After researching the basics about breast reduction, many patients want to know what to expect before breast reduction surgery.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed.Depending on the type of surgery you will undergo,your procedure may be performed in your plastic surgeon's accredited office based surgical facility,an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital.

You’ll need help

If your breast reduction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

We have a number of tools available to assist you while preparing for breast surgery , including:

• A downloadable patient checklist
• A breast reduction planning guide
• The How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon Guide

Related Links