Before Breast Reduction Surgery

Like any procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeon emphasizes patient education with breast reduction. During the consultation, Dr. Zemmel will determine if you are a good candidate for breast reduction or if an alternative option is more appropriate for your needs. If a reduction is considered the most beneficial method for obtaining your goals, your surgeon will move forward with discussing every aspect of the surgery to ensure you make an informed decision about your care. By knowing what to expect before and after your surgery, you can be more prepared and plan accordingly.

What Is the Breast Reduction Consultation Like?

Your first visit with Dr. Neil Zemmel will take approximately 45-60 minutes and will include an interview and a physical exam. During the interview, your surgeon will discuss what bothers you about having large breasts, as well as what you hope to achieve through surgery. You should mention specific areas of pain, if you get rashes, and if bra straps tend to cut into your skin. You will also need to communicate any pain medication you have taken or physical therapy you have received to alleviate these issues. Your surgeon will then review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate.

For the exam portion of the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate the following:

• Height and width of the breasts
• Width of the chest and ribcage
• Current cup size and the quality and distribution of the breast tissue
• Quality of your skin and presence of stretch marks
• Diameter of the nipple and areola as well as their position on the breast
• Potential cysts, lumps, or other masses

With this information, your surgeon can determine how much breast tissue will need to be removed.

If you have any medical problems caused by overly large breasts, our team will send a letter to your insurance carrier to preauthorize your procedure. Once authorized, your surgery can be scheduled. If you are undergoing breast reduction surgery for strictly cosmetic reasons, you will be given a full quote with a detailed list of all fees related to the procedure. Plastic surgery financing options are available to help make your procedure more affordable, should you be interested.

How Do I Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?

After your surgery has been scheduled, you will come in for a second consultation to go over the details of your procedure again. At this time, another exam will be performed, and you will discuss what you hope to achieve through surgery to ensure it is well-planned for your unique desires. This includes the type of incision technique, position of the areola, and your final cup size. Your surgeon will also educate you on the risks, benefits, alternatives, and recovery process.

Dr. Zemmel puts a high value on patient education; he is committed to helping you make informed decisions about every aspect of your treatment to ensure you obtain the results you desire.

To conclude this visit, you will be provided with a packet of information, including the prescriptions and instructions for pre- and post-operative care. We highly recommend you fill any prescriptions prior to the day of surgery. You will also get a list of medications, vitamins, and supplements to avoid two weeks before surgery, due to their ability to interfere with healing.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are ready to schedule your consultation, or have any questions about the time leading up to your surgery, please feel free to contact us, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you.