Consultation is a critical part of the breast reduction cosmetic surgery procedure. A fantastic consultation will help the surgeon gain clarity about the patient’s health and aesthetic needs, and the patient will gain more confidence and will be able to establish a rapport with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain different aspects of breast reduction and help the patient to make an informed choice.  

The patient should be prepared to participate proactively in the consultation process and engage closely with the surgeon for every decision. A thorough consultation will lay the groundwork for a success breast reduction procedure. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.   

Cosmetic Goals

The surgeon will try to understand the patient’s reasons for seeking breast reduction cosmetic surgery. Only the patient is in the best position to answer the question about which aspects of her breasts are bothering her, and whether she experiences any pain, discomfort or movement restrictions in addition to the aesthetic challenges. Based on her feedback, the surgeon will create a customized surgical plan to match with her unique aesthetic goals through breast reduction.

Health Assessment

To determine the patient’s candidacy for breast reduction, the surgeon will review her past medical records, conduct a breast exam to check the anatomy and the quality and elasticity of breast skin, and ask questions about her current health condition. The procedure may require her to undergo general anesthesia, which will involve additional assessment.

Patient’s history of drug allergies will also be taken into consideration. The goal is to ensure that the patient does not suffer from any such conditions that will increase the risk during surgery or during the healing process.  

Current Medications

Prior to making a visit to the surgeon’s office for a breast reduction consultation, the patient should prepare an exhaustive list of various prescription and non-prescription medications that she may be currently using. Herbal supplements and vitamins should also be added to the list.

The schedule of some of the medications may have to be altered in consultation with the primary physician, and certain drugs such as blood thinners and NSAIDs may have to be stopped for a few weeks.

Lifestyle Adjustments

The plastic surgeon will require the patient to refrain from smoking for a certain time period before and after the surgery. Nicotine in tobacco can interfere with the blood’s oxygen supply and create risk during the surgery. Smokers also have a higher risk of poor wound healing following breast reduction surgery.

The surgeon may suggest the patient to improve her diet and increase the intake of lean proteins for some time. If the patient can maintain a decent fitness regimen prior to the surgery, it will help her through the surgery and recovery.

Developing Expectations

The surgeon may present breast reduction before and after photos during the consultation to help the patient develop realistic expectations. Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for breast reduction.

Digital technology has changed the playing field for the plastic surgery community. It has altered the scope of all industries and this one is none different. Now with clear and vivid digital pictures, patients can be shown exactly what to expect. This mitigates any anxiety which is better for everyone involved.

These pictures assist the surgeon so he does not have to explain that much to the patient and the patient can even see these pictures at home so they can think about this decision from the privacy of their own home. These before and after pictures are salient and they offer a clear image on what the surgeon says he can do.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.