Plastic Surgeon Questions Plastic Surgeon

How painful is breast reduction surgery?

I am a 26 year old female. I want to know how painful is breast reduction surgery?

7 Answers

Interestingly, enough breast reduction surgery is not that painful. In general manipulation of skin and fat in the body is not nearly as painful as having surgery for bone and muscle. That being said, breast reduction surgery takes approximately two hours and requires approximately 7 to 10 days of initial recovery with final results being seen at approximately three months.
Hello, Breast reduction is moderately painful. On a scale of 1-10, it usually is a 7, which lasts about 5 days. However, most patients with large breasts usually have a lot of neck and back pain, and therefore seek reduction surgery. Consequently, these patients are some of the happiest patients in cosmetic surgery. You should not let the temporary pain deter you from doing the procedure. There are plenty of medications that will help you get through the pain and discomfort. For further information, you can visit my website, at Drroya.com. Good luck!
It can be quite painful in the first days. It is usually done as an in patient so you have nursing 24 hrs. So, you can ask for pain meds. When you are discharged, the pain meds are by mouth. You are charged with the responsibility of taking them in a responsible manner. BUT—they work. If the pain continues in a severe manner after a few days, something is amiss. Follow the instructions. Do what is asked. But notify the doctor if there is an unexpected severe pain, when it is unexpected.
Breast reduction surgery is minimally painful.

In my experience, when I am the surgeon, breast reductions are usually not particularly painful and recovery is quick. Patients are almost universally pleased with the procedure and find it life altering. Tenderness lasts a few months, but seldom requires painkillers if a good, comfortable support bra is used.

Dr. M
Not painful at all, only uncomfortable
Hi. Thank you for your question. I honestly tell my patients that in my hands, breast reduction is the least painful operation I perform. If there is no liposuction needed to the lateral thorax (side chest/anterior axilla), then breast reduction alone is essentially painless. I hope this helps.