How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

If you have large breasts that create a poor self-image or cause back, neck and shoulder pain, you may want to consider breast reduction surgery. This procedure reduces breast size by surgically removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin. If you think a breast reduction could be right for you, prepare for the procedure with these tips.

Have a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Houston.

During this meeting, you and your surgeon will:

• Evaluate your medical history and health. Breast reduction surgery generally isn’t recommended if you smoke, are obese, or have diabetes or heart problems. If you’re planning on starting or adding to your family, you may wish to postpone surgery since a breast reduction may affect your ability to breastfeed.
• Discuss breast size and appearance expectations. Your surgeon can reduce your breasts to your requested cup size. Shrinking and repositioning the nipple and areola as needed helps to ensure natural-looking results.
• Learn how the procedure takes place. Your surgeon will go over the risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery, as well as a detailed description of the procedure and any possible scarring that may result.
• Examine, measure and photograph your breasts for your medical record. This gives you a baseline for a before-and-after comparison and can be helpful for making health insurance claims.

Make sure you’re a candidate for breast reduction surgery.

Before you undergo the procedure, you may be asked to:

• Undergo lab test This ensures you’re in good health.
• Get a baseline mammogram. It’s important to be certain your breast tissue is healthy before going into surgery.
• Stop smoking. You will need to quit smoking for a period leading up to and after surgery to ensure your breasts heal properly.
• Adjust your medications. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements for two weeks before surgery because these can thin the blood and increase bleeding.

Prepare your home for the recovery period.

You will need to take at least one week off from work or school to recover from breast reduction surgery. You’ll do most of your recovering at home, so prepare in the following ways:

• Stock up on ice, gauze, and clean washcloths and towels. You need these items to help reduce swelling and dress your stitches.
• Make sure you have loose T-shirts to wear. Your breasts will be tender, so it’s best to avoid tight clothing for several days.
• Buy ointments or creams. Your surgeon will recommend soothing products to treat the incision sites.

Schedule your appointment.

Make sure you can get time off work before you set a date for your surgery. If your breast reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure, arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you that night.

Learn whether you’re a candidate for breast reduction surgery – contact Texas Center for Breast and Body today to schedule an individual consultation with Dr. Mark Schusterman, our plastic surgeon in Houston.

Disclaimer: *Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.