Before Breast Reduction
here are a number of issues that you will need to address before breast reduction surgery. Openly discussing your surgical goals with your doctor will help you achieve the outcome you desire. If you are a breast reduction candidate, read on to learn more about what steps to take before undergoing your breast reduction procedure.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Before your breast reduction procedure, you will meet with your doctor to discuss your expectations for the surgery. During this consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will help you decide on a surgical technique for breast reduction, educate you about the upcoming surgery, and provide guidelines for preparing for the procedure. He or she should also highlight the benefits and risks of the procedure, and what you should expect before and after surgery. These pre-operative discussions will help to ensure your surgery goes smoothly.
Initial Consultation
Before the breast reduction surgery, the surgeon and patient will discuss the patient's surgical goals. At this appointment, expect your doctor to:
- Evaluate which goals are within reach, and present you with a detailed plan for breast reduction surgery
- Inform you about the risks, possible complications, and long-term effects of undergoing a breast reduction
- Discuss the cost of breast reduction surgery and any financing options that are available to you
Financing Options
If breast reduction surgery is being performed to relieve physical discomfort, such as chronic back and neck pain, it is likely that the procedure will be covered by your insurance. Contact your healthcare provider to determine how much of the cost they will cover, and what steps you need to take in order to ensure eligibility. Some insurance providers simply require the recommendation of a doctor, while others may require that you undergo physical therapy without alleviation of your symptoms before they will cover the cost of your breast reduction.
If the costs of your procedure will not be covered by your insurance provider, your cosmetic surgeon will discuss financing options available to you.
Planning Your Surgical Technique
There are several different surgical techniques for breast reduction that can achieve desired breast reduction results, including:
Each of these surgical techniques accesses the breast tissue through a different incision site, and thus leaves a different type of scar. Your surgeon will recommend a method based on your body type, your health, and what you hope to achieve through surgery. It is important to ask questions about each of these options so that you fully understand your treatment and the anticipated results.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before breast reduction surgery, your doctor will give you guidelines to follow to ensure that your cosmetic surgery experience is successful. Typically, you will be advised to:
- Avoid aspirin, products containing aspirin, as well as certain vitamins and herbal supplements, as they may increase the risk of serious bleeding.
- Discontinue smoking and using tobacco well in advance of your procedure. Because nicotine can significantly lengthen your healing time, some doctors may recommend having your last cigarette at least two weeks before breast reduction surgery, while others may request that you quit a month in advance.
- Do not eat or drink for six to eight hours prior to your breast reduction.
- On the day of your surgery, avoid using any lotions, creams, or powders and dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for the first night after surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home, and some activities may be difficult immediately after the operation.
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