Most patients go home the day after a breast reduction, are comfortable in a supportive garment within a week, and are back at desk work in two weeks. Physical or overhead work takes six. Full exercise waits until six weeks, and the scars keep settling for a year.
That is the short version. What follows is what actually happens, week by week, and what Dr Kumar’s nurses will be doing alongside you.
The first 48 hours
You will usually stay one night. You will wake in a surgical bra with dressings underneath, and the sensation most patients describe is tightness rather than sharp pain. You will be up and walking the same day.
Dr Kumar uses Prineo and Micropore on the wounds, and both stay on for six weeks. A pressure garment goes on and is worn for six weeks as well. The nurses who prepared you for surgery are the same ones who will see you at every review afterwards.
Week by week
| When | What to expect | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Tightness and swelling, some bruising | Walk around the house, shower as directed |
| Days 4–7 | Swelling peaks then starts to settle | Light activity, no lifting above shoulder height |
| Week 1 | First review with the nursing team | Most patients stop regular pain relief |
| Week 2 | Comfortable in the garment day and night | Desk work, driving once off strong pain relief and able to brake hard |
| Weeks 3–5 | Swelling continues to reduce, shape starts to show | Light walking, gradually increasing |
| Week 6 | Second review; dressings and garment come off | Return to physical work, gym, running, swimming |
| Week 12 | Third review; scars are at their reddest | Normal activity |
| 6 months | Scars fading, shape settled | — |
| 12 months | Final review; scars pale and flat in most patients | — |
Dr Kumar reviews his surgical patients for twelve months after surgery. Many patients are seen more often than this in the early weeks for dressings or questions.
Driving
Not while taking strong pain relief, and not until you can brake hard without hesitating. For most patients that is around two weeks. Check your insurer’s wording, as some policies are specific about surgery.
Work
Desk work at two weeks is realistic for most patients. Work involving lifting, reaching overhead or physical exertion takes six weeks. If your job sits somewhere between the two, raise it at your consultation and Dr Kumar will give you a figure to plan around rather than a range.
Exercise
Walking from the first few days. Nothing that bounces, lifts or stretches the chest until six weeks. Returning too early is the most common reason a scar widens.
Sleeping
On your back, slightly propped up, for the first two weeks. Side sleeping is uncomfortable rather than dangerous, and most patients return to it when it stops hurting.
What is normal, and what is not
Normal: swelling that shifts through the day, bruising that tracks downwards, shooting or burning sensations as nerves recover, and asymmetry in the early weeks as each side settles at its own pace.
Worth a call: fever, redness spreading from the wound, sudden swelling on one side, or a wound that opens. Dr Kumar’s nurses would rather see you early than late — call 1300 267 726.
Common questions
When will I know my final size? Shape settles over about three months, and scars over twelve. The size you are at six weeks is close to your final size.
Will I lose sensation in my nipples? Some change in sensation is usual early on, and it improves for most patients over several months. Permanent change is a recognised risk and is discussed at consultation.
When can I wear an underwire? Usually after six weeks, once the garment comes off and the fold has settled.
Can I fly afterwards? Short domestic flights are usually fine after about two weeks. Tell Dr Kumar’s team your travel plans before surgery, particularly if you are coming from Orange or further.
Next step
If you are planning around work or family, Dr Kumar’s nurses can talk you through the timeline for your situation before you book — call 1300 267 726 or request a call.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
