Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding
Your breasts may change in size and shape if you become pregnant. Therefore, it would be wise to consider delaying breast reduction until you have completed child bearing. Many women also question the possibility of breast-feeding after breast reduction. Your plastic surgeon is able to keep the nipples attached to the breasts most of the time. While it is possible to lose the ability to breast feed, many women are still able to do so after surgery. If breast-feeding is very important to you, it would also be wise to delay surgery until breast-feeding is completed.
Mammograms
If you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, you must have a current mammogram (within one year) or we cannot offer you a surgery date. Our surgeons may have other requirements on a patient by patient basis.
Nipple Sensation
In majority of cases, the nipples remain attached to the breasts and retain sensation after breast reduction. However, studies have shown that there is 10-15% chance of losing sensation to the nipples from the surgery. Some women actually notice more sensation to the nipples after swelling subsides.
Risks
Risks of breast reduction surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, pain, numbness, asymmetry, undesirable scars, and wound healing problems. You should discuss these with your plastic surgeon in more detail during the consultation.
Weight
Research shows that patients weighing less than 20% more than their ideal body weight have fewer surgical complications, faster recoveries, and more attractive results. You will be told your target range if you are not within this range. Except under rare circumstances, you must meet the weight guidelines.
Smoking
Many studies have shown that smoking can cause poor wound healing and other complications. Our surgeons will not perform this surgery if you are smoking. You must be smoke-free 8 weeks before surgery and at least 12 weeks after surgery. Nicotine patches carry the same postoperative risks. Second-hand smoke increases your risk as well, so it is important to encourage your family members to quit or to smoke only outside. Smoking cessation classes are offered through the Kaiser Health Education Department, the American Lung Association, and the American Cancer Society.
Consultation with the Surgeon
Your first meeting with the plastic surgeon is usually a 30 to 45 minute consultation. It is the goal of the department to address your questions and concerns, to review your reasons for considering breast reduction, and to assist you toward making the best decision for you. The surgeon will take measurements and perform a physical exam. You will be given the opportunity to discuss the procedure itself and the risks involved. At this time the surgeon will give any recommendations for helping you reach your goal. It is extremely important that you give the surgeon a thorough medical history, a list of all your medications, any allergies, prior surgeries and illnesses. To help facilitate this, you will be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire.
Waiting List
From time to time, the scheduling of surgery cannot be immediate. There may be a waiting list. Normally you will be given 4 to 6 weeks notice prior to your surgery.
