Post-Op Care – Breast Reduction

Overview

This guide explains how to care for yourself after breast reduction surgery to support safe healing, reduce complications, and achieve the best possible result. Please follow these instructions carefully and contact My Imperial Care if you notice anything unusual.

Hospital stay and discharge

Most patients are discharged according to the surgeon’s medical assessment once they are stable after surgery.

Wearing your bra

• A medical bra will be placed on you at the time of surgery and acts as a dressing to hold the breasts in position.
• For proper tissue healing, the bra must be worn at all times for 4 weeks and removed only for showering.
• If the bra feels too tight or painful, you may unhook the bottom two hooks or the top two hooks to make it more comfortable.
• If your incisions are in the crease of the breast, do not wear an underwire bra until full sensation in the scar area has returned.

Nipple sensitivity and monitoring

• You may experience changes in nipple and breast skin sensitivity. This is normal and usually improves during healing.
• Check your nipples three times a day.
• Contact us immediately if the skin appears discolored, grey, or black.

Steri-strips and incision care

• Steri-strips support the incisions during early healing and help prevent scar widening.
• Leave steri-strips in place until they fall off naturally.
• You may gently wash over them with antibacterial soap.
• Do not trim or pull sutures.
• Suture ends are required for removal at your follow-up visit.

Bleeding

• Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are common and expected.
• You may change the gauze as needed at home.
• If bleeding is more than light staining, apply firm pressure for 20–30 minutes.
• If heavy bleeding occurs, contact us immediately.

Bruising and swelling

• Bruising and swelling are expected after surgery.
• Swelling may take 3–6 months to fully resolve.
• The shape of the breasts will gradually become more natural and relaxed over several months.

Showering and bathing

• You may shower 24 hours after surgery.
• Water does not harm healing incisions.
• Avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, oceans, and lakes until the incision is fully healed and scabs have disappeared.

Infection warning signs

• Foul-smelling drainage
• Yellow or green discharge from the incision
• Fever above 38.3°C (101°F) with chills
• Redness and warmth around the incision

Activity

• Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (2–3 kg) for the first 2–3 days.
• Avoid any activity that causes pain.
• If it hurts, do not do it.
• Do not return to weight lifting, aerobic exercise, or high-impact activities for 4 weeks.
• Stay in contact with our team after returning home so we can guide you on safely resuming activities.

Pain and medication

Mild to moderate discomfort is normal after surgery. Follow all instructions provided with your pain medication.

Driving

• You may drive once driving does not cause pain.
• Wait at least 24 hours after anesthesia.
• Do not drive while taking strong pain medication.

Hematomas

• Hematomas are collections of blood and fluid under the skin or muscle.
• They are rare but must be reported immediately.
• Signs include one breast becoming significantly more swollen and painful than the other.
• If this occurs, contact us immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Smoking warning

Smoking significantly increases the risk of skin loss and delayed wound healing.

Do not smoke while your body is healing.

Contact – My Imperial Care

If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, contact us:

Email: support@myimperial.care
WhatsApp: +90 541 859 04 15