Common Questions on Breast Reduction Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

Many people have various questions about the process of cosmetic surgery or breast reduction. In order to help you make a more informed decision, we have created the following FAQ's section for you to answer some of the more commonly asked questions about breast reduction. We understand that this is not a decision that is made lightly, and it shouldn't be.

Listed are some frequently asked questions and corresponding answers to guide you and help you develop a better understanding.

Q:  Am I an ideal candidate for Breast Reduction?

A:  There are a number of things to look at when discussing the idea of whether or not you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction. The first place to begin will be with a consultation with a doctor in order to evaluate whether you are healthy enough and an ideal candidate for breast reduction, however, here are a few things to look at in order to help you begin the process on your own.

Most people like yourself know if they are a good candidate for breast reduction. There are various reasons as to why you may choose to have such a surgery done. Many people experience back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain because of the size of their breasts. Additional health problems that occur and may require a breast reduction in order to solve include chronic headaches, breathing problems, skin irritation, embarrassment with your body, and various physical deformations due to the size of your breasts.

Q:  What is the evaluation process with my surgeon like?

A:  The first step in this entire process is to examine your breasts. Your surgeon will begin with measurements, photographs, and other necessary aspects of your breasts in order to begin a medical record. He will also look for any problems that may need to be addressed in order to have the surgery done. Also, your surgeon will take very careful notes of the overall appearance of your breast including the quality of your skin, the exact size of your breasts and their shape, and the location and position of your nipples.

You will also be discussing your overall medical history in order to prepare for the surgery and address any medical problems that your surgeon may have concerns about. This is why it is important for all of the information you provide is complete and accurate. Allergies to medicine, treatments or surgeries you have received in the past, and anything your surgeon feels is necessary in order to ensure your health and the overall success of the surgery will also be covered and discussed in detail during the evaluation process.

Q:  What preparations are recommended or necessary prior to surgery?

A:  The first step in getting prepared should be to have a mammogram done. This allows you to ensure that there are no problems or concerns with cancer that may become more serious due to the surgery. This should also be done post surgery as well to monitor the health of your breasts and to again ensure that no health problems have arisen because of the surgery.

Most people are required to quit smoking in order to reduce possible risks during the surgery. In addition, it is advisable to avoid any kind of Aspirin or anti-infammatory drugs prior to the surgery for a minimum period of a week. Your surgeon will also be able to give you additional instructions and guidance prior to surgery.

Q:  I am a little scared about the day of surgery. Can you give me an idea of what I will experience and how it will be?

A:  You will arrive at the location that the surgery will be done at the specified time on the day of surgery. The staff and nurses at the location will take you to a room and begin pre-operation procedures. This will include any last minute details or information that may need to be discussed or covered as well as a basic over view of what the process for the surgery will be.

When they are prepared to begin, you will be taken into the operating room and a local anesthesia will be administered in order to do the procedure. Afterwards, you will be very closely monitored in order to make sure that your overall health is what it should be before you will be allowed to leave. Small drain tubes are often times placed in the breasts in order to avoid fluid build up. Once you have finished the overall evaluation and recovery period and your doctor has cleared you to do so, you will be released and allowed to go home.

Q:  Will there be pain afterwards?

A:  Many times there is some degree of discomfort after surgery. This varies from one patient to the next on the degree and type of pain, however, your doctor and the medical staff will prescribe some type of medication to help you deal with the pain as well as anti-inflammatory medication in order to help reduce the swelling and other uncomfortable aspects that usually follow the surgery.

Patients will feel sore and discomfort for several days after surgery.  Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication will be prescribed.  Anticipate noticeable bruising which may be persistent for a couple of weeks.  There would also be loss of sensation around the nipple and areola areas; however, this is usually temporary.  On the other hand, some activities such as bending and lifting must be avoided as they may cause increased swelling and even bleeding.

Part of the recovery process includes getting out of bed and moving around after about 24 hours after surgery. This will get easier the more you do it, however, it will be slightly uncomfortable at first.