7 Effective Ways to Reduce Swelling After Breast Surgery

After having your breasts cosmetically altered or augmented, you will experience swelling and discomfort afterwards. While this is a normal part of recovery, understanding how to properly control and manage swelling can help you recover more quickly (thus experiencing less pain) and give you a clear view of your results much sooner. By having a good understanding of the correct way to control swelling caused by Breast surgery, you can greatly affect your recovery process.

The following are seven helpful methods endorsed by reconstructive surgeons and post-operative care providers that can be used to manage swelling.

1. Compression Clothes

Compression garments are typically referred to in terms of a surgical bra or compression garments that will provide support for the tissues surrounding / beneath your breast, increase blood flow, and avoid the build-up of bodily fluids in the surgical area. Compression clothing also helps the breast implants settle properly and maintain a naturally shaped breast.

Compression tips:

• Wear the compression garment continuously, as advised by your surgeon

• Do not wear a regular bra until advised by your surgeon

• Make sure that the garment fits snugly, but not so tight that it causes you pain

  
  

Compression is the easiest and most effective method to manage swelling following breast surgery.

2. Maintaining an Elevated Upper Body Position

Elevation affects healing

A slightly upright sleeping position prevents excess fluid from accumulating around the breast area after surgery by allowing drainage of fluid away from the surgical site.

How to maintain proper elevation:

• Use 2–3 pillows

• Only sleep on your back (not your side or stomach)

• Keep your chest higher than your heart

  
  

By maintaining this posture for 2 weeks after surgery, you can reduce swelling.

3. Using Cold Compresses Effectively

When to use cold therapy:

Cold packs will help constrict blood vessels and decrease both swelling from inflammation and accumulation of fluids at the surgical site.

Safety Measures for Using Cold Therapy:

• Always wrap ice packs in cloth before applying to skin; do not apply directly onto skin.

• Limit application time to 15–20 minutes per application.

• Do not put direct pressure on incisional sites.

When used according to manufacturer’s instructions cold packs can provide both reduction in swelling and pain relief.

4. Maintain Hydration and a Non-Inflammatory Diet

Hydration accompanied by non-inflammatory dietary intake can assist with your body’s recovery.

Having enough hydration and nutrients in your body will promote an adequate flushing of the excess fluid you have accumulated and help to repair your damaged tissue.

Some examples of helpful dietary choices are:

• Leafy greens as well as berries

• Lean-protein sources such as fish and chicken

• Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids

• Low-sodium meals to help manage water retention

  
  

By maintaining a properly balanced nutritional intake, you will have a faster recovery rate along with improved tissue-repairing capabilities.

5. Limit Physical Activity Early On

It is critical during your early post-operative days to limit heavy physical activity.

When you perform heavy physical activities, you are increasing your blood flow and pressure in your chest, which can cause more swelling or slow down your body’s healing process.

You can participate in some safe forms of activity with a few considerations taken into account:

• Plan to walk short-distance, at a slow pace, to increase blood flow.

• Avoid lifting, pulling, or pushing on any item.

• You must follow your surgeon's time line on when you can start performing physical activity.

Providing an adequate amount of rest during your recovery period will help minimize your chances of having excessive swelling in the future.

6. Use Prescribed Medication as Prescribed & Take Care of Yourself

Medication facilitates repair & healing

Your doctor may recommend medications to reduce swelling & improve recovery. Typical medications include anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or anti-infectives in order to manage pain during the first few days following a surgical procedure.

Important reminders:

• Never skip doses or discontinue your regimen unless instructed by the doctor;

• Never self-treat (i.e., use non-prescription supplements);

• Notify your doctor immediately of any unusual symptom.

Following doctor instructions helps to manage inflammation while protecting recovery progress.

7. Be Patient Through the Healing Process

Understanding how long it takes to recover from a surgical procedure.

During the first week after surgery you will experience swelling; swelling will peak, but then it will begin to decrease over 1–8 weeks. It is also normal for you to have some minor swelling for several months while your tissues settle into their final shape.

When you're fully healed, here is some of what to expect:

• Gradual softening of the breast tissue;

• Improvement in symmetry as swelling resolves; and

• Results will be finalized once you are completely healed.

  
  

If you notice a sudden increase in swelling, and/or if you experience significant pain or fever, please call your doctor right away.

The Best Recovery Possible Starts By Choosing Professional Care

It’s not just about having the most aesthetic result or being the happiest with your result after surgery. There are many reasons that you would want to reduce your swelling after surgery. One of those reasons is that you want to heal correctly and have a natural-looking outcome. Following your Providers’ instructions and guidelines, establishing a healthy lifestyle, and attending follow-up appointments will help make your recovery go easier.

If you’re looking for an expert to help you through this process, the Doctors at Plastic Surgery SA provide our patients with an individualized treatment plan, the most up to date surgical options, and complete support during your entire recovery after surgery.