Breast Reduction Pre & Post Operative Instructions
Follow these Breast Reduction Pre and Post Operative Instructions for optimal results from your surgical procedure.
Please Read First
The information on this page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for breast reduction surgery. For complete instructions—including specific timelines, medication details, wound care, garment use, and aftercare protocols—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below. These serve as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.
General Anesthesia Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions Video
What to Expect
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. Recovery varies by individual, but most patients can expect several weeks of healing, with swelling gradually improving and breast shape continuing to settle over time. Relief from symptoms related to breast size—such as neck, back, or shoulder discomfort—is often noticed as healing progresses.
Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)
Fasting: No food or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 8 hours prior to surgery.
Transportation: A responsible adult must drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least 1–2 days. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, taxis) are not permitted.
Medications: Discontinue aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements as directed (typically 2–3 weeks prior to surgery). Follow all medication guidance provided by your surgical team.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Stop nicotine use and reduce or avoid alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery. These steps help reduce complications and support proper healing.
Day of Surgery: Shower the night before or morning of surgery using soap only. Do not apply lotions, deodorant, perfume, or makeup. Wear loose, front-opening clothing for comfort after surgery.
Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)
Pain Management: Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used as directed. Narcotic pain medication and anti-nausea medication may be prescribed if needed.
Antibiotics: If prescribed, complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you are feeling well.
Mobility: Begin gentle walking as soon as possible after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Lifting & Activity: Avoid lifting more than 5 lbs, strenuous activity, or vigorous arm movements for at least 4–6 weeks, or as instructed by your surgeon.
Sleep Position: Sleep on your back with your head and shoulders elevated for at least one week to reduce swelling and tension on incisions.
Showering: You may shower 24–48 hours after surgery unless otherwise instructed. Do not submerge incisions in water until fully healed and approved by your surgeon.
Driving:
Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication.
Most patients can resume driving safely after 1–2 weeks once off narcotics and comfortable with arm movement.
Avoid long drives or manual-shift driving for approximately 3 weeks.
Your Recovery Bra: A supportive surgical bra or compression garment is required after surgery.
The garment should be supportive but not tight or restrictive.
No underwire.
Front-opening styles are recommended.
Having two garments is helpful so you can alternate for cleanliness.
Your first garment will be provided, and additional garments may be purchased if desired.
Sensory Changes: Temporary numbness or changes in nipple or breast sensation are common and usually improve over time.
Swelling & Healing: Swelling, firmness, and asymmetry are expected during early recovery. Breast shape and softness will continue to improve over several months.
Follow-Up and Support
Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or persistent pain unrelieved by medication.
Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Please attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.
Download Complete Instructions
For full details on medication management, incision care, activity progression, garment use, and recovery milestones, please download the complete instruction packet below:
Download Breast Reduction Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)]
Optional Supplies
You may consider the following items to support your recovery:
Additional compression or supportive bras (wire-free)
Scar gel or silicone-based scar treatments (available at Asia Pacific Surgery)
Asia Pacific Aesthetics Announcement
Due to weather, our office is CLOSED today (Friday, March 13th) for all surgery and medspa-related services. We are still able to receive phone calls. Please stay safe and be on the looking for contact from our office on Monday to reschedule.
