Breast Reduction (cont.)
How To Prepare
You need to be in good physical shape to ensure proper healing, so follow your surgeon's instructions on vitamins you can take before and after the surgery. Likewise, it's very important to eat well-balanced meals. This is no time for a diet!
During your preoperative consultation, your surgeon will ask about your habits, including whether you smoke or what medications you take. You may have to quit smoking for a period before and after surgery to ensure proper healing.
Likewise, you also may have to cease taking certain medications, such as aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin or Aleve. Your surgeon will instruct you on this.
Before you undergo surgery, you'll need to get your home ready for your recovery. This should include:
- Plenty of ice
- Gauze and clean washcloths and towels
- Loose, comfortable t-shirts and blouses
- Soft bras we mentioned above. Your surgeon can recommend where to buy these
- Special ointments or creams as recommended by your surgeon for incision site
- Telephone within reaching distance of your primary rest area
- Magazines, movies, etc.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
You will need to take at least one week off from work or school. Some patients require two weeks, but each situation varies. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow up appointments to remove bandages and sutures.
If you are a physically active person, you will not be able to resume your activity for at least one month after surgery. It's very important that you realize the emotional impact of surgery: a lot of people experience depression, but this is normal! Make sure you communicate with your doctor about all your concerns.
Complications and Side Effects
You should expect to feel tired and you will have breast pain. This is normal!
Your surgeon will give you a prescription antibiotic ointment and oral painkiller to ease you through the first few days after surgery. You should avoid heavy lifting at all costs, as this can promote scarring.
It's important to note that a breast reduction will cause scars as a normal side effect. However, the scars can be made worse if you lift heavy objects prematurely. Though they are rare, some people may experience certain complications such as inadequate healing of the nipple area, which may require a skin graft.
Next: When should I call my doctor after breast reduction surgery? »
- Breast - Learn about the function of the breast, design, function, milk production during and after pregnancy, and common medical concenrs about the breast.
Latest Medical News
Interactive Slideshows