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Will You Perform Breast Reduction Surgery As an Outpatient Procedure?

asked 3 years ago by Dman123 in Amsterdam
Latest answer by Alan Engler, MD
Question viewed 2,967 times
Tags: outpatient

55 answers to Will You Perform Breast Reduction Surgery As an Outpatient Procedure?

+1

Breast Reduction Surgery Can Be Out Patient Surgery

We have done out patient breast reductions for more than 15 years and even wrote a paper about it in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Our patients who went home did as well or better than hospitalized patients. Your surgeon will make the final decision as each patient is unique, but you do not need to routinely be hospitalized. Good Luck! Dr Grant Stevens
Grant Stevens, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

marinaplasticsurgery.com

+3

Breast reduction- outpatient procedure

Breast reduction has become an outpatient procedure. We send many of our patients to an aftercare facility for a nights' stay with an RN both for the safety of the patient and their comfort as well, especially if a big reduction is performed, if the patient is older or there are any health issues.   
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Outpatient breast reduction okay for healthy women

In general, outpatient breast reduction surgery can be performed and is being done so more and more commonly. This does come down to the preference of the surgeon, but for most women this is a viable option.
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Yes, outpatient breast reduction

Breast reduction has evolved from an inpatient procedure with a 1-3 night hospital stay as recenly as 10 years ago to a routinely outpatient procedure. The factors involved are: better anesthesia (more propofol, less inhalational anesthesia) which helps speed recovery and reduce nausea The routine use of local anesthesia with epinepherine injection at the initiation of the procedure decreases blood loss significantly. For example, when I was in training it was fairly routine to have a... more
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Outpatient Breast Reduction can be done for appropriate patients

Thanks for the question. As with any surgery the key in determining whether it can be safely done as an outpatient is your pre-existing health and the procedure itself. Breast reduction as an outpatient surgery can be performed in appropriate patients. In the last 3 years, I have performed hundreds of breast reductions with the vast majority as outpatient surgery. Key considerations are other medical issues that would cause concerns about an outpatient procedure (morbid obesity, sleep apnea,... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction is a safe outpatient procedure.

For the last 13 years I performed and continue to perform my breast reductions in my certified office surgical suite. I do this surgery under intravenous sedation from a certified nurse anesthetist and with tumescent fluid infiltration. This is a very safe technique. I use a short scar technique, all dissolvable sutures and no drains. All my patients go home within half an hour after surgery and I see them back in my office the next day for a postop check.
George Marosan, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+2

Outpatient breast reductions are very common

Twenty years ago, most breast reduction patients spent 1-2 days in the hospital following the procedure. Now, most are performed very safely as an outpatient. I usually allow the patient to decide if they would like to stay overnight. Most, when given a choice, seem to want to go home.
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Yes

It is very likely that your breast reduction could be performed without a stay in the hospital. Unless you have other medical issues that put you at high risk for complications, a low pain tolerance, or anxiety about going home after the procedure, it can usually be performed safely as an outpatient. Good luck.
Daniel Sherick, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+2

Absolutely

To Dman123, Hello, again.  Breast reduction is a rapid recovery procedure that is done on an out patient basis in an accredited ambulatory surgery suite.  Most patients return to work or school in 4 days and exercise without restriction in 3 weeks.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction is often an outpatient procedure

Typically about 50% of our patients go home after spending some time in the post anesthesia care unit.  These are usually the younger patients without any other medical problems who live in town. It is rare that anyone stays any longer than one day in the hospital even if they do stay.
Scott Tucker, MD

Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon
+2

Outpatient breast reduction

In the Bronx, almost all of the breast reduction procedures I do are performed on an outpatient basis. The exceptions are: patients with significant potential health risk  factors, or those who come from great distances.
Barry H. Dolich, MD

Bronx Plastic Surgeon
+2

Many factors need to be considered

Hi there, I do often allow my patients to go home on the day of surgery after breast reduction surgery, but as with any other medical decision, whether or not to send let you go home after this type of procedure will depend on multiple details of your particular situation. These would include your age and overall health status, the amount of help (or lack thereof) that you will have at home, and the details of the planned procedure and your goals. On healthy patients with reasonable goals... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+2

In most circumstances, yes

Although each patient's circumstance is different, assuming a healthy patient with no significant risk factors, breast reduction is predominantly performed as an out-patient. However, adequate post-operative must be ensured with a reasonable person caring for the patient or sending the patient to an after-care facility. Most reductions are relatively low-pain procedures, however you must be prepared for treating pain if it develops. treating nausea and vomiting from the anesthesia, and... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction can be performed as outpatient procedure

There is definitely an increase in the number and types of procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis, and this includes breast reduction surgery. Because this procedure is often covered by insurance, some of my patients want to stay overnight in the hospital. However, with the advent of pain pumps and the routine use of anti-nausea medications, many patients elect to go home. Bottom line is that you should have a discussion with your surgeon about this issue, but it is not... more
Leonard Lu, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction - Will You Perform Breast Reduction Surgery As an Outpatient Procedure?

Generally, yes. Of course, each surgeon has his or her particular routine but breast reduction is most typically done on an outpatient basis today. It may be in a doctor's office (if there is an operating suite there), in an ambulatory surgery center or in a hospital - but it has become increasingly rare to stay overnight in a hospital after this surgery. There are many exceptions, however. This include any underlying medical problems the patient may have, a... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Day Case Breast Reduction Surgery

Absolutely, I'm very happy to perform breast reduction surgery as an outpatient (or "day case") procedure. The main prerequisites for day case breast reduction surgery are: a healthy patient, who is motivated to go home after the surgery, has another adult at home who can look after them and phone for help in the event of problems lives within easy distance of my surgery facility I would recommend an overnight stay for patients who have a... more
Jill Tomlinson, MBBS, FRACS

Melbourne Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction as Outpatient?

Yes, the vast majority of breast reduction procedures I perform are done as an outpatient. This can be done very safely and most patients appreciate the comforts of home as opposed to the hospital environment. It is important to have enough reliable help and support at home during the recovery. Breast reduction surgery remains one of the most patient pleasing operations were performed. I hope this helps.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outpatient breast reduction procedurei

I perform all my breast reduction procedures as outpatient surgeries either in an accredited ambulatory surgery center or at teaching hospitals. Barring postoperative complications related to the anesthesia, insurance companies will balk at an overnight stay. Patients do extremely well at home. I would not encourage a patient to return to work four days after breast reduction surgery. Drains are in place for two to three days generally and sutures are not removed for almost two weeks. ... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.foresthillsplasticsurgery.com

+1

Outpatient Breast Reduction Surgery

With rare exception, breast reduction surgery by Aesthetic Surgical Images surgeons has been done as an outpatient for the last 20 years. Some patients with other medical problems may require an "overnight stay."
John J. Heieck, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon
+1

Out patient breast reduction preferred

Since the late 80's, I have performed all breast reductions on an out patient basis, either in a hospital setting or an outpatient surgical facility. You must have someone with you on the day of surgery. After that, most can fend for themselves. The pain after the procedure is easily controlled with oral medication. In hospital reductions are indicated for those with significant associated medical problems and these women usually will not opt to have... more
Joseph N. Togba, MD

Oakland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outpatient breast reduction

Most of our breast reduction patients are treated as outpatient procedures. Some will stay at aftercare facilities. It all depends on the individual. Please do speak with your board certified plastic surgeon about after care. It is an important aspect of the surgery.
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction on an outpatient basis.

Breast reduction can easily be performed on an outpatient basis in an otherwise healthy individual. The use of a pain pump can diminish post operative pain and the need for narcotic analgesics. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outpatient breast reduction surgery

The vast majority of my breast reduction procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.  In the past, breast reduction procedures involved more blood loss, and patients frequently stayed in the hospital for at least one night.  Currently, patients rarely experience substantial blood loss, and postoperative pain levels tend to be well controlled.  I find that patients prefer to recover in the comfort of their own home... more
Kelly Gallego, MD

Sioux City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure.

Almost all patients can return home after breast reduction.  The operation is not particularly painful.  There is little blood loss and most patients do not need admissions.  Of course, there are always exceptions but at least 90% of reductions that I do are sent home after the operation.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction

I only operate in accredited ambulatory surgery facilities or hospitals.  Although almost all breast reductions I perform are done on an outpatient basis, I like to offer the patient the choice of location.  Some are comforted by knowing that the hospital is the safest place should they have any problems, or not feel well after surgery.
David A. Lickstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outpatient breast reduction

I do all my reductions as outpatient these days.  This wasn't always the case.  I used to keep patients overnight and send them home the next day.  Now I think patients actually do better at home if they have a good caregiver.  Twenty-five years ago when I was training in surgery, we would keep even straight forward hernia patients in the hospital for a week!  I remember the first time, as a Chief Resident at the VA, we did an outpatient hernia.  It... more
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction is a routine day surgery procedure

It has taken a while, but physicians now have it down to the point where all breast reductions are done under a same day routine. I leave drains in for one day and remove them on the first day after surgery, this also allows me to see the patient on day #2 to make sure that everything is going well.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction can be performed as an outpatient procedure

The majority of patients who undergo breast reduction go home the same day.  This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is typically well tolerated by most patients.  If however, a patient has medical issues such as cardiac disease, diabetes, asthma,obesity, smoking, etc. that patient may require an overnight stay in a hospital or aftercare facility.  Your surgeon needs to perform a complete history and physical examination and determine if you need to be... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction as outpatient procedure

Most breast reduction patients should be able to go home the same day as their surgery. In patients who have undergone massive reductions, or whose pain after surgery is not well controlled with oral medication, or for other medical reasons, an overnight stay may be indicated.
Olivia Hutchinson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction is an outpatient surgery

Most of my breast reduction patients go home the same day as their surgery.  In a few rare exceptions, we might keep someone overnight and let them go home the next morning.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outpatient Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is very safe surgery and often can be done on in an outpatient setting.  I will usually give my patient the option of staying in the hospital for one night if they prefer.  If they are larger breast reductions and may need more pain control, they will stay overnight.  If there are any concerning medical problems, then they will also stay overnight.  Many factors are discussed with the patient and we can make a mutual decision together. more
Naveen Setty, MD

Plano Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outpatient Breast Reduction

Most breast reduction are performed as outpatient. However, some patient may need inpatient stay depending on their medical condition. I perform breast reduction under general anesthesia in the hospital setting to ensure safety. About 90% of my breast reduction patients will go home the same day. Most of my patients have excellent pain control and do not need to take narcotic pain medications which is always prescribed.
Stanley Okoro, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Out patient breast reduction

Most breast reductions can be performed as an outpatient . This can be done in an ambulatory surgery center associated with a hospital or not. It can also be done in an office based surgery center which is accredited by various agencies ie:AAAHC ,AAAASF etc Depending on the facility and the physicians preferance you may or may not have an overnight stay.
Joanne Lopes, MD

Virginia Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction Surgery is COMMONLY done as an Outpatient Procedure

In the US, there are few and rare compelling reasons to keep a patient overnight after a Breast Reduction procedure. The operation and anesthesia are safe and the patients can be discharged home safely after surgery without the expense and stress of spending the night in an unfamiliar setting. I am not familiar with how my European and specifically, my Dutch colleagues handle Breast Reduction patients to advise you in that regard.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction: Outpatient or Inpatient procedure?

Dman123, I notice that you are in Amsterdam. I agree that the majority of US breast reduction cases are performed under general anesthesia, in a facility which is contracted with the patient's insurance carrier.  Based on the patient's pre-op assessment of other health issues, a "short stay" on 23 hours may be scheduled, however the trend is increasingly towards outpatient surgery.  Most patients are pleasantly surprised that the discomfort is less than they... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

+1

Breast reduction as an outpatient procedure

We typically perform breast reduction in our AAAASF nationally accredited surgical center on an outpatient basis. However, larger breast reductions may be better performed in a hospital center depending on the patient's health history .
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction

Breast reduction can be done either as an inpatient or outpatient. Individuals need to discuss the options with their doctor since many factors including price, general health, extensiveness of procedure all affect the best choice for a given patient.
Margaret Skiles, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction surgery commonly performed as an outpatient.

  The majority of the breast reductions that we perform in our practice our outpatient surgeries. However, every patient is carefully evaluated before the surgery to make sure that they do not have serious medical problems. If there are significant medical problems or if the patient is elderly, this surgery may be safely performed with an overnight stay. Typically, this surgery is very well tolerated as we do not manipulate the muscle and there are few nerve endings within the... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction as outpatient

Yes, I have routinely done breast reduction surgery as an outpatient for over ten years.  With modern techniques, you are awake soon afterwards and comfortably recover at home. 
Randy J. Buckspan, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure

Barring any medical factors that would require a patient to remain overnight for post-operative observation, breast reduction is considered an outpatient procedure that can be safely performed in an ambulatory surgery center setting.
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Virtually every Breast Reduction can be performed as as Outpatient

Most Breast Reductions can be accomplished within 2.5 to 3.0 hours of General Anesthesia time and this time interval certainly allows the surgery to take place on an outpatient basis. For the last 15 years I have performed all my Breast Reductions on this basis.
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction can be usually performed as outpatient

Hello, Most breast reduction procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. It really depends upon the size of the case and the overall health of the patient. About 25% of my patients spend the night in the hospital.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reductions are safe as outpatient procedures

I have done more than 1200 breast reductions. I have done almost all of them as an oupatients. It's only the rare patient with other medical problems that needs to be admitted. I use the verical scar method almost exclusively. It's the way to go.
Michael Weinberg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Most breast reductions are performed as outpatient

Most breast reductions are performed as outpatient procedures. Pain is usually limited following a breast redcution and well controlled with oral pain medications. There may be rare instances when a patient's medical condition warrants an overnight hospitalization following breast reduction.
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction can be done as outpatient

Dman123, Breast reduction is a common procedure, and the great majority of my patients have breast reduction as an out-patient procedure. The option for an overnight stay is available, but rarely needed. Occasionally, there are patients that have possibly unstable medical conditions that are the reason for hospital stay and monitoring, but not the surgery itself. Your board-certified surgeon should be consulted.
Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon
+1

What is involved in breast reduction

In breast reduction, your surgeon not only reduces the sizes of the breasts by removing excess tissue and fat, but sculpts them into a new, smaller shape. I always do the procedure under local anesthesia and twilight sedation, though some doctors still use a general anesthetic. Expect to be in the operating room three to four hours and then to remain in the facility for about an hour afterwards for monitoring.
Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Most patients are able to undergo breast reduction as outpatients

Most of our patients are able to sleep in their own beds on the night of their breast reductions.  Patients are given the option to stay the night, but most leap at the chance to go home. 
James C. Grotting, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction often done as outpatient

Yes, and I often do. The determining factors usually involve the amounts of tissue that needs to be removed, and the overall health status of the patient.
Manish Raj Gupta, MD

Toledo Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction is a safe outpatient procedure

If you are having your surgery done by a qualified surgeon in a qualified procedure, the prospect of having breast reduction as an outpatient procedure is reasonable. However, if you always confirm with your surgeon that there is a "back up plan" in case you need to be admitted to the hospital over night. Make sure your surgeon has admitting privileges at a hospital near were your surgery is being done (if it is not being done in the hospital). Good luck with your surgery. more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction as an outpatient procedure

Years ago, all breast reduction patients stayed in the hospital overnight. Now, I perform this surgery as an outpatient procedure. I can't remember the last time I kept some one in the hospital after a breast reduction.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

I always do now

For the last 10 years I have done all my reductions as outpatient surgeries with no problems.  Obviously, if for a given patient with medical issues this weren't wise I would do it as an inpatient but I haven't seen this in all those years.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes

This procedure is most commonly performed as an outpatient.  Unless there is a problem like you have trouble waking up, or nausea, or some other health issue, you should expect to go home day of surgery.
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, Breast Reduction can be performed as outpatient

In America, most breast reductions are done as outpatients since insurance does not pay for the procedure. I am now doing about 95% of my patients in my own out patient office surgery center. The chance of problems is the same in a hospital as an out patient.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, if you are healthy

It is very acceptable to perform a breast reduction procedure as an outpatient procedure as long as you are healthy and you will have an adult taking care of you that same night. The proper safety precautions to protect against blood clots,chest infections, etc.. will have to be explained to you in order any problems. I ask my patients to come on the frist post-operative day to make sure they will get out of bed and walk, and review all instructions again with them.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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