What to Expect Before and After Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is an effective procedure that can make a world of difference for people who suffer from the symptoms of overly large breasts. Your doctor will explain what to expect before and after the surgery, including what to do before your procedure and how long recovery will take. Breast reduction recovery time depends on how much tissue was removed from each breast during the process, as well as your overall health.
Before Breast Reduction Surgery
First, you will meet with Dr. Nakamura to discuss your treatment options, as well as figure out whether insurance may cover some or all of the costs of the procedure. During this meeting, your surgeon will explain the breast reduction procedure and answer any questions you may have. Your surgeon should thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery.
During this initial consultation, you can feel free to ask questions about how long the surgery will take, what type of anesthesia will be used, and whether the medications you take on a regular basis will need to be adjusted prior to the surgery.
You will also be asked to sign consent forms permitting the procedure. Make sure that you understand everything in these forms before signing them. If possible, ask questions about anything that is unclear or doesn’t make sense to you.
Preparing For Recovery
Once your surgery date has been scheduled, you’ll need to make a few arrangements for the day of surgery and the recovery period to follow. First, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Next, you should set up the place where you’ll spend time resting and recovering, gathering entertainment materials, medication, comfortable pillows, and more so it’s ready for you when you come home.
You’ll need to stop taking certain medications before surgery — including aspirin and blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix (clopidogrel). You’ll also need to stop drinking alcohol for at least three days before the operation.
Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or other medications that contain hormones during your recovery period because they can interfere with healing from surgery-related injuries.
After Breast Reduction Surgery
After breast reduction surgery, you can expect to experience some pain and numbness in your breasts and nipples. You will also have some swelling, which is normal and should mostly go away within a few weeks.
The most important thing you can do after surgery is rest. You may feel tired and sore, but it’s essential to get plenty of rest so that your body has time to heal correctly.
Your doctor will give you instructions on caring for your incisions, which are usually closed with stitches or surgical glue. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication before leaving the hospital or clinic.
You’ll probably be given an exercise program to follow after surgery, but any physical activity should be limited for about six weeks following breast reduction surgery. If you have other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about how much exercise is safe for you once the sutures have been removed from your incisions (usually four weeks after surgery).
If your surgeon used drains during the procedure, they’d need to be removed during a follow-up appointment at the clinic or hospital where you had surgery. The drains help remove excess fluid from the area around the nipple that’s being reduced; taking them out helps prevent swelling and bruising.
Learn More About Breast Reduction in DFW
Schedule a consultation with Accent On You to learn more about the different options for your breast reduction. Our utmost focus is on patients’ safety, making them satisfied and well served with a custom solution that gives them an enhanced life free from the aches and pains they’re all too used to. Fill out our online contact form to get started on a life-changing journey to better health today.
Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is a recognized expert in plastic surgery and body contouring, providing excellent care while taking a personal approach with each and every patient.
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