What Kind Of Pain To Expect After Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure used to relieve patients from pain associated with heavy breasts. This is accomplished by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin to create a size and shape that most appropriately fits the patient's body. While the pain following surgery may be challenging for the patient, often times the short-lived pain outweighs the long-term pain in the back, neck and shoulders that is often associated with large, heavy breasts.

Muscle Pain

During the first few days following surgery, it is very common for patients to experience pain associated with muscle contraction. This is particularly prevalent with muscle contractions in the torso, such as coughing, sneezing or laughing. Surgeons will commonly prescribe prescription medications to soothe the patient during the recovery process.

Bruising

Some bruising and swelling is also to be expected during the first few weeks following surgery. This typically subside rather quickly and is not consistent throughout the recovery period. It is also commonly alleviated with pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications. Furthermore, some surgeons may recommend taking arnica, which is an herbal medication known to reduce prevalence or bruising.

Menstrual Period Pain

The first menstrual period following the breast reduction procedure is often painful for the patient. The pain is associated with the tenderness and swelling that occurs in the breasts during regular menstrual cycles and is further exacerbated by post-surgery swelling and pain. Some women, however, have noted pain associated with menstrual periods for the first few months following surgery. As a general rule, however, breast pain during menstrual cycles will return to the level experienced prior to breast reduction surgery relatively quickly.

Dry Skin

Around the incision area, it is common to experience itchiness and irritation related to dry skin. Non-fragrant lotions can be used around the incision area as long as you are careful not to apply the lotions directly to the open incisions. Doing so can lead to infection or additional scarring throughout the healing process.

Long-Term Pain

Ultimately, the pain associated with the surgery will subside, typically within a few months following surgery, and the long-term benefits of having breast reduction surgery begin to become evident. As an effective means to alleviate the shoulder, neck and back pain, breast reduction surgery is a common choice for alleviation of symptoms associated with large breasts.

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