You have probably been thinking about breast reduction surgery for a while. Maybe you are tired of the back pain that comes with large breasts. Maybe you are tired of feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Or maybe you are just ready to make a change.
Whatever your reasons, it’s important to do your research before deciding on breast reduction surgery.
15 Questions to consider before undergoing breast reduction surgery:
- What is the reason for wanting a breast reduction?
- Are you finished having children?
- Do you plan to lose a large amount of weight?
- What are your expectations for the results of the surgery?
- Are you willing to trade some nipple sensation for smaller breasts?
- What are your thoughts on breast reconstruction after surgery?
- How do you feel about possible scarring?
- What are your risks for complications during or after surgery?
- What can you expect in terms of pain and recovery time?
- Are you prepared to take it easy for several weeks after surgery?
- What kind of support will you have at home during recovery?
- How much will the surgery cost and will insurance cover part of the cost?
- Did you consult a plastic surgeon before making this decision?
- What other options have you considered besides surgery?
- Are you willing to commit to a lifetime of care for your breasts after surgery?
46 Questions to ask your doctor before undergoing the procedure:
- What alternative treatments would you recommend?
- Why do you think this treatment is right for me?
- What are the different types of breast reduction surgery?
- Do I need a breast lift in addition to the reduction surgery?
- Where will the surgery be performed?
- Is this facility accredited?
- When is the best time to have the surgery done?
- What are my goals for the surgery?
- What are the risks and possible complications associated with the surgery?
- How much pain can I expect during and after the surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
- What are the risks associated with anesthesia?
- How long will it take me to recover from the surgery?
- How long will it take before I see results?
- When can I expect my final results?
- How visible will my scars be after surgery?
- What kind of scarring can I expect?
- What can I do to reduce the appearance of scars?
- Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
- How much weight will I lose from this surgery?
- What are signs that something is wrong after surgery? When should I call your office?
- What is the chance that I will need additional surgeries in the future?
- What are my options if I am not satisfied with the results of my surgery?
- What are the costs of the surgery and what do they include?
- Will my health insurance cover the cost of the surgery?
- Do you have experience with this type of surgery?
- Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients?
- How long will the results last?
- How should I prepare for the surgery?
- What can I expect the recovery process to be like?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments?
- What should I expect during follow-up appointments?
- Will I need help at home after I am discharged from the hospital?
- When can I return to work or to my normal activities?
- When will I be able to wear underwire bras or other tight clothing again?
- Are there any activities or foods I should avoid after surgery?
- Can I exercise after my surgery?
- What are the guidelines for sports after my surgery?
- What are the long-term effects of this type of surgery?
- What are the alternative treatment options?
- Who will be part of my surgical team and what are their qualifications?
- Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns after discharge from the hospital?
- Is there anything else I should know about this procedure?
- Do you have brochures or other materials I can take home?
- Have you ever been disciplined by a medical board or had your license revoked?
- Do you have malpractice insurance?
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing a surgeon for breast reduction?
When choosing a surgeon for breast reduction, it is important to consider the surgeon’s experience and qualifications. You should also ask the surgeon about his or her approach to the surgery and ask to see before and after photos of previous patients. It is also important to make sure that the surgeon is licensed and insured.
Is it better to lose weight before breast reduction surgery?
There is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not it is better to lose weight before a breast reduction. Some surgeons believe that losing weight will help reduce the size of the breasts, while others believe that surgery alone is sufficient to achieve the desired result. Ultimately, it is up to the patient and her surgeon to decide whether weight loss should be attempted before surgery.
How long is bed rest after breast reduction?
Bed rest is usually prescribed after breast reduction surgery. The amount of time needed for bed rest varies from person to person, but it is usually recommended to stay in bed for a few days after surgery. This will allow your body to heal and recover properly. What’s important is to listen to the doctor’s instructions and take it easy for a while after the surgery.
What to buy before breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is major surgery, so it is important to prepare well for it. The first thing you should buy is some supplies that will help you recover from the surgery. These include items like pain medication, compression bandages, and wound care products.
You should also stock up on easy-to-digest foods and drinks like broth and smoothies. It’s also important to buy comfortable clothes that you can still wear after surgery, such as loose-fitting shirts and pants. You may also want to buy nursing pads and a comfortable sports bra that you can wear after surgery.
Conclusion
Asking questions is important to make sure you are comfortable during any medical procedure, and that includes breast reduction. Ask your surgeon about risks, complications, pain management, recovery time, restrictions, scarring, and much more before scheduling your breast reduction appointment.