How Long is Bed Rest After Breast Reduction?

The healing process following any surgery can take time and patience. Healing from breast reduction surgery can take up to six weeks, and it is recommended that you take between two and three weeks off work.

You are not required to remain in bed for any extended period of time following the surgery but plenty of sleep and rest will help the healing, and you will be subject to a number of lifestyle restrictions that you must follow, or risk causing serious injury or interfering with the natural healing process.

How you approach the healing process after cosmetic surgery is just as important as the surgical process itself, and can have a huge impact on the outcome.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has created this short guide to help you understand what you should and should not do when healing from breast reduction surgery so you can get the best results from your surgery and remain healthy after the operation.

How should I sleep in bed following breast reduction surgery?

Sleeping on your back is the best way to ensure proper healing. Side or front sleeping can cause the healing areas to suffer from extra pressure and unwanted knocks, which can have negative effects on the incisions, including by causing them to reopen and rendering your breasts susceptible to infection.

It is recommended that you sleep on your back for up to 12 weeks after the operation. If this is something you struggle to do, you may find that propping your body up with pillows may help, and this will help the sensitive areas of your breasts get used to being vertical, increasing the chances of being able to feel comfortable when walking.

What activities should I avoid after breast reduction surgery?

As is standard with nearly any surgery, you should avoid doing any exercise or strenuous activity until the healing process is complete. This includes running, stretching and lifting heavy objects.

Going for short walks can be helpful, however, as can fresh air and sunlight, but you should ensure that you keep the healing scars covered from sun and rain, as both of these elements can hinder their ability to heal properly.

When washing, avoid using the shower for the first two days, or until your surgeon permits you to, as the pressure can have negative impacts and even water drips can affect the healing process. Do not submerge the affected areas in a bath, as this could lead to infection.

When you are able to shower, do so daily as this will help you to keep the incisions clean. Do not wash in water that is too hot, as this may harm the sensitive skin. Wash gently and make sure to rinse off all of the excess soap.

It is better to allow the water from the shower to drain onto the affected areas rather than aiming the showerhead directly at them, as this may damage the healing incisions.

You should avoid taking baths until a minimum of six weeks after your surgery, but it is best to discuss this with your surgeon to ensure that your breasts are sufficiently healed before taking your first post-op bath.

How will I know if something goes wrong?

If you feel pain for an extended period of time in your breast, or there is a large amount of swelling, redness or warmth, this may be an indication of infection, which is the most likely condition to affect an area of the body healing from surgery.

Other symptoms include a fever, chills or bloody drainage. If you are suffering from any of the above and are worried that something has gone wrong with your procedure, you should contact your surgeon immediately and seek a medical diagnosis.

Unfortunately, things sometimes go wrong after surgery, and there are a number of reasons that this could happen. If you experience problems after surgery that were not your fault, but those of your medical practitioner, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

The term 'medical negligence' is used to describe when a surgeon, doctor or other medical professional acts in a way fails to follow proper procedure and causes harm to a patient.

This can include mistakes during surgery or failure to provide adequate help and advice throughout the healing process.

Claiming compensation can help with this, as it may help you to afford corrective surgery and support, and account for any pain, suffering and financial losses you incurred as a result of your surgery going wrong.

The experts at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can advise you on how to make a compensation claim. Speak to us today and do not delay in seeking the help you need. Call 0808 296 6509 or fill out our online contact form.