Breast Reduction Recovery: Week 2 Update + Lessons

The Emotional Layer of Breast Reduction Recovery

Week 2 didn’t knock me off my feet — but it did stir something deeper in me.

After such a strong start in Week 1, I thought the progress would be smooth — more energy, less pain, onward and upward.

And in some ways, that was true. I still felt energized. My breasts weren’t swollen. I had full range of motion.

But emotionally?

This week felt like a quiet nudge — reminding me that healing after breast reduction is less like a checklist and more like a relationship.

If you're more of a watcher than a reader, or just want to settle in and hear the story straight from me — here's the video version of this reflection:

Adjusting My Compression Bra: When Comfort Becomes the Priority

At the start of recovery, I followed the plan.

The post-op compression bras I was given were part of that plan — meant to protect the tissue and keep things supported.

But around the start of Week 2, I felt a sharp discomfort building near my rib.

It turns out it was coming from an internal suture — and the compression bra was pressing on it in just the wrong way.

This is where the deeper lesson came in:

I could either follow the instructions exactly, or I could trust what my body was telling me.

So I swapped to a soft, cotton bra, and within minutes, my pain decreased and my whole nervous system softened.

Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is listen to your body instead of overriding it — even when that means letting go of what you thought you were supposed to do.

Unexpected Challenges: Post-Op Rash and Rib Pain

I didn’t expect to get a rash during breast reduction surgery recovery.

But by Day 8, I had a spreading irritation across my lower stomach — caused by a reaction to surgical tape, combined with some trapped moisture from the gauze I’d tucked into my bra.

I tried hydrocortisone spray first. Eventually, Lotrimin helped calm things down.

At the same time, the rib pain I thought had resolved started creeping back in — especially in the shower.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I had stopped taking one of my recovery supplements. When I started it again, the pain eased.

That moment reminded me that sometimes the body speaks in whispers, not shouts.

And sometimes it’s not about doing more — it’s about noticing what’s missing.

Carnivore and Keto Helped Me Stay Steady

One thing that helped me feel grounded all week was the support I felt from staying fully carnivore.

No blood sugar crashes.

No afternoon slumps.

No major swelling or fatigue.

I wasn’t eating for perfection.

I was eating to support a body doing deep, invisible work.

And it worked.

I know nutrition isn’t everything — but when recovery gets uncertain, it helped to know that my food was giving my body one less thing to fight against.

Healing Isn’t Linear — and That’s Okay

One of the deeper emotional layers of this week was realizing: progress doesn’t always feel like progress.

You can have one good day and one hard one.

You can feel encouraged… and still feel confused.

And both are okay.

At my post-op appointment, I told my surgeon about the rib pain.

He smiled and said, “That’s the internal suture doing its job. Give it time — it eases around Week 5.”

And just like that — I remembered:

This is working.

Even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Even when it’s not linear.Even when it’s not what I expected.

If You’re In Week 2…

You are not behind.

If your bra hurts — change it.

If your plan feels tight — soften it.

If your body is whispering — listen.

This isn’t about perfection.

It’s about learning to trust your body all over again.

And that kind of healing? It lasts longer than the scars ever will.

Before You Go

If this reflection met you where you are — or reminded you of something you needed to hear — I just want to say: thank you for spending this time with me.

I know recovery can feel quiet and confusing all at once.

And I hope this gave you something solid to hold on to.

Until next time…

Be gentle with your heart.

Be kind to your body.

And remember: you’re not behind — you’re becoming.

Warmly,

Shelley💛

✨ If you’d like a little more support during your healing:

💌 Download my free guide: Fueling Your Body for Surgery

💬Join the private Facebook group Off the Rack: Breast Reduction Support for Women — a supportive community for healing, questions, and connection.