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Your Consultation
About Breast Reduction
Surgery.
Before breast reduction
surgery, you will
consult your surgeon.
During your
consultation, you'll
talk about your medical
history, including
whether or not you've
had a lump removed from
your breast or have any
other medical conditions
that affect your
breasts. Your surgeon
will also ask you about
your family's medical
history. |
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Be completely open with
the surgeon about your
medical history and why
you're seeking a breast
reduction. Be prepared
to discuss any emotional
issues you've dealt with
regarding your breasts,
how your breasts have
physically felt to you,
and any physical
conditions you've had. |
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The surgeon may take
photos of your breasts,
measure them, and talk
with you about how much
breast tissue will need
to be removed to achieve
your goal. You will also
learn about preparing
for the surgery and
planning for your
recovery. You may get a
mammogram and breast
exam before the surgery. |
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During your
consultation, your
surgeon will ask about
your habits, including
whether or not you smoke
and what medications you
take. You may have to
quit smoking for a
period before and after
surgery to ensure proper
healing. You also may
have to stop taking
certain medications,
such as aspirin or other
anti-inflammatory drugs
such as Motrin or Aleve.
Your surgeon will give
you instructions about
what you need to do. |
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How to Prepare for
Breast Reduction Surgery |
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You need to be in good
physical shape to ensure
proper healing, so
follow your surgeon's
instructions before and
after breast reduction
surgery. |
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Before you undergo
surgery, you'll need to
get your home ready for
your recovery. Have
these things on hand:
•Plenty of ice
•Gauze and clean
washcloths and towels
•Loose, comfortable
T-shirts and blouses
•Special ointments or
creams as recommended by
your surgeon for the
incision sites |
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You should also plan
ahead for someone to
drive you home and stay
with you for at least
the first night after
the procedure, if you're
not staying in the
hospital. |
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How Breast Reduction
Surgery Is Done |
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Depending on your
personal situation,
breast reduction surgery
can be done in an
outpatient facility, or
you may have to stay at
least one night in the
hospital. In either
case, you will get
general anesthesia,
which means you will be
put to "sleep" during
the procedure. |
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Breast reduction surgery
will take about two to
five hours, sometimes
longer. Your surgeon
will make a cut around
your nipple then
downward on the breast
in the form of a
keyhole. The operating
team will remove extra
skin, tissue, and fat
from your breasts and
reposition your nipple.
Your surgeon may use
drainage tubes and then
stitch up your breasts
and wrap them in a
special gauze. You may
also need to wear a
surgical bra. |
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Recovery From Breast
Reduction Surgery |
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You will need to take at
least one week off from
work or school for
breast reduction
surgery. Some people
need two weeks, but each
situation varies. Your
surgeon will instruct
you on follow-up
appointments for
removing bandages and
stitches. |
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While you recover,
you'll need to stop
physical activity for at
least one month after
surgery. |
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After breast reduction
surgery, you should
expect to feel tired and
to have breast pain.
This is normal. Your
surgeon will give you an
oral painkiller to ease
you through the first
few days after surgery.
You should also avoid
heavy lifting.
Some people have an
emotional reaction, such
as feeling depressed,
after the surgery. That
can be normal, but make
sure you tell your
doctor about all your
concerns. |
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Breast Reduction
Surgery Complications
and Side Effects |
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Scars are a normal side
effect of breast
reduction surgery. These
scars will fade over
time but will never
completely disappear.
Scars can be made worse
if you lift heavy
objects too soon after
surgery. In rare cases,
some people have certain
complications, such as
inadequate healing of
the nipple area, that
may require a skin
graft. |
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After Breast Reduction
Surgery, Contact Your
Doctor Immediately: |
•At the first sign of
infection, including
fever
•If you have any unusual
discharge from the
incision site (including
pus)
•If any of the stitches
come out before you are
due to have them removed |
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Does Insurance Cover
Breast Reduction
Surgery? |
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In most cases, insurance
covers breast reduction
surgery. Because breast
reduction is considered
reconstructive, your
chances of getting
insurance coverage are
good. But you must be
sure to follow all the
procedures set forth by
your health insurer's
policy. |
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Your surgeon can take
photos of your breasts
and detail your physical
symptoms caused by
enlarged breasts in a
letter. Get in touch
with your health insurer
early and make sure you
understand exactly what
they will pay for. For
example, will insurance
cover such things as lab
costs or
anesthesiologist fees?
Asking in advance will
help prevent surprise
costs after the surgery. |
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