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How to Best Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Breast

shutterstock_1314304052There are many reasons to consider breast reduction surgery. Perhaps you have back or neck problems, have recently lost weight, would like to rejuvenate after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and much more. Breasts that are overly large may cause many health issues for your frame and can cause neck and back pain over time. They can even cause an issue with the way you comfortably exercise, and that’s not even taking into account the difficulty of finding supportive undergarments and clothing that fit your proportions. 

Breast reduction surgery may be the right solution! For many women, this cosmetic procedure is a godsend, and if you’ve suffered from substantial medical issues requiring physical therapy and other treatments as a result of large breasts, you may even have a claim for insurance coverage.

If you’ve had a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon and decided that breast reduction is right for you, the next step is preparing for your surgery.  Here are a few tips to get you ready for this life-changing procedure.

Get Your Health in Order

When you undergo any surgical procedure, you want to make sure you’re in optimal health to speed the healing and recovery process.  You should avoid alcohol and tobacco products leading up to your procedure, and you may have to undergo a routine medical evaluation and testing to gauge your overall health.  Many women schedule a mammogram prior to breast reduction surgery and another after they’ve healed to ensure a baseline for future testing.  You’ll also be instructed to avoid blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin, for a two weeks before your scheduled surgery.

Plan for Downtime

Breast reduction surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, but that doesn’t mean it’s not significant.  In most cases, general anesthesia is used, which means you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.  You’ll need to arrange for a family member or friend to come with you and transport you home, and you should plan to have someone stay with you for 24 hours following surgery, to offer assistance as needed.

Swelling, pain, and discomfort are normal following breast reduction surgery, and you should plan for about 1-2 weeks off work to heal, although you may only need oral pain medication for 2-4 days.  Many patients are able to return to normal activities within just a few days.  Typically, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks after surgery, although it will depend largely on how quickly your body heals.

Tips for Recovery

Compression is an important part of the recovery process, which is why you’ll be provided with  a post-surgical compression bra.  This medical garment not only helps to keep breasts stationary, protecting incisions from stress and infection, but it promotes circulation essential to healing.  It has no underwires that can impact comfort and recovery, and it closes in the front, so you won’t have to struggle to get it on and off when you’re sore.

Since you may not feel like cooking and you could have trouble lifting heavy items and moving around for a couple of days, prep for easy recovery by getting food in order for several days’ worth of healthy meals, setting up a comfortable, centralized area where you can rest and enjoy easy access to bathroom facilities, placing needed pain medications within easy reach, and pulling out loose, comfortable garments (including front-open tops) to wear.

If you’re ready to take the next step with a breast reduction surgery, contact the qualified professionals at Beverly Fischer, MD and The Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery today online to schedule a consultation and get started.

Download 'The Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation Whitepaper'

Dr. Beverly Fischer

Dr. Beverly A. Fischer, a leading female surgeon with over 20 years' experience, believes plastic surgery makes a profound difference in people’s lives.