Preparing for breast reduction surgery is less about following a rigid checklist and more about making sure your medical history, medicines, home support and recovery plan are reviewed properly. The main breast reduction guide explains candidacy, risks, scars, breastfeeding considerations and recovery.
Before surgery
- Tell the surgeon about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products.
- Do not stop aspirin, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs or other prescribed medicines unless the prescribing clinician and surgeon specifically advise it.
- Discuss smoking or nicotine use because these can affect wound healing.
- Follow the surgical team’s fasting and hydration instructions rather than a universal amount of water or food.
- Arrange transport home and, when advised, a responsible adult to help during the early recovery period.
- Prepare easy-to-reach clothing, medicines prescribed for after surgery and a comfortable recovery area.
Planning for recovery
Recovery varies with the amount of tissue removed, incision pattern, individual healing and type of work. Patients should receive written advice about wound care, support garments, bathing, exercise, driving, medicines and warning signs. Fixed timelines should not replace the treating surgeon’s instructions.
Seek prompt medical advice for increasing redness, fever, worsening pain, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, wound separation or other concerning symptoms.
If you are comparing reduction with procedures that increase breast volume, see breast augmentation. Patients in Tirupati can also review the breast reduction information for Tirupati. For individual planning, use the contact page.