If you want to reduce the size of your breasts, a good place to start is by looking at breast reduction before and after photos. There, you’ll see the types of reductions that can be achieved with this surgery. You’ll also see the three scar patterns that are most frequently used.
Although some people may be hesitant about breast reduction surgery because it is major surgery, the vast majority of patients who need and undergo this procedure say they wish they would have done so sooner. The surgery is overall safe and can provide numerous benefits for patients who have suffered from a painful back, neck, and shoulders (plus other ailments) for far too long.
What to Prepare for Before and After Breast Reduction
In this article, we’ll be exploring the ways in which you can better prepare for breast reduction surgery before and after the procedure. While prepping for the procedure itself is certainly important, it is also critical to prepare for the recovery period post-surgery.
Preparing for the Breast Reduction Operation
Surgery preparations first step starts with your consultation appointment. Always find a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with breast reduction surgery. Look at their breast reduction before and after pictures to ensure you are happy with what they can achieve for their patients.
Leading up to your consultation, take an hour or so to write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns about this procedure. You’ll want to be able to convey to your surgeon what you want your outcome to be. Furthermore, never hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
Also, don’t forget to bring a brief rundown of your medical history with you to your consultation. Your surgeon will need to assess your health and history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Sometimes, additional tests may need to be ordered.
At your consultation appointment, you will also go over things like breast reduction surgery cost and financing, possible surgery dates, incision care during recovery, and more.
As your operation date approaches, follow all of your surgeon’s instructions. You will need to cut out smoking if you are a smoker, stop drinking alcohol, and possibly change up your medications and supplements. Continue eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and exercising.
On the day of your surgery, be sure someone is prepared to pick you up and bring you home. We recommend wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that buttons or zips in the front.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Recovery
You’ll also need to prepare for your recovery prior to surgery. Although breast reduction recovery is typically short and straightforward without severe symptoms, don’t expect to be able to move heavy furniture, carry out lots of errands, run around with small children, or stand for long periods of time over the first few days of the healing process.
Recovery preparation starts with prepping your home. A warm and comfortable environment with everything you need at-hand is what to aim for. Often, patients will opt to have a communal area set up in their living room or den and will also outfit their bedroom as a place to rest and recuperate.
Wherever you choose to be, make sure you have a comfortable place to recline and sleep. Remember, you’ll need to sleep on your back and have your upper body elevated.
Select a few forms of entertainment to help pass the time. This may include movies, TV, magazines, books, podcasts, games, etc.
Having snacks and healthy meals on-hand is also important. Some patients choose to sign up for grocery delivery or ask friends and family for help with shopping.
You might also consider pre-making some meals or setting up a meal train with friends and family. Meal delivery services are another option. Always opt for healthy foods with plenty of protein, which is essential for recovery.
FAQ: Breast Reduction Surgery
What do breast reduction scars look like?
There are three main types of incision patterns performed with breast reduction surgery: donut, lollipop, and anchor.
Donut incisions go around the areolae only. Lollipop incisions go around the areolae with another line from each areola down to each breast crease. Finally, the anchor incision pattern is a lollipop pattern with a third incision running along each breast crease.
Wherever you have incisions, you will have scars. Take a look at breast reduction before and after photos to see examples of these incision patterns and the subsequent breast reduction scars. Note that the incision pattern chosen will vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and their desired result.
How long do breast reduction results last?
Providing the patient takes care of their health and leads a healthy lifestyle (including a nutritious diet and regular exercise), results should be long lasting for many years. Avoiding drastic weight fluctuations will help with this.
Of course, every plastic surgery is different, just as every patient and doctor is different. Furthermore, we cannot stop the aging process, so drooping, wrinkles, and other changes will occur with time.
Why do women opt for breast reduction surgery?
Women have breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) to alleviate physical discomfort like back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain caused by excessively large breasts. Additionally, it can address posture issues, skin irritation, difficulty finding properly fitting clothing, alleviate pain from bra straps, improve overall body proportion, and self-confidence.
Contact Dr. Mohan Today to Schedule a Consultation
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan specializes in breast reduction procedures. Have a look at our photo gallery to see examples of Dr. Mohan’s past results.
If you have been considering a breast reduction because of the adverse effects of having excessively large breasts, we encourage you to reach out to us at your earliest convenience and book a personal consultation appointment for surgery. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your breast reduction journey.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-after-your-breast-reduction-surgery