How can you recover most effectively from your breast reduction surgery?

You may be considering breast reduction surgery for any of a number of reasons; sometimes, this procedure is sought in order to improve self-confidence, or it might be problems like backache that serve as a greater spur for you to contemplate this type of surgery. 

Whatever the situation for you, if you do commit to undergoing this procedure, it is important to be well-informed on the best ways to ensure a smooth and fast recovery. 

Some of those methods for effective recovery are less obvious than others, so let’s set out some of the most proven tips. 

Adjust your recovery approach over time 

Although the exact situation is unique to the individual, you can typically expect a two-to-six-week wait to fully recover from breast reduction surgery – and your approach to that recovery should evolve over those crucial days and weeks. 

In the first few days after your surgery, any swelling of your breasts related to the surgery is likely to be at its most noticeable. You will be wearing a surgical bra, and you can expect to feel quite sleepy. After about 48 hours, you should be able to shower. 

One to two weeks following the procedure, swelling should begin to subside, although there will still be visible bruising, and you are still advised to take care to avoid lifting anything heavy. After about two to four weeks, you should be able to gradually – but only gradually – resume normal activities. 

Eat simple, unprocessed foods and drink plenty of water 

The advice “drink lots of water” pops up a lot in guides to post-surgery recovery, and there are good reasons for that; keeping well-hydrated will aid your recovery and all-round health, and should help reduce swelling as well. So, it’s a good idea to always have a glass of water with you, if you can. 

Similarly, on the eating front, the days and weeks after your recovery aren’t a time for getting adventurous with an unconventional diet, or snacking on junk food (unfortunately, “I’m recovering from surgery” isn’t a great excuse for the latter!). Instead, aim to eat foods that are simple, highly nutritious, and low in sodium, given that high amounts of the latter could worsen swelling. 

Sleep in an elevated position 

You can probably understand why it’s ill-advised to sleep on your chest when recovering from breast reduction surgery, as those first few weeks aren’t a good time to put pressure on your chest. 

However, it’s also a good idea to try to sleep in an elevated position during your recovery, instead of lying flat on your back. Putting some pillows under your torso will help you achieve this. Remember that good, and comfortable, sleep will support your recovery due to its support for your all-round health and wellbeing, including helping to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. 

Find the right kind of post-surgery bra 

You can further help minimise swelling after your breast reduction operation by wearing a suitable compression garment. With the area where the surgery has been performed likely to be bandaged immediately after the procedure, you will probably be greatly thankful for a soft, but supportive bra at this time. 

Sure enough, here at RECOVA, we stock many of the best post-surgery bras available on the market, courtesy of our partnership with VOE. Whatever the nature of the breast procedure you have undergone, you can count on these highly rated bras – with their medical-grade compression fabrics and design – to provide both support and comfort to make your recovery easier. 

So, why not begin shopping from our store today to discover the garments that represent the best match to your own needs?