area or "Post Anesthesia Care Unit" (PACU) and remain there until awake and alert. Then, depending on your preference, you will either be discharged home or go to the aftercare facility for an overnight stay or longer, if you desire.

Soft, supportive dressings have been applied after surgery. Drainage tubes are often inserted during surgery, attached to small reservoirs that are emptied several times a day. These are removed in the office after several days. The dressings are usually changed after several days, and sutures removed at 7-10 days. Except for the restriction of vigorous arm motion and lifting, you will be encouraged to be active, particularly plenty of walking. While some pain is expected following any surgery, it is not especially severe. You will receive adequate pain medication both in hospital and for home use. Feeling in the breast skin and nipple area will be reduced for at least a time after surgery. Some of this is temporary and fades over the weeks and months. But some loss of sensitivity may be permanent as well. Most patients can return to work after about 10 to 14 days.

But even then, the breasts will be sensitive. Sports and vigorous activities can be resumed in 3-4 weeks. Still, healing and "settling" of the new breasts as they assume their new shape is progressive over a period of months.

Breast reduction scars are in the pattern described earlier, the inverted-T or "anchor pattern." Their red color will fade gradually over a period of months. The scars may be lumpy as well. The staff will instruct you in methods to try to prevent scar thickening, widening, or stretching. Still, it requires patience to wait for the scars to eventually fade. Scarring is very much hereditary. Everyone scars differently and uniquely.