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By Mayo Clinic staffInitially, you'll consult with a plastic surgeon about breast reduction surgery. During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely:
- Evaluate your medical history and overall health
- Discuss your expectations for breast size and appearance after the surgery
- Provide a detailed description of the procedure and its risks and benefits, including likely scarring and possible loss of sensation
- Examine and measure your breasts
- Take photographs of your breasts for your medical record
- Explain the type of anesthesia used during surgery
- Discuss cost and insurance considerations
Before breast reduction surgery, you may also be asked to:
- Complete various lab tests
- Get a baseline mammogram
- Stop smoking for a certain period of time
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements
Ask your surgeon whether you'll be able to go home the day of the surgery or whether you'll need to spend a night in the hospital. In either case, make plans for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you as you begin to recover.
- Antoniuk PM. Breast augmentation and breast reduction. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2002;29:103.
- Chadbourne EB, et al. Clinical outcomes in reduction mammaplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2001:76:503.
- What is breast reduction? American Society for Plastic Surgery. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reduction.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Cruz NI, et al. Lactational performances after breast reduction with different pedicles. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;120:35.
- Grassley JS. Breast reduction surgery: What every woman needs to know. Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Lifelines. 2002;6:44.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 29, 2009.
- Walsh MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 18, 2009.
