The Breast Reduction Consultation
During a consultation, you’ll meet with one of our board-certified surgeons. In a relaxed, comfortable environment, you’ll discuss:
- Your goals: why do you want the surgery and what outcome are you hoping for?
- Your medical history. You’ll talk about things like:
- Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs and/or herbal supplements?
- Do you smoke?
- Have you had any previous surgeries?
- Your breasts. The doctor will examine, measure and evaluate your breasts. This includes determining how much breast tissue needs to be removed. You may also talk about scheduling a mammogram.
- Your options. You’ll discuss the different types of breast reduction options, as well as any risks and possible complications.
Be sure to bring your questions. You’ll have plenty of time to ask them. We recommend writing down questions as you think of them, so you won’t forget them. When you leave your consultation, you and your surgeon will have developed the treatment plan that’s right for your needs.
Recovery from Surgery
The results of the operation are immediately visible, though the woman may be surprised that her breasts still seem larger than she would like. This is simply post-operative swelling and disappears over time. Before the client goes home, she’s given specific instructions on how to care for the incisions and the drain.
After a few months, the breasts will settle into their new contours. The great majority of our patients are thrilled with not just the new look of their breasts but happy to be free of discomfort and anxiety.
All patients recover from breast reduction differently. Your surgeon will discuss what recovery will most likely look like for you during the consultation and throughout the surgical process.
An Explanation of the Breast Reduction Procedure
Our breast reduction procedures are performed in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art, ambulatory surgery center in Annapolis. There, your board-certified surgeon will meet with you prior to the procedure to mark your breasts. In the operating room you’ll be given general anesthesia. Our staff will take care of you every step of the way.Your surgeon will remove the excess tissue and lift and reshape your breasts while repositioning the nipples. The sutures used to close the incisions under your skin are dissolvable, so they will not need to be removed.
Once the surgery is completed, you’ll be monitored in the recovery room until you’re ready to go home.
Recovery and Results of a Breast Reduction
You can go home the same day, after you’ve rested a bit. Before you leave, you’ll be given specific instructions for caring for the incisions. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication and some topical creams. You’ll want to use them as prescribed to alleviate any discomfort and help with healing. Make sure to arrange ahead of time for someone to take you home and stay overnight, since you may be groggy from the anesthesia.
You’ll follow up with your surgeon within a few days of your procedure. He’ll remove your bandages and make sure you’re healing correctly. He’ll also let you know when and if he wants to see you again. After a few months, your breasts will settle into their new positions, and any scarring will be easily hidden by a bra or bikini top.
Are there any risks associated with a breast reduction?
The risks associated with a breast lift are low and include many of the same risks you find with other types of surgery, like infection, bleeding, incisions that are slow to heal and problems with anesthesia. Most patients recover quickly, happy with their reduction in neck and back pain and their decision to do this for themselves.
Do you think you’re a candidate for breast reduction? The only way to know for sure is to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, to get the information you need to decide of a breast reduction is right for you.