What to Expect When Having Breast Reduction

Anesthesia: General anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire procedure.

Location of Operation: Hospital, outpatient surgical center, or office based surgical suite.

Length of Surgery: 2 ½ - 3 hours for the vertical reduction technique and 3 ½ - 4 hours for the inverted T-reduction technique.

Length of Stay: Overnight for large reductions or for medical reasons. Outpatient (return home directly after) for most patients.

Discomfort: Minimal – controlled with pain pills and muscle relaxants.

Swelling and Bruising: There will be some post operative swelling and bruising.

Numbness: A decline in nipple sensation is common. This should return to normal after a few weeks. Permanent numbness can occur in 10-15% of patients. While 60-75% report much improved sensation after the procedure.

Bandages: The initial dressing is a 6-inch wrap or surgical bra. The initial bandages or a custom surgical bra, are removed in 1-2 days after surgery by Dr. Hainer or a staff member. Once the post-op dressing are removed, you are then allowed to shower. No tub baths.

Stitches: All sutures are dissolvable.

Drains: If drains are used, they are typically removed 1-2 days post-operatively.

Work: 7-10 days off of work is recommended for most patients although this varies depending on medical issues, age, size of the reduction, reduction technique and type of work performed.

Exercise: Light aerobic activities can be resumed after 2 weeks and full activities can be reinstated after 4-6 weeks. At 6 weeks, all activities can be resumed.

Sun Protection: If your scar is exposed while you are outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent permanent discoloration.

Final Result: At approximately 6 weeks. Nipple sensation, which may have declined initially after surgery, should also begin to normalize.

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