How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Cosmetic procedures are gaining popularity every year. The types of cosmetic procedures people undergo vary greatly, from minimally invasive procedures to major surgery. Surgical procedures like breast reduction tend to require quite a bit more preparation in order to ensure the best possible outcome. Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure in which the breast is reshaped and excess fat, tissue, and skin is removed. It is becoming increasingly common for both cosmetic reasons and as a treatment for chronic pain. While reduction mammoplasty is a great way to boost self-esteem, reduce pain, and improve the overall quality of life, it is important to remember that like all surgeries, there is a recovery period. Being well-prepared is the key to a swift recovery. Here are a few ways to prepare for your breast reduction surgery.
Meet Your Surgeon
The first step in scheduling a breast reduction surgery is meeting with a surgeon to ensure it’s a good fit. Your surgeon will go over the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have. You will also undergo preoperative testing. Your surgeon may recommend a chest X-ray, mammogram, blood tests, and a breast exam. Many factors come into play, like your age and health history. It is important for both you and your surgeon to be as prepared as possible.
Stop Smoking
There are a few steps you can take to ensure your surgery recovery is as easy and pain-free as possible. One of the most important steps to take before any surgery is to stop smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of surgical complications. It also impedes the healing process by decreasing blood flow and weakening the immune system.
It is crucial that you watch what is going into your body before any surgery. Cigarettes aren’t the only thing that can interfere with post-surgical recovery. Certain medications and supplements like anti-inflammatories, vitamin E, fish oil, and ginseng can thin the blood, making surgery risky. Additionally, it is in your best interest to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet and stay hydrated before any medical procedure.
Make Financial Plans
Surgery can take a big financial toll on many patients. Between the cost of missing weeks of work, recovery supplies, and the hospital bill itself, surgery is a big commitment. Insurance coverage, medical leave, and the cost of recovery are all important financial considerations to make. It is best to make plans for surgery as early as possible to ensure job security and overall financial wellness.
Get Ready to Rest
Preparing for recovery ahead of time can make the post-surgical period much easier. Post-breast reduction surgery patients can expect to spend a lot of time relaxing in bed. Having a good book, movies, and a phone nearby is essential. It is also important to make sure you can be comfortable and have all the items you need within easy reach.
Cozy clothing like loose-fitting button-down shirts are highly recommended. Having a couple of comfortable, well-fitting sports bras on hand is also a great idea. A sports bra can provide an extra layer of support and compression during the recovery period.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members for help during the recovery period. You will need to make sure you have someone to drive you home after your procedure. Whoever you choose to be your caregiver will be responsible for making sure you take your medication, rest, and get to your first post-operative appointment. While the first few days of recovery will be the most difficult, most breast reduction patients have a limited range of motion for weeks or months afterward. Having a roommate, friend, family member, or significant other around to help with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning can make a world of difference in the recovery process.
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