The Truth About Breast-Reduction Recovery

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We Have To Talk About…

The Truth About Breast-Reduction Recovery

More women are opting for smaller boobs. There’s been a 64% increase in breast-reduction surgeries since 2019, and there’s a prevalence of women documenting their journeys on social media. But what does recovery from these procedures truly feel like — physically and mentally?

A typical physical recovery timeline

Week one: Permission to do, well, nothing except eat and drink lots of fluids. Pain, soreness, and some draining from the incision are normal. So is wearing dressings and a special bra or wrap for support. The first follow-up appointment usually happens within a few days.

Weeks two and three: Recovery is still in progress, so sleeping supine and trying to stay reclined when resting is necessary. The surgeon will remove sutures, and by week three, a lot of the bruising and swelling will improve. Toward the end, it’s possible to start taking longer walks and lifting some weight.

Weeks four and beyond: Time to shop for new bras and start building back to usual exercise. Numbness and quick shooting pains on the sides and nipples may continue (fun), but they should go away after a few months. Another doctor’s visit will likely happen at four or six weeks and every few months for a year.  

But what happens emotionally? 

It's rare for someone to regret their breast reduction, says Michele Shermak, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That's why they're among the cosmetic procedures with such high satisfaction rates. Many women feel a massive sense of relief when the physical and mental weight is gone, which can be emotionally liberating. 

But it’s also normal to feel low energy or depressed after surgery. It’s a big life change that can take time to process. Shermak suggests talking to a PCP or mental health provider if the low mood persists after a week or so post-surgery.

Your move:

If you’re considering a breast reduction, bring these Qs to your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon: 

• How do I know if I’m a good candidate?

• Is there anything I can do to help get the best results?

• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?

• How long should I expect to recover?

• Will my health insurance cover the surgery?

Ask An Expert

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

What can I do to prevent bloating?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Tamara Freuman, RD

GI dietician with New York Gastroenterology Associates

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution for prevention. You need to understand why you are bloated if you want to prevent it.” Depending on the cause, a solution might be… 

• Managing constipation

• Eating more, smaller meals instead of larger, fewer meals

• Taking Gas-X or antacids 

But is your bloating normal?

Together with LetsGetChecked

Pop Quiz

Vitamins play a vital role in our overall health and immune system. Can you guess which of the below definitions describes Vitamin D, and which describes Vitamin B-12?

If you guessed A for B-12, you’re right. If you’re curious if you’re getting enough vitamins, LetsGetChecked’s Essential Vitamin Test is an easy and fast way to test for vitamin D, B-12, and E deficiencies — without leaving home. The best part? You’ll get secure, online results in two to five days. See for yourself.*

Well, Actually

We’re here to fact-check health trends, wellness assumptions, and myths. Such as:

Do neurocosmetics work? 

Well, actually, it’s unlikely. Neurocosmetics are skincare products with ingredients that supposedly impact your brain chemistry and improve your mental health, like some plant extracts and peptides. 

The skin-brain connection is real, but experts like cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos and beauty writer Jessica DeFino say there are issues with neurocosmetics’ efficacy:

• There’s not enough research to definitively prove that an ingredient can significantly impact mental health, says Dobos.

• It's a tall order for an ingredient to be formulated in a way that penetrates the skin and impacts brain activity, she adds.

• Companies use appealing fragrances, language, or the calming ritual of a skincare routine to sell something for your mental health. But “a fragrance [doesn’t have] the power to override your chemical depression,” says DeFino.

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What TikTok’s now calling the last few months of the year. One January is enough for us, thanks.