If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you are not alone. Many women seek breast reduction surgery to alleviate pain and discomfort originating from large and heavy breasts. Also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts to achieve a more proportional size. In this article, we will take you through how to prepare and care for yourself before and after the procedure.
Book a consultation with Melbourne Plastic Surgeon Dr Carmen Munteanu to find out more about Breast Reduction surgery at her clinic in Mitcham.
If you’re looking for advice, contact us for a consultation.
Pre Operative
Dr Carmen may require you to have blood work done, along with an electrocardiogram (EEG) and breast ultrasound.
This keeps you safe from potential complications and risks associated with your procedure. Note that Dr Carmen may not recommend breast reduction surgery if you are not a healthy weight, or if you have severe underlying medical conditions.
You will need to provide a comprehensive list of current and former medications to your surgeon including multivitamins. If you are on anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medication, let your surgeon know ahead of time so adjustments can be made if required.
If you smoke or drink alcohol, let Dr Carmen know so they can factor this into your care plan and appropriate measures can be taken to keep you safe. Blood tests may be conducted to check that you are at a safe level to proceed with surgery.
If you find that quitting cold turkey is difficult, let your GP know so they can assist you with a plan to cut down on your alcohol and nicotine intake. It is of course wise to reduce alcohol and tobacco use in general, as they have been implicated in multiple health issues.
Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to Breast Reduction Surgery – Reduction Mammaplasty
Nutrition
While it is advisable to eat nutritious food in general, it is especially important to stay healthy in the weeks leading to and post your surgery. Dr Carmen from Aesthetik Profile advises, “As your body recovers from a major surgical procedure, it needs all the help it can get. Include fruit and berries with antioxidants in your diet. Eat enough protein and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Avoid eating processed food in the weeks before surgery, and eat a variety of green vegetables, fruit, nuts, and healthy fats.
What to wear on the day of surgery
Do not wear anything too tight or uncomfortable. A loose-fitting, zip-through jacket, and comfortable lounge or leisure wear is recommended. Remove any piercings and leave your valuables at home.
What to bring with you for your hospital stay
- Prescription medication and supplements
- Medicare and Private Health Insurance card
- Drink bottle and phone charger, magazine or book
- Basic Toiletries
Post Operative
Adequate rest is a crucial part of recovery with breast reduction surgery. Prepare for your surgery by scheduling some time off work and strenuous activity. You might want to take one-three weeks off work depending on the type of surgery you have and suspend your gym membership. Take extra care of your upper body muscles, and avoid jogging and high-intensity exercise for the coming weeks after your procedure. Wear your surgical garment at all times.
On discharge after surgery, arrange transportation from the hospital as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours post-procedure. You may wish to arrange for a family member or friend to stay with you for a few days.
Find out more about Breast Reduction
While the reduction mammoplasty procedure can provide significant results for many women, it is still a major surgery that requires preparation and aftercare. Speak to your plastic surgeon and please ask your questions before your procedure so that you can make an informed decision!
