If you are not happy with the size of your chest, and would like to reduce it for medical reasons, you should find out as much as possible before the surgery. Meeting with your doctor a few times before the breast reduction surgery can help you prepare.
If you are interested in breast reduction surgery, there are a few ways to prepare first. After you choose a doctor, you should meet with him or her to find out how to get ready for your appointment. Knowing what to expect at the meetings with your surgeon is almost as important as knowing to expect on the day of the operation.
You should attend a consultation before you officially choose a surgeon, which will allow you to make sure that you find the best doctor for you. Once you have decided, you should expect to go in for a medical examination to make sure that you are healthy enough to have the breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon will want to ensure that you heal properly afterward, and not being in good health can make this difficult.
Your surgeon will take pictures of your chest in its current condition, and he or she will also take pictures after the breast reduction surgery. This will allow you to compare the two, and will also serve as a possible aid for the doctor to get more patients if the surgery goes particularly well. During this appointment, your physician will also examine and measure your breasts, and then discuss with you what size you want to go down to.
It is important that your expectations are realistic before you undergo breast reduction surgery. Most doctors will not perform the operation if they believe that you think it will improve every aspect of your life, or if they think you are doing this for someone other than yourself. Your surgeon should also go over the risks and complications with you so that you are not surprised if any side effects do occur. Additionally, the type of anesthesia used will be discussed, and you will need to know if you are allergic to it or not before the day of the appointment.
Another consideration is whether insurance will pay for the operation. If the size of your breasts makes it painful just to get through your everyday activities, you should let your insurance company know. If you have back and shoulder pain, the operation will probably be considered a medical necessity. Of course, it is up to your insurance company to decide this, so be sure the procedure will be paid for before you make an appointment. This, along with talking with your doctor about the procedure, will help you be as prepared as possible.
