Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Let’s look at what to expect during the different postoperative periods.
- 1 day in the hospital. After the procedure, you will stay in the hospital for 1 day. During this period, your job is to inform the nurses of any pain or nausea so that they can make you as comfortable as possible. Follow all instructions from the medical staff
- Discharge from the clinic. When you leave the clinic, you will be given detailed instructions specific to your particular case. These will include: care of your incision, activity restrictions, and use of prescription medications. Ask any questions you have. You will have dressings to cover your incisions and a post-operative bra to wear at all times until your doctor gives you the all-clear.
- The first week. You will spend this in Istanbul, as the recommended stay in the country for breast reduction is 7 days. During this period, try to get plenty of rest, eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid lifting weights over 5 kg and strenuous exercise. During the first week, you will also have some post-operative pain. The degree of pain varies from patient to patient, but most patients will be pleasantly surprised that the pain is less than they expected. In fact, most patients complain more of a feeling of “tightness” than severe pain. While you do need to rest and take precautions, you should not spend this first week just lying in bed. Part of your recovery should include light activity, such as walking, and a gradual return to self-care activities.
The Internet is a convenient source of all sorts of post-operative advice, but this advice may not be what your surgeon recommends for you. Since the Internet did not perform your surgery, it probably should not care about you after surgery. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions.
