What to Look for when Deciding to get Breast Reduction Surgery
Deciding to undergo breast reduction – or any plastic surgery for that matter – is a decision that weighs heavily on many women. Once you’ve made the decision to go for it and selected a surgeon that makes you feel empowered and comfortable, you don’t want any surprises.
Here’s a step-by-step checklist of items to consider before undergoing breast reduction surgery.
Choosing The Right Plastic Surgeon
The most important step for you will be choosing a plastic surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and who you can trust. One item to look for is the surgeon’s certification and experience. One key question to ask is if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This means your surgeon will have met these rigorous ABPS standards:
- Graduated from an accredited medical school
- Completed 6+ years of surgical training after medical school, with at least three of those years in plastic surgery training
- Successfully passed in-depth written and oral exams
Surgeons with proper credentials and a long track record of success are your best options.
Understanding Your Consultation
After selecting a surgeon, you’ll go for your consultation. There you’ll be asked numerous questions about your health, lifestyle and personal desires. You should be prepared to answers questions about:
- Why you are having the surgery and what outcomes you’re looking for
- Current and past medical conditions and allergies
- Potential usage of any substances, supplements or medications
- Family history of illnesses, particularly a history of breast cancer
Your surgeon may also examine your breasts or areas requiring work and copy your medical record if necessary. This process will give you a good read on your options and help provide the course to a successful procedure.
Help Preparing For Breast Reduction Surgery
A good plastic surgeon will give you customized instructions so you’re prepared going into the procedure. You’ll know what to do on the day of your surgery and will receive instructions on post-op care and any needed follow-up appointments.
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to have a medical evaluation or take certain medications. Getting a baseline mammogram before breast reduction surgery may be required. If you’re already on medications, you may be asked to alter that schedule. It’s recommended that avoid taking any aspirin or NSAID anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding.
Don’t Forget: If your reduction surgery is going to be performed on an outpatient basis, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery. It is also recommended that someone stays with you overnight in the days following the surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery: Step-By-Step
The procedure itself includes small incisions on your breast and then the removal of excess tissue, skin or fat. There are different factors that determine the method of a surgeon will use. Here’s a step-by-step guide that explains exactly what breast reduction surgery entails:
1. Anesthesia
You will receive a general anesthesia.
2. Incision
Here are the three most common incision techniques:
- A circular pattern around the areola
- A pattern around the areola with a vertical incision down to the crease of the breast
- An upside down ‘T’ shaped incision around the areola
3. Tissue Removal and Repositioning
After the surgeon makes the proper incision, the nipple is repositioned and the areola may be reduced, if necessary. The tissue is reduced, shaped, or lifted. In extreme cases, the nipple may be moved to a higher position on the breast.
4. Incision Closing
The incisions are then brought together to form the now smaller breast using sutures, skin adhesives or other surgical tools. Incision lines are permanent, but usually, fade and improve over time.
Get Top-Notch Breast Reduction Surgery In Indianapolis
Women in Indianapolis and beyond have been calling Dr. Barbara Siwy for the last 25 years. Dr. Siwy is certified by the ABPS and has a long track record of providing honest, caring and successful breast reduction surgeries.
Dr. Siwy understands the importance of patient education and will make sure you’re equipped to understand your breast reduction options. Give her a call at 317-961-8655 for any plastic surgery needs today!