Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery Questions

Will I need any more visits before surgery?
It is highly recommended that you meet with Dr. Spring at least one more time before your surgery to answer any questions and review the procedure. You will also need to have a “History & Physical Exam”, or a “Preop Exam” approximately 2 weeks before surgery.  At this appointment, you will have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions as the procedure and all the operative paperwork is completed.

Where will the procedure be done?
Breast reduction surgery is usually done at the Pend Oreille Surgery Center, an outpatient surgery center across the street from the office.  On occasion, it may be done at Bonner General Hospital as an outpatient procedure or an overnight stay.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?
Most patients have general anesthesia and are completely asleep during the procedure

How long does the procedure take?
The surgery usually lasts approximately 2-3 hours, but the actual time in the operating room may be up to 3-4 hours to allow for preparing you for the procedure.

Will I go home the same day?
Yes, most patients are ready to go home 2 to 4 hours after the procedure. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you that night. If you are from out of town and would like to stay in the Sandpoint area overnight, please ask Dr. Spring’s staff about hotel options.  We also can provide you with the contact information for registered nurses who work at the surgery center and can provide you with overnight assistance in the event that you are traveling alone. 

Will I have any drains after surgery?
In most cases, Dr. Spring does not use drains after breast reduction.

What medications will I need after surgery?
You will receive a prescription for a pill containing a narcotic/acetaminophen (Tylenol) combination. Three days after your surgery, you may also start using ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) which can be obtained before your procedure without a prescription. Most patients stop using the narcotic pills after 2 to 3 days and change over to acetaminophen alone or with ibuprofen or naproxen.  You will also be given a prescription for an anti-nausea suppository, which you can use if necessary.

Will I need any special bras?

Most patients have a Surgical Bra or a light dressing placed after surgery and should wear it for 2 weeks. It may be removed for 15 minutes twice a day as needed during the first week and for 30 minutes twice a day during the second week. You may wear a sports bra (without underwires) after 2 weeks and then purchase new bras as you desire after 2 months or after the swelling has
After surgery, you will have a light surgical dressing in place.  

How often will I need to come back after surgery?
Dr. Spring will see you within 3 days after surgery and again after 1 to 2 weeks, 4 to 6 weeks, and after 3 to 4 months. If you would like to be seen at any other time, Dr. Spring will be happy to do so.

Will there be any sutures to remove after surgery?
In most cases, there are no sutures to remove.

What are my restrictions after surgery?
You may remove the dressings and shower the next day after surgery, but be very gentle with your breasts for the next 2 weeks. Light regular activity is allowed during the first week but should be limited if it causes discomfort. Avoid heavy straining or lifting more than 10 pounds (about the weight of a gallon of milk). You should sleep on your back for the first 1 to 2 weeks.  Do not drive if you are using narcotic pain medications. After 2 weeks you may resume regular activity as tolerated.

How long before I can return to work?
Most patients can return to work in one week. If you need to do moderate or heavy activity, you may need to wait 2 weeks before returning to work.

When can I travel?
Two weeks after surgery.  You must get up and walk every hour when traveling by air or being in a car for long periods of time.

When can I go swimming?
Avoid hot tubs, lakes, rivers and swimming pools until 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Is it normal to see my muscle moving over the implants?
If your implants are placed below the muscle, it is normal to see your pectoralis muscle moving over your implant. 

My nipples are numb.  Is this normal?
Nipple numbness may last 6 months to a year. 

My breasts feel hard.  Is this normal?
The hardness should go away and usually is a result of swelling or tightening of the skin and muscle.  Occasionally, hardness that persists for many months may be scar tissue that can be treated with surgical removal.

Sometimes I have a sharp pain and/or burning sensation in my breasts. Is this normal?
This sensation is normal and will go away with time.  If this is accompanied by increasing pain or uneven swelling, please call the office right away.

Will I need any therapy after surgery?
No, just be sure to move your arms in a full range of motion three times a day in a slow and gentle manner after surgery to prevent stiffness. Start this the third day after surgery.

What can I do to minimize scars after surgery?
Silicone gel sheets have been shown to improve scar appearance after surgery. Please refer to the enclosed Scar Information sheet for details.

How will breast reduction affect future mammograms?
Tell your doctor and mammography technician that you have breast reduction surgery. If you are less than 35 years old, you may wait until that time before having a mammogram (unless your primary care doctor recommends otherwise). If you are 35 years old or older, ask your primary care doctor to obtain a new “baseline mammogram” 6 to 12 months after surgery.

 

 

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