Swelling and bruising are both normal parts of the early recovery period after a breast reduction procedure (reduction mammoplasty).
While these normal surgical side effects are expected and temporary, it can help to learn about how long they may last and how they may change as your body heals. Swelling and bruising can show differently over time, and it’s important to know if something isn’t quite right and when it may be time to contact your surgeon.
In this blog, we’ll explain what to expect when it comes to swelling and bruising after a breast reduction in more detail, as well as the signs that you may need your surgeon’s advice.
Why does swelling and bruising occur after a breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty)?
It’s normal for swelling and bruising to occur after any surgical procedure, especially those that will involve a moderate to extensive level of tissue removal.
Since a breast reduction involves the removal of both skin and breast tissue, it can cause some trauma to the area, which naturally leads to inflammation, fluid retention and discolouration.
These symptoms are a normal part of the body’s healing response, which will be triggered after the procedure. Essentially, they are signs of your body reacting to the incisions and the surgical process, and healing the tissue in the area.
How swelling and bruising can appear within the first few days after your surgery
It’s common to notice some swelling and bruising developing very early on, usually within the first 24 hours after surgery.
The breasts will often look larger or fuller than you may have expected, which is generally just fluid rather than breast tissue. There’s also a chance that this swelling might not look even between both sides. A mild amount of asymmetry is quite normal straight after surgery, since swelling can build up differently on each side, especially if one breast had more tissue removed or required more internal work.
Bruising tends to appear a little more gradually than swelling, but still usually shows up in the first few days. The colour may start out as a deep red or purple, and gradually change into a blue-green or yellow as it fades. Some patients might only have mild bruising, while others will notice more widespread or darker bruising.
How swelling can change over the first two weeks
The first two weeks tend to be when swelling is at its highest. While it may start to subside after the first week, it’s very normal for it to persist across this stage and fluctuate in intensity throughout the day.
Some patients find that swelling feels more noticeable first thing in the morning, or in the evening after being upright all day. Fluid naturally shifts throughout the day and is often influenced by things like gravity, movement, and how much rest you’re getting.
Compression garments will usually be worn during this stage, and can make a noticeable difference in helping to support the tissue and manage swelling. These garments are typically fitted snugly, but shouldn’t feel overly tight or uncomfortable. It’s also important that you stay mobile in a gentle way, for example, by doing short walks around the house, as this can help prevent fluid buildup and improve circulation.
Pain can sometimes be associated with swelling in the first few weeks, but it shouldn’t be sharp or worsening. A dull ache, pressure or heat sensation can be expected, and pain relief may be prescribed to help manage this.
When does swelling and bruising start to subside?
By the third or fourth week after breast reduction, you’ll usually notice a fairly steady reduction in both swelling and bruising. Some residual swelling can definitely persist beyond this point, but it tends to become less noticeable and easier to manage as the tissue continues to heal.
Bruising will usually have faded quite a bit by now, but a bit of residual yellow or light purple discolouration is still normal.
By this stage, you may still notice that your breasts feel slightly firm or swollen when you wake up, especially if you’ve been lying flat or haven’t moved around much during the night. This can be part of the longer-term healing process, which in some cases can take a couple of months or more.
Longer-term swelling and how it can influence the results of a breast reduction
Even once most of the swelling has gone down, there can still be some mild swelling in certain areas of the breast.
It’s also quite normal for the shape of the breasts to change slightly over time as the tissue relaxes and adjusts. Initially, the skin and internal structures will be quite tense and inflamed, and as this reduces, the shape may soften, and the breasts may appear smaller or more refined over time. This is quite normal after extensive surgical procedures, as the healing process takes time.
Essentially, the final results from a breast reduction usually take months to show, due to swelling and the tissues needing more time to heal. While the most noticeable swelling improves over the first few weeks, the longer-term recovery is more gradual, and often includes subtle changes to shape, sensation and symmetry.
When it may be time to contact your surgeon
While some level of swelling and bruising is normal, there can be situations where possible complications may have occurred and may need medical attention.
If the swelling becomes very hard, painful, or localised to one area, this could suggest a haematoma or fluid collection, especially if it’s worsening instead of improving. If there’s a sudden increase in swelling or size on one side after there has already been improvement in the initial swelling, we recommend contacting your surgeon for an assessment.
If bruising becomes darker instead of lighter after the first week or two, or if you feel that it may be worsening in the longer term, it will also be important to let your surgeon know. It’s always best to rule out any possible complications early.
Apart from swelling and bruising, if you notice significant pain or any other concerning symptoms after your breast reduction, you should contact your surgeon for advice.
Get advice on breast reduction recovery: Your consultation at Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Brisbane
Not only can a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon help you find out if you are a suitable breast reduction candidate, it can also help to provide you with important recovery information and advice.
At Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we are a leading plastic and cosmetic surgery clinic, founded by Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Richardson. Our team is made up of carefully selected specialists, practitioners, clinicians and patient support team members, who will aim to make you feel supported after your procedure.
You are welcome to contact our team to book your consultation with an experienced surgeon at Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Brisbane.
