Breast Reduction
The following information is intended exclusively for Barrett Plastic Surgery patients. If you have had surgery by another surgeon, please follow up with that surgeon for your post-operative instructions. Congratulations on completing your surgery! Please reference these instructions over the coming weeks as you begin your recovery process.
Pre-Op Care
A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation/Uber is not permissible).
A responsible adult must stay with you until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to increase your fluid intake and add more fruits to your diet.
Take all medications as instructed postoperatively.
Wash your face, hair, and body with antibacterial soap before coming into the office on the day of surgery.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Do not consume any alcohol for 2 weeks after your procedure.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Post-Op Care
For the first 3 days, sleep with your back elevated using pillows for support. After 3 days, you may sleep flat on your back until week 2 post-operative.
Remove the scopolamine patch from behind your ear after surgery, as it may cause blurry vision when worn for too long.
Shower 24 hours after surgery. Leave the steri-strips/scar shield on and pat dry with a clean towel.
Surface sutures are removed in 5-14 days.
Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
If a compression bra was provided, please wear it for 2 weeks after surgery.
Keep steri-strips on for 4-6 weeks as directed by Dr. Barrett.
After taping, start Skinuva twice daily, massaging firmly into incisions.
No baths, hot tubs or swimming for 6 weeks.
Avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months. Always use a strong sunblock.
What to expect
Temporary pain, soreness, numbness, and/or incision discomfort may occur. This is normal.
Bruising and swelling is normal in the breasts, as well as the abdomen as it can travel downward due to gravity.
Light bleeding at the incision site is normal up to 48 hours after surgery.
The chest area may feel tight as your skin and muscles are reshaping and getting used to your new breast size.
It can take up to 6 months for nipple sensation to return.
Breasts will start to drop within 6 weeks post-op.
It is not unusual to hear a squeaking sound after augmentation surgery. This is caused by pockets of air around the breast implant. As this air escapes, the sound will resolve.
Tape blisters may occur. This is normal and will resolve.
It is expected to take between 3-6 months to see your final results.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery; but generally, after about a week, you should begin to feel better.
Recommended Products
The Essential Surgery Recovery Optimization Kit
Curated to ensure a seamless and stress-free recovery, we’ve taken the guesswork out of trying to find all your basic post-surgical needs.
BEFORE
Optimizes nutritional status prior to surgery. Take 4 capsules twice daily starting 5 days before surgery.
AFTER
Replenishes key healing nutrients and ingredients to control pain and inflammation. Take 4 capsules twice daily, starting 5 days before surgery.
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Barrett Recovery Oil
Benefits include pain relief, reducing inflammation, alleviating stress, and eliminating insomnia. Start with ½-1 dropper underneath the tongue the night of surgery. Hold the oil under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. Increase dose as needed. Do not exceed 4 full droppers a day.
ARNICA+
Speed healing time up to 50% allowing for faster recovery from bruising, swelling, and pain. Take 1 capsule twice daily after surgery.
LivingFuel Omega Super Essentials
Anti-inflammatory effects and reduce wound infections by 50%. Take 1 tablet per 25 lbs of body weight. For example, if you weigh 125 lbs then take 5 tablets.
CALMg
Reduce stress levels, sleep faster and deeper, maintain normal heart rhythm, and build strong bones. Take 2 capsules nightly.
Masszymes
Increase absorption of key amino acids and certain vitamins, improve digestion and gut health, and faster muscle recovery. Take 3 capsules with every meal.
Skinuva
A clinically tested scar cream and team favorite, Skinuva contains highlight selective growth factors combined with a silicone cream matrix. Skinuva improves the appearance of scars nearly two times better when compared to a traditional silicone cream. Begin using 2-3 weeks post-procedure, or after the incision site has begun to scab over. If you are unsure, please consult with the medical team during your pre-op appointments.
Activities
Walk around the house on the day of surgery and thereafter.
Move/pump your legs frequently while lying down.
Resume activities slowly. You may feel tired for the first few days.
Avoid exercise for 2 weeks.
At week 2, resume exercise but no impact or upper body. Stair workouts or incline walking are ideal.
At week 4 you can resume more intense lower body workouts, like squats.
At week 6 you may resume upper body workouts, using your body as a guide.
When you do resume exercise, you should wear a tight, supportive sports bra to minimize bounce and droop of the breasts.
No lifting greater than 8 lbs (a gallon of milk) for 6 weeks.
No sexual activity for 2 weeks and resume as comfort permits.
Call the office if you experience any of the following
Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
Pain is not relieved with pain medication.
Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from the incision area.
Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
You have not urinated for more than 6 hours after getting home from surgery.
If you need to seek a hospital, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911
Providence St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica
Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles
Southern California Hospital in Culver City
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