As is most cosmetic surgeries, breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a major undertaking. It is helpful for you to know what will happen to your body. Knowing what to expect will help through the consultation and with recovery.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Breast enhancement with a reduction requires the following preparations for surgery:

* A full medical history and physical including assorted laboratory tests and a mammogram

* Instructions to stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to your surgery date

* Adjustments to your current medication routine

* Ensure you have enough help at home for your post-operative recovery period

* Information on the location of your surgery (accredited office-based surgical center, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital) and your expected stay in the hospital

* Instructions to follow on the day of your surgery

* Instructions for your post-operative care and follow-up requirements

The Day of Surgery

Your actual reduction mammaplasty procedure will vary. Well before the day of your surgical procedure, you and your plastic surgeon will have decided on the best breast enhancement procedure for your specific body type. Your surgery may vary from a simple liposuction procedure to more complicated surgery removing substantial amounts of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.

- Anesthesia

Depending on the exact surgical enhancement procedure to be performed, you will either receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia given to you on the day of your surgery. You and your surgeon will work with an anesthesiologist to determine the best anesthesia choice for you.

- Incision

The incision options you and your plastic surgeon will have to choose from are:

* A circular incision around the areola

* A circular incision around the areola with an added vertical incision down to the breast crease

* An incision which resembles an upside-down "T."

- Tissue Removal

Once the incision is made, excess tissue and fat are removed.

- Areola Repositioning

The areola is left attached to its blood and nerve supply if at all possible, and it is then repositioned higher on the breast. However, for very large breasts the areola is sometimes removed and re-grafted higher on the breast.

- Incision Closing

Once the excess tissue has been removed, and the areola repositioned, then the incisions are closed. Closing is done by sewing surgical sutures deep within the tissue to create support. In addition, skin adhesives or surgical tape is used to close the skin.

Recovery

You will be closely monitored until your anesthesia has worn off. At this point, you will either be sent home or placed in a hospital room overnight to recover. If you will be going home you will be required to have someone at home to assist you, at least for the first few days after your surgery.

Post-Operative Care

Once you have gone home from your surgery, you can expect some swelling, pain, and discomfort. You will likely have to wear support garments and will be instructed on how much physical limitation you should have and for how long. The most important thing you can do post-surgery is to follow all of your plastic surgeon's instructions as closely as possible.

As you can see, it is very important that you work with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that you follow all of their instructions from pre-operation to post-operative care, for the very best breast reduction result possible.