Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Making the necessary preparations for your breast reduction surgery, as well as following all of your doctor’s pre-operative instructions will protect your health during and after surgery, promote healing and help you to relax and focus on your recovery. Because breast reduction is very extensive plastic surgery procedure, the recovery time can be significant.
Stress can affect your body’s ability to heal, so it is important that you do everything you can to avoid stress during your recovery. You are going to need help, and planning for it in advance will make your recovery period much easier. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the hospital or surgery center, and to stay with you for at least your first night home. You will also want to make sure that you have everything you are going to need before your surgery date, including books, magazines and movies to keep your mind occupied during your recovery.
Most likely you will be asked to discontinue taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, phentermine, fenfluramine and vitamin E two weeks prior to surgery. These medications can lead to complications during and after surgery. It is also necessary to stop smoking several weeks before plastic surgery. Tobacco use can inhibit healing and is associated with other wound complications and anesthetic risks. You may be instructed to lose some weight before surgery. Your doctor may also ask you to have a mammogram done before surgery.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken before surgery, as well as after to lessen the risk of infection. It is important to take all of the medications prescribed as directed by your physician.
You will also receive a list of special instructions that must be followed the day of surgery, as well as post-operative instructions for when you go home.
Tags: Breast Reduction, Surgery