Getting ready for your breast reduction surgery. This guide covers everything you need to gather and prepare in the weeks before your procedure.
Welcome to Your Recovery Hub
The Recovery Hub is designed to support you through every stage of your breast reduction journey. From preparation through to your final results, you'll find practical advice, realistic expectations, and reassurance along the way.
Each stage of this guide will help you understand what's normal, what to watch for, and how to optimise your recovery.
Before Your Surgery
Medical Preparation
Stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure. Smoking significantly impairs healing and increases the risk of wound complications and nipple necrosis.
Discontinue blood-thinning medications as directed by your surgeon. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo.
Achieve a stable weight before surgery. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect your results.
Provide a complete medical history including all medications, supplements, and any previous surgeries.
Attend your pre-operative assessment if required, to ensure you're fit for surgery.
Practical Arrangements
Arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital. You cannot drive or take public transport home after a general anaesthetic.
Ensure someone can stay with you for at least the first 48 hours after surgery to help with daily tasks.
Take time off work - plan for 1-2 weeks for desk jobs, 4-6 weeks for physically demanding work.
Arrange childcare if you have young children. You won't be able to lift or carry for several weeks.
Prepare your recovery space with extra pillows to sleep elevated, easy-to-prepare meals, and entertainment.
Stock your fridge and freezer with ready meals, as you'll have limited arm mobility initially.
Recovery Supplies Checklist
Gather these items before your surgery so everything is ready when you return home:
Essential Items
Front-opening bras (2-3) - soft, non-underwired surgical or sports bras that fasten at the front. You'll wear these for 6 weeks.
Button-up or zip-up tops - avoid anything you need to pull over your head for the first few weeks.
Loose, comfortable clothing - soft fabrics that won't irritate incisions or drains.
V-shaped or neck pillow - to help you sleep propped up and reduce swelling.
Antibacterial soap - for gentle wound cleaning as directed.
Clean towels and bedding - fresh linens ready for when you come home.
Dry shampoo - showering may be difficult initially, especially with drains in place.
For Drain Management
Safety pins - to secure drains to your clothing or bra.
Small measuring jug - to measure and record drain output.
Notebook - to log drain output volumes and appearance.
Lanyard or drain pouch - some patients find it easier to wear drains in a small bag around the neck.
Optional but Helpful
Arnica tablets - may help reduce bruising (though scientific evidence is limited, it's harmless).
Straws or sports bottles - makes drinking easier when lying down.
Entertainment - books, tablets, streaming services for resting time.
Lip balm and moisturiser - hospital air can be drying.
Long phone charger cable - so you can use your phone comfortably in bed.
Important About Bras
Do not buy expensive new bras before surgery. Your breast size will change significantly, and you won't know your final size for several months. Purchase 2-3 comfortable, inexpensive front-fastening bras for the immediate recovery period only.
Household Preparation
Make your home recovery-ready:
Place frequently used items at waist height - you'll want to avoid reaching overhead.
Prepare grab-and-go snacks - energy bars, fruit, yoghurts at easy-to-reach levels.
Set up a recovery station - a comfortable chair or bed with pillows, remote controls, phone charger, water, and snacks within reach.
Clear clutter from walkways - you may be unsteady in the first few days.
Arrange help with pets - especially if you have dogs that need walking or large pets that might jump on you.
Mental Preparation
Understanding what to expect emotionally is just as important as physical preparation:
Your breasts will look swollen, bruised, and possibly asymmetrical immediately after surgery. This is completely normal.
The final shape takes 6-12 months to fully settle. Initial results may look "too small" due to swelling and high positioning.
It's common to feel emotional or experience "post-surgery blues" in the first week. These feelings usually pass as you heal.
You may feel vulnerable or self-conscious about needing help with basic tasks. This is temporary.
Taking weekly photos from consistent angles can help you appreciate your progress when day-to-day changes seem imperceptible.
Pro Tip
Create a "recovery kit" box with everything you might need - medications, wound care supplies, drain management items, entertainment, and snacks. Keep it beside your bed or recovery chair so you don't have to search for things when you're uncomfortable.