After you’ve been through a breast reduction in Tampa, you’ll need to know how best to care for yourself. There are some key changes that you should make after surgery to ensure a successful outcome and a comfortable recovery. Here are some of our expert tips to make your recuperation a positive experience.
Sleeping And Sitting
Swelling is one of the most common issues you may experience after your breast reduction. While you’ll notice your breasts are smaller, it could take as long as a year to see the full results. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate swelling after surgery, there are a few things you can do to reduce it.
Choosing the right position to sleep and sit in will help to keep the swelling down. Try to elevate your chest as much as you can in the weeks following surgery. Avoid lying on your side or back when you sleep. Instead, place some pillows under your chest, and keep it elevated. Also, when you sit, try to sit upright or in a reclining chair and keep your chest up. Avoiding stomach sleeping for the first few weeks following surgery is a good idea. Sleeping in this position will put added pressure on your breasts.
Choose The Correct Underwear
You can reduce swelling following surgery by wearing a compression garment. Once you have had your bandages removed, you should wear a supportive, soft bra. A wire-free sports bra is ideal. This will keep your breasts in the right position while reducing bruising and swelling. Wear it 24 hours a day, even in bed. Do not wear underwire bras for a few months following surgery. Wires can chafe, creating sores or irritating your incisions.
Coping With Discomfort
You should experience minimal discomfort following your breast reduction in Tampa. However, if you experience pain, you can request a prescription for pain relief. Sometimes, an over-the-counter painkiller may be sufficient. Make sure your cosmetic surgeon has given the go-ahead before taking any medication.
Eating And Drinking
Eating the right foods following surgery is important for a good recovery. Avoid junk food and eat foods that are nutritious and low in sodium. If you have a lot of salt following surgery, swelling can be a problem. You also need to ensure you are getting sufficient nutrients to guarantee proper healing. Staying hydrated is important to reduce any swelling. Drink frequently and keep water by your side throughout the day and night. Avoid drinking alcohol following your breast reduction surgery. Wait until your cosmetic surgeon has given you the green light to drink alcohol again.
Washing And Cleaning
It can be challenging to wash properly following surgery. Sponge baths are a good way to get clean in the first days following surgery. You should avoid wetting the areas around the incision. Your surgeon can advise you about when to start showering again. It can also be difficult to wash your hair. Do not lift your arms over your head. If possible, a friend or family member should wash your hair. Alternatively, you could schedule appointments with a hairstylist.
Reduced Physical Activity
You should minimize your physical activity for the first few weeks after surgery. A few short walks are enough. You should avoid strenuous exercises or intense workouts for around four weeks. For most people, it’s possible to return to work within one to two weeks after surgery.
While having surgery means you will need to make some changes, the benefits will be worth it. Contact us today to find out more about breast reduction in Tampa and expert advice about caring for yourself afterward.
Dr. Thomas Su, is the owner and cosmetic surgeon of Artistic Lipo. He has led our full-time clinic specializing in awake-only liposuction since 2007. Dr. Su began his medical career in internal medicine, practicing that until 2005, when he began to provide a full spectrum of non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
