Breast Reduction - Aftercare

Potential bruises and swelling as well as the pains which arise in the first days after the operation can be handled quickly and effectively during your in-patient clinic stay. The swelling and bruises should recede in the first weeks after your release from the clinic. A normal shower and bodily hygiene regimen can typically be resumed after a few days. If self-dissolving stitches are not used, the stitching material can be removed manually after about five weeks.

After removal of the dressing and the stitches you should wear a support bra for at least three weeks; this bra should place an even – but not too strong – amount of pressure on the breast, thereby counteracting excessive scarring. You should refrain from sports and other physically demanding activities for the next two months; moreover, you should sleep on your back at night – never on your stomach. You are further advised against taking up smoking again in the first days and weeks after the operation as this can negatively impact the healing of the wound. If extreme pain, redness, or wound fluid should arise, please inform the doctor who is treating you.¹¹

Aftercare activities also depend, however, on your personal situation; please talk about this with your doctor in more detail.