Preparing For Your Breast Reduction Surgery

[communityhead]

You've scheduled your appointment, now what!? Now is the time for you to have second thoughts, run around looking for bras, experience anxiety and have your life in an emotional upheaval. For many, this is a very stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. It is perfectly natural for you to be "freaking out" now that surgery is a few weeks away. Just follow the advice composed with the help of real patients and of course your own surgeon and things will go much more smoothly.

The Pre-Operative Appointment
If you schedule a surgery date you will more than likely schedule a pre-operative visit appointment, as well. This will entail another trip to the surgeon's office, bloodwork to check your red and white blood cell counts (a CBC test), among other things. This will identify any pre-existing disorders such as anemia, some cancers (leukemia or lymphoma), it evaluates blood loss, determines the possibility of infections diseases.
You can also predetermine those who may be high risk to post-operative infections. Usually before surgery, a complete blood count (CBC) only is performed, as well as a pregnancy test if you are of childbearing age and have that physical capability. Although a related test known as the hematocrit test may be performed.

Also please quit smoking now. It will highly reduce your risk of necrotic tissue and nipple loss. Do not take any chances with this. This is your life. Smoking and major surgery like this can also make your scars huge and ugly and not heal well at all.

You will go over your post-operative instructions and what medications you shouldn't be taking as well as the ones you should take before surgery. Also you may be instructed to get a mammogram. You will be instructed to get one if you are 35 or over (some surgeons instruct their younger patients to get a mammogram as well) if you are getting breast implants as well so be prepared.

You will also be given (or should be given) a list of medications that you must cease or avoid taking. These medications will mostly be aspirin-containing products and supplements that may inhibit clot formation or cause problems with anesthesia.

You will also be given a list of things to buy or have around you in your healing room. Things like frozen peas, raspberries or blueberries for icing you down to ease the swelling and bruising. You will be asked to buy a soap, perhaps Hibiclens, or it will be given to you for cleansing a few days before surgery (to kill Staph and other surface bacteria). Some surgeons simply suggest Dial antibacterial soap. You will usually get gauze and other types of dressings to tend to your incision areas. We have provided a list for your convenience below or you may click the link for a printable version to have on hand.

[aia44]

Thanks for that guide. I think most women get very nervous while waiting for their operation date. Many consider canceling, I think, even when they have already put down the money.