The evening following breast reduction surgery patients generally remain at bed rest, perhaps getting up for meals and trips to the bathroom. Ice should be applied to the chest as much as possible in the first 48 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling and discoloration. Despite your careful efforts to follow these instructions you will have swelling in your breasts, chest and possibly your abdomen and trunk. The swelling and discoloration will resolve slowly. Most of your discomfort can be controlled with medication and this should be taken before the pain becomes severe.

You will have guaze dressing in place and perhaps a drain. If you have a drain you will receive post-operative instructions for this. This drain is usually removed within a few days of your surgery and is used to collect any excess blood or fluid. Loose fitting clothing is the most comfortable and wearing a bra is discouraged for the first week after surgery. Once given the ok to wear a bra, underwires must be avoided.

You can increase your activity the second day after breast reduction surgery. Mild exercise such as walking and climbing stairs is encouraged; however, heavy lifting activities should be curtailed for the first two weeks. The surgical sites require minimal care. Usually dissolving sutures are used; however, if removable sutures are used they will be removed in approximately one week. Your first post-operative visit for breast reduction surgery is within five to seven days and your doctor will advise you on scar massaging and the usage of a bra.