Case #1307
Breast Reduction
22-year-old female who had breasts that she felt were too large for her body. Here she is 6 months after breast reduction, after 430g were removed from the right breast and 500g from the left.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Surgical plan calibrated against the opposite side. Final shape, scar position, and volume targeted to match — not to a generic ideal.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- Front-closing clothing only for 3 weeks. Drain holders and supportive surgical bras are issued at discharge.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Light activity, hydration, and elevation. Expect peak swelling between days 3 and 5, then a gradual easing through the end of the week.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Most patients back to gym cardio at 50 percent intensity. Scar massage protocol begins. Driving restored if not already.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Reduction.
- Surgical bra continuously for 6 weeks
- Sleep elevated on your back; no side or stomach sleeping for 4 weeks
- Drains typically removed at days 5–7
- Scar management protocol at 3 weeks
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the anchor or lollipop incisions
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Hydrating body protocol while skin retracts
- Fractional laser for scar refinement after 3 months
- LED light therapy weekly for the first 8 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage starting week 2
- Skincare
Sun avoidance and SPF protocol extended through month 12 to minimize scar hyperpigmentation.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
