How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a major surgical procedure requiring careful preparation. This is so you can get the most out of your experience and recovery.
Talk to Your Surgeon
Your surgeon will ask about your health and what you hope to achieve through breast reduction surgery. This will help them decide if you are a good candidate for the procedure and what size breasts they can operate on.
It will also help them determine how much tissue should be removed to achieve their goals. Your surgeon will also ask about any pain issues or rashes you have. During this initial meeting, your doctor will interview you and take detailed measurements of your breasts. They will also take photos for your medical records.
Get a Physical Exam
A physical exam is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for breast reduction surgery. It allows your doctor to get to know you better and determine if there are any serious health issues that you might not be aware of. The examination usually involves your doctor checking your weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. It may also include a lung exam to check for signs of asthma or other respiratory problems.
You should also bring along any medications you are taking. This will help your doctor manage them and avoid dangerous interactions with other medications.
Consulting with a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reduction Princeton, NJ is also essential. This will allow them to write a letter of medical necessity for the insurance company to review as part of the pre-operative authorization process.
Change Your Diet
You’ll need to eat a healthy diet before breast reduction surgery to prepare your body for the procedure. This will help reduce swelling, edema, and bruising. It also will ensure your cells have the nutrients they need to heal and repair themselves. You should eat many brightly colored fruits, vegetables, lean types of meat, and whole grains and avoid processed foods. Keep drinks such as sodas and alcohol to a minimum. Drinking plenty of water before and after your surgery is also essential. A week before surgery, eliminate supplements and foods inhibiting anesthesia, healing, and blood clotting, including omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, green tea, cayenne, garlic, and nightshade veggies.
Stop Smoking
If you plan to have a breast reduction procedure, it is crucial to quit smoking. Smoking can significantly impact your recovery and cause complications. This is because smoke decreases blood flow to the skin, which can cause wound separation and poor healing. In addition, smoking reduces your body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, the components that make the skin stronger and more resilient. Tobacco use also increases your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious diseases. It may be hard to stop smoking, but it’s vital for your health and surgery results.
Stop Taking Medications
Medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements can interfere with healing or make surgery less effective. To prevent these complications, patients should get all medications cleared by their surgeon at least two weeks before surgery. For example, antidepressants may cause a negative reaction in the body, making the surgery more difficult and leading to complications. If you’re taking antidepressants, you should talk to your doctor about stopping them before surgery. Also, drink plenty of water and electrolyte solutions to help keep your blood hydrated before and after surgery. Be sure to have soft, mild foods available as you recover from your procedure.
