What happens at my pre-op appointment for my breast reduction?

Hello and thank you for your question.
The pre-op appointment will take between an 60 and 90 minutes. The surgeon will examine you, go over the details of the surgery , and you will sign your consents. This is the time to bring up any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Surgeons may vary on the pre op appointment, for my patients I review how the surgery is to be done and answer any questions. At this time I give my patients their prescription for the lab test and medications. I take pre-operative pictures for their chart, and at this appointment payment is due in full, unless the surgery is being covered by insurance. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Good luck on your upcoming surgery! Pre op appointment content varies by surgeon. You will want to bring along a list of questions you have just to make sure you receive the needed information. Good questions to ask are: Is there anything I need to do to prepare? Any medications/supplements I should avoid prior to surgery? Is there anything I will need at home after surgery? When will my first follow up appointment be? Will I need to have any tests done prior to surgery?
Your surgeon should cover all of this and more to help you prepare for your surgery.

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.   
  Although practices will vary, preoperative appointments are established to prepare patients for the day of the surgery.  Patients should pay special attention to preoperative instructions.  a list of "do/don'ts" are typically provided to patients; this list helps prepare patients to proceed with surgery in a smooth and complication free fashion.  Specific instructions regarding the few weeks prior to surgery and the day/evening prior to surgery are also reviewed.In our practice, photographs are taken and  ostoperative prescriptions are provided to patients at this time.  Often, the planned procedure as well as the potential risks/complications associated with surgery are reviewed as well. This visit is also an opportunity to discuss postoperative care instructions. Patients should feel free to address any concerns regarding the planned procedure,  including goals and/or other specific questions.
  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Dear Cheyenne,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. In general, at a preop appointment you will review your history and physical, sign consents, take photos, and pay any final owed balance. You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast lift with auto-augmentation technique. There are a number of no-vertical scar breast lift techniques, but my preferred technique is the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique and breast augmentation, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure.  Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award Winner