All surgical recovery periods often rely on the patient. You will be given advice which is provided to you to improve your recovery time and make these new changes in your lifestyle as comfortable as possible. Before and after surgery you should always follow the advice your surgeon and his team give you. It is essential that you understand what is expected of you during your recovery period.
Aftercare team
Several aftercare teams and packages vary depending on where you are having your surgery administered; this area may require you to complete thorough research to make sure that you are receiving the very best aftercare package possible. Breast reduction specialist in Brisbane, Dr Terrence Scamp along with many other expert specialists will offer you the following packages:
- 24-hour emergency telephone lines
- Unlimited check-ups
- Access to certain medicine — pain relief and antibiotics where necessary.
- Revision surgery — free — where medically appropriate
How long will it take to recover from a breast reduction?
Following your breast reduction surgery, you should expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. For stitches that need removing, you will need to go to a follow-up appointment one to two weeks following your surgery. With disposable stitches, they take time to dissolve, and this varies from patient to patient. Most patients report that the stitches dissolve during the second or third week.
In general, patients find it necessary to have up to one month off of work, as the recovery period changes significantly due to your body as well as the type of surgical procedure. Make sure that you ask your surgeon how long you need to take off from work, and how long they think you need to recover.
Scarring often appears lumpy and red in the beginning, and this may be evident for quite a few weeks. Don’t worry, they will gradually fade away to a purplish colour, and then turn white.
What should I expect during recovery?
As soon as you come out of the surgery you may feel a bit dizzy, and experience some nausea, this is a result of the general anaesthetic wearing off. Some discomfort may also be experienced, but you will be given painkillers during your hospital stay; which can be taken via injection or tablet. Antibiotics will be used to reduce any infection which may be present. You will be given advice to help you with the aftercare; this will include how to take care of the wounds, how to reduce scarring and ways to reduce the risk of infection.
You should have regular follow up appointments with your specialist who will check your scarring for infection, and ensure that they are healing properly.
