So, you’ve decided to go ahead with breast reduction surgery, an exciting step towards feeling more comfortable and confident in your body. Now it’s time to prepare for what comes next: recovery.
If you already have your surgery date booked, it’s important to discuss the details of your recovery plan with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Every surgeon has their own techniques and preferences. For example, some may use drains while others may not; some may close incisions with dissolvable stitches, while others may use sutures that need to be removed. Dressing methods can also vary, with some surgeons preferring surgical tape, glue, or ointment.
These differences are completely normal and reflect each surgeon’s training and approach. There isn’t one single “right” method. This guide provides a general overview of what to expect during breast reduction recovery, but always follow the specific advice given by your surgeon.
Recovery after breast reduction surgery generally happens in two key stages: the early recovery phase and the long-term recovery phase.
The early phase typically lasts around three weeks and focuses on rest, wound healing, and gradually returning to light activities. The long-term phase usually takes three to six months, or sometimes longer, as swelling settles and your breasts take on their final shape.
Each stage is an important part of the healing process, and while progress is gradual, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, tightness, or sensitivity at different points along the way.
In the early stage of recovery after a breast reduction, your main focus should be on rest, healing, and gentle movement. At Kat & Co, breast reduction procedures are performed under Twilight Anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be comfortably asleep during surgery but still able to breathe on your own. This allows most patients to return home or to a nearby hotel on the same day to recover in a calm and familiar environment.
When you wake up, your chest will be covered with dressings, and you’ll be wearing a supportive sports bra over them. This bra helps reduce swelling and support your new breast shape. It should be worn day and night for the first three months, unless advised otherwise by your surgeon.
Before discharge, any drains will be removed, and you’ll receive pain relief medication to manage any discomfort. It’s important to keep dressings clean and dry until your surgeon confirms it’s safe to shower. You’ll also be asked to wear TED compression stockings for about two weeks to help with circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
It’s normal to feel sore and notice some swelling, tightness, or bruising in the breasts and chest area during the first week. These symptoms should gradually improve each day and can be managed with prescribed medication.
About a week after surgery, you’ll return for your first dressing appointment, where the strapping will be replaced with lighter dressings. A second dressing check may follow the next week, depending on your healing progress.
Take things slowly during this period. Short walks can help with circulation, but avoid strenuous activities and lifting. Sleep on your back, using pillows or a recliner to stay comfortable. If you normally sleep on your side or stomach, a body pillow can help you adjust.
Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on their job and the extent of their procedure. Light daily activities, such as driving, are usually fine after the first week, but avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height or stretching for six weeks.
You can begin lower-body exercises, such as gentle walking or cycling, from week three. Upper-body exercises, including swimming or weight training, should be avoided until after six weeks, once your surgeon confirms it’s safe.
Your incisions will be covered with micropore tape for at least three months to support healing. This tape should stay in place during showers or baths and can simply be patted dry. Replace it only when it becomes loose on its own.
From around the second week, you can begin to moisturise the surrounding breast skin, and after three months, start moisturising the scars themselves. Avoid underwired bras for the first three months to prevent irritation and ensure proper healing. Soft, supportive bras are best, though a regular bra or bikini can be worn occasionally for special events if approved by your surgeon.
If you notice unexpected pain, swelling, or any issues with your dressings, contact your surgical team for guidance.
As you move into the later stages of recovery, your body will continue to heal, and you can gradually return to more regular routines. By this stage, most swelling will have subsided, and your breasts will begin to settle into their new, natural shape.
Around six weeks after surgery, you can start to reintroduce upper-body exercises, such as swimming or light strength training, if your surgeon agrees it’s safe. Begin slowly, allowing your stamina to build over time. Activities that involve bouncing or high impact, like jogging or jumping, may still feel uncomfortable, so it’s best to ease into them. Always wear a supportive sports bra during physical activity to protect your results.
Lower-body exercises, such as incline walking or gentle cycling, can be resumed earlier (from week three), and you can gradually increase the intensity as your body allows.
During this phase, you may experience temporary numbness or tingling around the chest or nipples. This is a normal part of nerve healing and usually improves over several months, though mild numbness can occasionally persist. Some patients also feel brief, sharp sensations or “zings” as the nerves repair themselves. These should become less frequent and disappear over time.
Most patients find that the majority of swelling resolves within three to four months, though small areas of firmness or unevenness under the skin can remain for a while as tissues continue to heal. Scars may take up to a year to fully fade and soften. During the first three months, micropore tape helps protect and support the scars; after this, your surgeon may recommend starting a scar moisturising routine. Consistent care during this stage helps improve the long-term appearance of scars.
Continue wearing your supportive sports bra day and night for the first three months, and avoid underwired bras until your surgeon advises otherwise. Once healing is complete, you can return to your usual lingerie choices.
Although many patients feel recovery is quicker than expected, it’s essential to allow your body enough time to fully heal. Following your surgeon’s guidance and caring for yourself properly will help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.
If you have any concerns such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in your incisions contact your surgical team right away for reassurance and advice.
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, our award-winning, CQC-regulated clinic in the heart of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Medical Quarter is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your free online mini-consultation today and speak with one of our friendly consultants about how breast reduction surgery can help you feel more comfortable, confident, and supported.
Contact Us: 0121 456 7930
