Before you even decide to move forward with breast reduction surgery, you’ll have a lot of questions. One of those questions may be, “How long is the procedure?” It’s totally understandable that you want to know how much time you’ll need to set aside and how long it’ll be before you feel back to your usual self.
At Allure Esthetic, we help patients understand what they can expect from their entire procedure, not just what the results might be. We prioritize patient education and love walking you through each step of the process. Let’s go over a typical breast reduction surgery timeline so you can feel as confident and prepared as possible before, during, and after your procedure.
Day Of Surgery: What To Expect
On the day of your surgery, we’ll start by finalizing your surgical plan and making sure you’re fully comfortable with every detail. Dr. Sajan will go over any last-minute questions or concerns you may have so you’ll feel at ease.
Breast reduction surgery itself usually takes around two to five hours, depending on how much tissue your surgeon is removing and the complexity of the procedure. We perform breast reductions under general anesthesia, so you’ll be completely asleep and comfortable throughout. Once you’re settled in and everything is set, our team will begin the surgery and carefully reshape your breast tissue to create the size and contour you desire.
Immediately After Breast Reduction Surgery
Once your surgery is complete, you’ll spend some time in a recovery room so we can monitor you as you wake up from anesthesia. This is a crucial step in making sure you feel well and are stable enough to head home the same day. You’ll likely be cleared to head home within a few hours after surgery, but rest assured, we won’t send you on your way until you feel ready. We’ll also provide you with a detailed set of post-operative instructions that cover how to care for your incisions, when to take medications, and what activities to avoid during the early stages of recovery.
The First Few Days After Surgery
During the first few days, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and fatigue. These are normal and expected. We recommend taking it easy, having someone at home to help with daily tasks, and wearing your surgical bra as instructed. The surgical bra provides gentle support to minimize swelling and promote healing.
In addition to physical rest, give yourself plenty of mental rest. You’ve just undergone a significant procedure, and it’s okay to let your body (and mind) recover without pushing yourself too hard.
Week One To Two Post-Op
By the end of the first week at home, you should start feeling more like yourself. You’ll likely have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Sajan at Allure Esthetic to check on your progress and make sure your incisions are healing properly. During this visit, we’ll remove any sutures that aren’t dissolvable and may also adjust your surgical bandages if needed.
Pain levels typically decrease significantly after the first week, and you can begin to slowly resume light activities. However, strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided until Dr. Sajan gives you the green light.
Weeks Three To Six Post-Op
As you move into the three-to-six-week range, you’ll notice your body steadily healing and adjusting to its new shape. Swelling will continue to go down, and your energy levels should gradually return to normal. Around this time, you may be cleared to return to work (if you haven’t already) and gradually reintroduce activities you enjoy, like mild exercise.
Long-Term Recovery & Final Results
Full recovery after breast reduction is a process that unfolds over several months. While you’ll notice significant changes right away, your final results will become increasingly apparent as swelling diminishes and scars mature. By the six-month mark, you’ll likely have a clear picture of your new breast size and shape, boosting your comfort and confidence.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation Today!
Are you ready to move forward with breast reduction surgery? Do you have more questions about how long the process takes? At Allure Esthetic, Dr. Sajan and our dedicated team are here to guide you through the entire journey from the initial consultation to long after your surgery day.
Call or text us at (206) 209-0988 to schedule a breast reduction consultation today!