What Happens During Breast Reduction Recovery in The Woodlands, TX? (Updated 2025)

Women who get breast reduction surgery at our practice in The Woodlands, TX, are among the patients who are most thrilled with their results. Many of these women have lived for years with physical pain, not to mention unwanted attention that made them feel self-conscious.

To get the best possible results from the surgery and enjoy your active lifestyle in The Woodlands to the fullest, it’s important to know what to expect during your recovery and follow all post-op instructions—especially in our region where seasonal considerations like hot, humid temperatures may influence the healing process.

We provide all patients with detailed postoperative instructions that, when carefully followed, help minimize discomfort and accelerate the recovery timeline. They also greatly reduce the risk of post-op complications.

Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline

Week 1

Supporting the breasts during the first 2 weeks of recovery is vital, which is why we instruct patients to wear a post-surgical bra during this time. This specialized bra isn’t made with underwire and ensures comfortable healing. Additionally, post-op support bras help reduce swelling. You can also minimize swelling during the recovery by limiting your salt consumption and drinking plenty of water.

Getting enough rest during the first week after breast reduction surgery is also important, so make sure you have a reliable support team to help around the house and with washing and bathing. Moving around a bit is essential to ensure good blood circulation. Post-surgical drainage tubes that help remove excess fluid need to be maintained until they’re removed within a few days of the surgery.

Discomfort or pain during the first week can be effectively managed with prescription medications and then over-the-counter pain relief.

Week 2

Swelling and bruising gradually fade by the end of the second week of recovery. Arnica and bromelain, 2 natural supplements, may help reduce swelling and bruising. Patients can expect their breasts to remain tender, and many patients experience some itchiness and dryness in the surgical area. It’s also important to continue wearing the post-op support bra.

Most women, depending on their profession, can return to work within 10 to 14 days. We recommend that patients avoid sexual activity during the first 2 weeks of recovery because sexual arousal can cause inflammation around the incisions.

Stitches are removed during the second week after the surgery.

After Two Weeks

Patients can gradually resume exercise that doesn’t involve using their upper bodies about 2 weeks after their procedures. It’s important to avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks after the surgery to allow the incisions to heal completely. After about 6 weeks, most patients are cleared to resume strenuous workouts.

Seasonal Considerations

Hot humid summers and relatively mild winters are mainstays of life in The Woodlands. These environmental factors can pose unique challenges or advantages depending on what time of year your surgery takes place.

During the late spring and summer months, we advise breast reduction patients to:

• Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours, to prevent excessive sweating and overheating, which can delay healing.
• Keep incisions clean and dry because humidity and perspiration can increase the risk of infection at your incision sites.
• Stay hydrated to support tissue repair and reduce swelling.

During the fall months, conditions for your recovery are usually more favorable due to:

• Moderate temperatures that are conducive to a more comfortable healing experience.
• Less outdoor restrictions, enabling you to engage in light outdoor activities such as short walks to boost circulation.

While winters in The Woodlands are relatively mild, we recommend that you:

• Dress appropriately during recovery by avoiding heavy, restrictive winter clothing that may irritate your incision sites.
• Moisturize your skin because cooler air causes dryness—but avoid applying lotion directly to your incisions sites until they are fully healed.

No matter what time of year your procedure takes place, it’s always essential to follow your post-op protocol closely, monitor for signs of infections, and maintain a healthy, balanced diet to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Learn More

Breast reduction can be a life-changing procedure for patients, and it’s important to choose a qualified, experienced, and board-certified plastic surgeon. If you’re considering plastic surgery in The Woodlands area, between Conroe and Spring, Texas, contact our office using the online form to request a consultation. Or you can call our office at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment.

This blog post was originally published in February 2016 and last updated in January 2025.