What To Expect From Breast Reduction

What to Expect When Getting a Breast Reduction

The decision to undergo a breast reduction is a big one. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff here at the Breast Reduction Center Los Angeles have helped countless woman to make their way comfortably through the process and will be there to guide you every step of the way. To begin with, the following will help to give you an overview of what you can expect at each stage of the surgery process.

Your first step — breast reduction consultation

When you arrive at the Breast Reduction Center Los Angeles your first step will be a private consultation with the top breast reduction surgeon Beverly Hills has available. During this session you will have the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the issues you would like to resolve with a breast reduction surgery as well as talk about your needs and desires.

Be prepared to discuss your medical history during this consultation. It is important that your surgeon know about any medical conditions, drug allergies, any previous medical treatments or surgeries and any medications you are currently taking.

The more you tell your surgeon at this early stage the better, as this information is vital to the proper planning of your surgery. Be sure to let your surgeon know if you are intending to lose significant weight following your surgery. This is especially important if you typically experience loss of breast volume with weight loss. In some cases your surgeon may ask that you stabilize your weight before surgery.

Breast Reduction and Lift Before & After

Age: 28, from Los Angeles, California. Patient had back pain and shoulder grooving from her bra straps. Procedure performed was a breast reduction and lift.

See More Before & Afters

Comprehensive exam and surgery planning

Your surgeon will also conduct a thorough examination of your breasts at this stage, taking detailed measurements as well as photos of your breasts for your medical records. Everything from the size, shape and symmetry of your breasts to the placement of your nipples and areolas to the overall quality of your skin will be carefully examined.

Once your surgeon has thoroughly evaluated you they will work closely with you to develop a personalized surgical plan that is designed to achieve your exact goals.

You surgeon may recommend using our Vectra 3D Imaging System at this stage, in order to give you a preview of what your ideally proportioned and re-shaped breasts will look like.

"I was treated very well and with respect, The doctor and staff had given me all the information I needed or asked for. I was thoroughly prepared for my surgery and I knew exactly what to expect from my breast reduction. There were no surprises. My results are amazing! Breast Reduction Specialists indeed." - T.S.

Preparing for breast reduction surgery

If you are a smoker, your surgeon will instruct you to stop smoking well before the surgery is to take place. Depending upon your age and family history, your surgeon may recommend that you have a mammogram prior to surgery as well as a follow-up exam in the months following surgery. Doing so will make it easy to detect future changes in your breast tissue. Breast reduction surgery will not increase your risk for breast cancer or affect your ability to perform self-examinations on your breasts.

Aspirin and specific anti-inflammatory drugs must be avoided in prior to surgery as these can cause excessive bleeding. Your surgeon will go over any additional preoperative instructions that may pertain to you specifically.

Breast reduction surgery is most often performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that you will not be required to stay the night at our facility. Be sure to have someone ready to drive you home as you will not be to do so on your own. You should also make preparations to have someone who can stay with you and assist you with basics needs for a few days following your surgery.

The Day of Your Breast Reduction Surgery
Your surgery will be performed under a general anesthetic, which means you will be completely asleep during the procedure. Following surgery you will be taken into our recovery area where our nursing staff will continue to care for and monitor you until it is time for you to go home. Your breasts will be dressed with gauze dressings and covered with bandages. In some cases, you surgeon will have already placed small drain tubes in your breasts. These help to prevent from accumulating and are easily removed shortly after your surgery.

What to Expect After Your Breast Reduction Surgery
Your breasts will be sore and swollen immediately after surgery. Your surgeon will recommend appropriate pain medications to alleviate pain and swelling. You will be required to keep your activities to a minimum for a period of two weeks. Heavy lifting, bending or straining of any kind must be avoided for a period of four weeks, following surgery. Your surgeon may instruct you to sleep on your back avoid placing pressure on your breasts and you may be instructed to wear a support bra until swelling has diminished.

You will need to return to your surgeon approximately two days after surgery to have any surgical drains removed. At this time your surgeon will also change or remove your surgical dressings. Stiches are generally removed in stages, over a period of three weeks, beginning in the first week.

Once the healing process is complete you will be able to enjoy the many physical and emotional benefits of having breasts that are in proper proportion to you body.

The healing process
In the majority of cases it can be expected that healing will be complete after approximately eight weeks. But there are some things that may take longer to completely heal or return to normal.

Some women experience an initial decrease in sensation in their nipples and areolas. This is usually temporary but it may take months for sensation to return completely. Similarly it may take longer than eight weeks for your breasts to take on a adjust to their new size and take on natural looking shape. Also the lines in the places where incisions were made will be a red or pink color and will take some time to fade to a less noticeable shade.

Resuming normal activities

Depending upon the nature of your job, you should be able to return to work with just a few weeks. In most cases patients are able to resume normal activities and even do some mild exercise after a couple of weeks. It is normal to feel mild and intermittent discomfort throughout the healing process. It is important that you report anything beyond mild pain to your doctor.

It is advisable to avoid sexual activity for a minimum of one week. Your surgeon may recommend that you wait even longer. It is important that extreme care be taken with your breast during the entire healing process.

Once you have made it through the initial recovery phase you will enjoy a life free from the burden of oversized breasts. As our many patients will tell you, the physical and emotional freedom that comes with breast reduction surgery is truly life changing.

With you every step of the way

Here at the Breast Reduction Center Los Angeles, our goal is to make your entire experience as comfortable and easy as possible at every step of the way. We have helped countless women to overcome their challenges and dramatically enhance their lives with the best breast reduction surgery in Los Angeles. Call us today to find out how we can do the same for you.