Breast Reduction

what happens at a pre-op appointment for breast reduction
what happens at a pre-op appointment for breast reduction

What happens during a breast reduction consultation?

Before getting breast reduction surgery, you’ll go in for a preoperative consultation. During this time your surgeon will take a detailed medical history, including asking you what medications you are taking, what allergies you may have, your smoking history and any prior surgeries. Your surgeon will also need specific information regarding pregnancy and lactation, mammograms, personal or family history of any breast problems, and any history of breast lumps or biopsies. You should be in good physical and mental shape to undergo this surgery.

It’s important that you are completely honest during this consultation. That includes being completely open about your medical history. It also means being very open about why you’re seeking a breast reduction. You should expect to discuss the emotional issues you’ve dealt with. That is, how you have felt dealing with your breast size. How has it made you feel physically? What types of physical conditions have you experienced?

Your surgeon will measure your breasts. They may take photos. During this time, they’ll discuss how much breast tissue should be removed to achieve the desired results. You’ll also learn about how to prepare for the surgery and how to plan for your recovery. Your surgeon also may prepare you for this procedure by performing a mammogram and breast exam.

How do I prepare for a breast reduction?

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions on vitamins you can take before and after the surgery. Likewise, it’s very important to eat well-balanced meals. Nicotine (smoking and other tobacco products) interferes with healing — you’ll need to stop using tobacco products for some time before and after surgery to ensure proper healing. Likewise, you also may have to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or certain anti-inflammatories like Motrin® or Aleve®. Your surgeon will instruct you on this.

Establishing a home recovery area

Before you go in for surgery, make sure you set up a recovery area at home that will suit all your needs. This should include:

  • Pain-relieving medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
  • Gauze and clean washcloths and towels.
  • Loose, comfortable tee shirts and blouses.
  • Surgical bras.
  • Antibiotic ointments (only if recommended by your doctor).
  • Telephone within reaching distance of your primary rest area.
  • Magazines, movies, etc.

Recovery and follow-up care

You’ll need to take at least one week off from work or school. Some people require two weeks, but each situation varies. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow up appointments to remove bandages and sutures. You may not be able to resume your exercise and other strenuous physical activity for at least one month after surgery. Surgery can be both physically and emotionally stressful. Make sure you communicate with your doctor about all your concerns.

How is a breast reduction done?

Depending on your situation, breast reduction surgery can be performed in an outpatient facility, or you may have to stay at least one night in the hospital. In either case, you’ll be given general anesthesia, which means you’ll be put to sleep for the procedure. It’s important to have someone with you who can drive you home and stay with you at least the first night if you’re not staying in the hospital.

The surgery itself will take about three to five hours. Your surgeon will make an incision around your nipple, then downward on your breast, in a keyhole shape. The excess skin, tissue and fat are removed, and your nipple is relocated and the incisions are closed. Your surgeon may use drainage tubes. Your surgeon then sutures the incision and applies a dressing. If your surgeon feels it’s required, they’ll ask you to wear a surgical bra.

This post was last modified on December 11, 2024 7:03 am