A breast reduction is performed in a hospital, usually requiring a two to three day stay. The procedure itself takes between two and four hours and is done under a general anesthetic. Once the surgery is complete, an elastic bandage or surgical bra wraps the breasts to provide comfort and support. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain excessive fluids. Patients may experience minor pain in the days following the surgery, although this subsides in seven to ten days.
Most women can return to work after two weeks.
Some women temporarily lose feeling in their nipples, a condition that almost always fades over time. Patients may also experience some discomfort in the breast area for up to a year. Occasionally, the surgery removes milk ducts leading to the nipples, impairing a woman's breast-feeding ability. To maximize the success of surgery and to minimize the risk of complication, always follow doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.