Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to surgically reduce the size of the breasts. A breast reduction is a great option to help you improve the look and feel of your breasts and to alleviate some of the physical discomforts associated with large breasts, such as back and neck strain, poor posture, and skin irritation. While a breast reduction will help you reach your goals of having smaller, more lifted breasts, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a major surgical procedure and being well-prepared will help you heal more comfortably and achieve your optimal results. Here are some things you can do to prepare for an easier recovery.
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Prioritize Your Health
By prioritizing your physical health, you will help your body tolerate the surgery, avoid complications, and heal more quickly. Take some time before your surgery to establish healthy habits, like eating well, exercising regularly, cutting out alcohol and sugar, and losing any excess weight. Your surgeon will also recommend that you quit smoking at least two weeks prior to your surgery and two weeks after. Smoking can put you at a greater risk of complications and slow down your healing process.
Schedule Plenty of Time Off
Make sure that you request the time off work even before your procedure so you can get the house prepared for your recovery. Most patients are well enough to return to work after just one week of recovery, but if you can afford to take longer, allow yourself another week to make sure that your body is ready to get back into normal work hours. If your job is physically demanding and requires you to do a lot of lifting and stretching, your surgeon may recommend that you take up to four weeks off before returning to work.
Ask for Help
On the day of your surgery, you’ll need a ride to the surgery center and a ride home. If you are able and have the support system, lean on your family and friends to assist you for at least the first 24 hours. Your mobility and movements will be compromised, and simple tasks will likely be hard to complete. If you have children, you’ll need to rely on close family and friends to help care for them as you will not be able to lift or carry small children for several weeks post-surgery. Having people close by to help will ensure that you don’t overexert yourself and compromise your healing.
Contact Widder Plastic Surgery for Your Breast Reduction Consultation
If you have chosen breast reduction surgery, taking some time to prepare for your surgery and recovery will help you heal well and achieve optimal results. To explore your options for reduction mammoplasty for cosmetic reasons or to address pain and discomfort associated with large breasts, contact Widder Plastic Surgery in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.
Dr. Shlomo Widder and his team are the top choice for surgical cosmetic procedures, including breast surgeries, tummy tuck, liposuction, and more. Dr. Widder is committed to patient education and providing surgical and non-surgical treatments to help patients look and feel their best. Schedule your consultation today by calling (703) 506-0300 or completing our online contact form.
