Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation

Before the surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon to talk about your medical history, including whether you've had a lump removed from your breast or have any other medical conditions that affect your breasts. Your surgeon will also ask about your family's medical history.

Be completely open with the surgeon about your medical history and why you want 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.

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.

During your consultation, your surgeon will ask about your habits, including whether 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, including aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin or Aleve. Your surgeon will give you instructions about what you need to do.

Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure

Depending on your case, you might have breast reduction surgery in an outpatient facility, or you may have to stay at least one night in the hospital. In either case, you’ll get general anesthesia, which means you will be put to " sleep" during the procedure.

Breast reduction surgery will take about 2 to 5 hours, sometimes longer. Your surgeon could use one of a few surgery methods, depending on the shape and size of your breasts, how much tissue they need to remove, and how you want to look after surgery:

• Liposuction The surgeon will make small cuts in your skin and insert a thin tube connected to a vacuum that suctions fat and fluids from your breast. This option is best for small reductions and for people whose skin will “snap back” into place.

• Vertical or “lollipop.” This method is for moderate breast reductions and visible sagging. The surgeon will make cuts around your areola and down to the crease beneath your breast, remove extra tissue and fat, reshape the breast, and lift it.

• Inverted-T or “anchor.”The surgeon will make cuts around the edge of the areola, from the areola to the breast crease, and along the crease underneath the breast. This type of surgery is best for large reductions and for people who have a lot of sagging or unevenness.

How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

You need to be in good physical shape to be sure you heal the way you should, so follow your surgeon's instructions before and after breast reduction surgery.
Before the surgery, get your home ready for recovery. Have these things on hand:

• Plenty of ice

• Gauze and clean washcloths and towels

• Special ointments or creams as recommended by your surgeon for the incision sites

How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

You need to be in good physical shape to be sure you heal the way you should, so follow your surgeon's instructions before and after breast reduction surgery.
Before the surgery, get your home ready for recovery. Have these things on hand:

• Plenty of ice

• Gauze and clean washcloths and towels

• Special ointments or creams as recommended by your surgeon for the incision sites

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Expect to take at least a week off from work or school afterward. Some people need a couple of weeks, but each situation varies. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow-up appointments for removing bandages and stitches. While you recover, you'll need to stop physical activity for at least a month after surgery.