Breast reduction surgery can be a life-changing procedure for those with large breasts that impede their everyday life. Chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, skin irritation, nerve pain, and being unable to do certain activities are all issues that may arise from having large, heavy breasts.
It is not an easy decision, but if you have chosen to move forward with surgery to reduce the size of your breasts, we applaud you for taking steps to improve your health and well-being.
Preparing for the surgery and the recovery process helps make everything easier. We have prepared a breast reduction surgery shopping list of the essential supplies you will need for the best possible recovery after your procedure.
Essential Items to Purchase Before Breast Reduction Surgery
Having the supplies, you will need on hand before your surgery ensures you can recover in comfort without causing unnecessary pain or strain to your healing breasts. Our list provides helpful details of what you need and why you need them.
Surgical Bra
A surgical bra is a critical part of your post-reduction surgery. A surgical bra will promote healing; you can expect to wear it around the clock for at least a couple of months.
Surgeons typically recommend a compression bra, but the clinic where you will have your surgery will be able to provide details on what kind would be best for you.
Most often, the guide for selecting a bra after a breast reduction is that it has these features: no underwire, a tight fit, and adjustable and high-quality breathable fabric.
Comfortable Clothing
Tight clothing may put pressure on your incisions, so it is best to have loose-fitting tops and bottoms. This will keep you comfortable and ensure your blood flow is unrestricted, leading to a faster recovery.
In addition, since your mobility will be limited, and you will most likely be sore, loose clothing is easier to put on and take off.
Pain Medication
Breast reduction surgery, like any major surgery, will cause you pain during recovery. It is very necessary to have pain medication to manage any discomfort and promote healing.
Your surgeon will most likely provide you with a prescription, but it is either a good idea to get it filled in advance or make sure you have a caretaker who can pick it up for you.
Gauze, Bandages & Ointments
To prevent infection, you will need to care for your wounds carefully and change your bandages whenever they get wet or dirty. Having a good supply of gauze, bandages, and ointments will allow you or your caretaker to tend to the wounds properly.
Foam Pillows
Following breast reduction surgery, it will be important for you to sleep on your back. If you are not a back-sleeper, this may be frustrating and hard for you.
A triangle wedge foam pillow is perfect for keeping you propped up in bed since it will be difficult to get up on your own. It keeps you in the perfect position required for sleeping post-surgery and is wide enough to stop you from rolling onto your sides during sleep.
Recommended Items for Post-Operative Comfort
While these items aren’t absolute necessities for your breast reduction recovery like the first five on our list, they will make your post-surgery life much easier.
Ice Packs
Swelling is normal and common after surgery, but it is also uncomfortable. Ice or cold packs come in all types and sizes and can help reduce swelling around your incision and general discomfort throughout the day.
Heating Pad
This may seem counterproductive if you use an ice pack, but heating pads can also relieve sore muscles while promoting healthy blood flow and circulation. It is not recommended to use on the area that you had surgery on but recommended to provide relief from back pain.
It also aids in promoting healthy blood flow and circulation. You should speak to your surgeon about the proper ways and areas in which to use a heating pad during recovery.
Books, Movies, or Games for Entertainment
Rest and relaxation are recommended during the first few days, so having books and movies to keep you occupied is a great way to pass the time during your surgery recovery. Once you feel better, some board games with family members or your caretaker can help introduce small, easy movements into your daily life.
Healthy Snacks and Drinks
A healthy diet full of protein, fruits, and vegetables is recommended to promote healing. Certain types of food, such as broccoli, apples, and pineapples, have been found to decrease swelling and fight infection.
The pain medications may upset your stomach, so bland foods like toast, eggs, and rice may be easier to digest. You can also make smoothies with various healthy ingredients to ensure you get all the essential vitamins.
Arrangements for Transportation and Assistance
Having someone you can trust to take you to and from your surgery and to assist you around the home during your recovery will make things much easier for you. Since you will have limited mobility and decreased capacity to do tasks, a caretaker like a family member or friend will make your recovery much more comfortable.
Non-Essential but Helpful Items
Pillow for Elevation
Breast reduction surgery will leave you feeling sore not only in your breasts but your entire torso as well. A pillow designed for elevation will prop you up, reducing the chances of blood pooling. It will also reduce the strain of getting up from a lying down position, which can be quite difficult during the first few days after surgery.
Loose Clothing for Ease of Movement
Since you will be advised to take it easy for a couple of weeks, you will want to be as comfortable as possible while doing so. Loose clothing will be easiest for you to wear and will not provide unnecessary pressure on your healing breasts.
Personal Hygiene Products
It may seem easier to lay around in bed and not get up, but taking care of yourself and your hygiene is important. Make sure you have a routine to keep yourself fresh, including showering and brushing your teeth during your surgery recovery.
Body Lotion and Moisturizer
A non-scented, gentle body lotion can provide a way to relieve itching and dry skin after surgery. Speak with your doctor about the care of your incisions to make sure that your home-care routine doesn’t do anything to negatively affect the healing of your wounds.
Conclusion
The importance of following post-operative instructions and care as outlined by your surgeon will help your body heal properly. They are the best source to get the information from and can provide tons of helpful information and tips to aid you through recovery.
Our final thoughts on preparation for best reduction surgery is to take our list, run any questions you may have by your surgeon prior to surgery, buy your necessary supplies, and then you should be all set. We wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery and hope it brings you the relief you need!