Once the fat and tissue is removed, the surgeon stitches up the incision and trims away any excess skin. These procedures last one to two hours and are typically performed on an outpatient basis. After the Surgery Following surgery, the incisions are dressed and the chest is wrapped in an elastic bandage. A small tube is sometimes used to drain away excess fluids. The surgeon generally removes the stitches in seven to fourteen days, while the bandage stays on for up to a month.
Patients can generally return to work in two weeks time.
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, and an unusual amount of fluid loss or gain. Patients may experience some bruising and swelling, although this gradually subsides in three to four weeks. In certain cases, numbness in the chest may occur following surgery. Patients may also experience minor but permanent scarring, changes in skin color, and a slight asymmetry in the appearance of the breasts. If you smoke, your surgeon will ask that you quit two weeks prior to and following surgery.