If you’ve ever looked at breast reduction before and after photos, you can almost see in the “after” photos how patients are standing up straighter, with less pain and discomfort. Their breasts are more even, they often more youthful, and their bodies look more proportionate. It can be a life-changing procedure for so many women.

Still, preparing for such a transformational surgery can create anxiety in many patients. The anticipation of surgery can be scary, even though breast reduction has a low rate of complications and a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.

In this guide, we will outline best practices for breast reduction surgery preparation, helping you feel feel more composed and confident as you move toward your surgery date.

How to Navigate Your Breast Reduction Consultation

All plastic surgery procedures must start with a consultation appointment. This is a crucial appointment that will potentially decide many things as you move forward.

During your consultation:

Your surgeon will ask you questions about your main concerns and goals. You should also ask as many questions as you like.
Your surgeon will go over your medical history and candidacy for surgery.
You’ll have a short physical exam so your surgeon can assess your anatomy.
You may review breast reduction surgery before and after photos (or breast reduction and breast lift before and after photos, depending on your goals) to help your surgeon get a better idea of what you’re looking for.
You can discuss the breast reduction cost, your budget, and financing options.
Your surgeon will review the breast reduction risks and potential complications.
Your surgeon will go over your breast reduction recovery timeline.
You will discuss next steps.

After your consultation, it’s encouraged that you take as long as you need to decide whether breast reduction surgery is right for you. During this time, it never hurts to ask additional questions if you have them, read personal testimonials from actual patients who have been through breast reduction, and review more breast reduction before and after pictures. If you don’t know where to find a photo gallery plastic surgery websites or any plastic surgeon’s official website will usually have them.

Keep in mind that the choice to undergo this surgery should be yours and yours alone. Remember that you are a unique patient. Use the resources you have, and educate yourself fully on the procedure before making a decision you are confident with.

Before and After Breast Reduction: How to Prepare Physically and Mentally

When you do decide you want to move forward with a breast reduction, there are typically several weeks or even several months between your “decision date” and your actual date of surgery. We encourage you to take advantage of this time and consider doing the following to ensure a successful operation, a smooth recovery period, and optimal results:

Follow your surgeon’s advice on lifestyle adjustments. You want to optimize your overall health before the procedure, so you may need to quit smoking, reduce your alcohol intake, or make other changes before surgery.
Someone will need to take you home after surgery. But also plan for someone to assist you during the initial days of recovery, You may need help with daily activities and errands.
Arrange your living space with comfort in mind. Place essential items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary strain.
Stock up on loose, front-opening tops to accommodate any post-surgery restrictions on arm movement. These are much easier than pull-over-the-head tops.
Develop a post-surgery nutrition plan with your surgeon to support healing and boost your immune system.
Create a post-operative care kit, including prescribed medications (you can usually pick these up ahead of time), wound care supplies, and any recommended ointments or creams for better scar healing. Always speak with your surgeon first if you plan to use any topical products.
Attend to personal grooming tasks before surgery to minimize exertion during the recovery period.
Cultivate a positive mindset and realistic expectations to navigate the emotional aspects of the pre- and post-operative period. Recovery can be challenging at times, but keep your “whys” in mind. Make a list of them or create a vision board that you can look to for encouragement.
Plan how you’ll track your progress. Taking notes on your healing or a photo a day will quickly show you how far you’ve come. This can be great motivation to keep moving forward.

Call Today to Set Up a Consultation Appointment

Although each patient’s results will vary, the vast majority of breast reduction patients say they wish they wouldn’t have waited so long to undergo surgery.

From back and shoulder pain to headaches, chafing, and difficulty finding bras and clothes that fit, the ailments that accompany extra large breasts can be overwhelming. Breast reduction is a surgery that can help.

Call today to schedule your consultation with female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg, MD. Dr. Steinberg specializes in breast reduction and breast enhancement surgeries and can help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Call today.