Cosmetic breast surgery

Injury	Diseases	Nutrition	Poison
Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Risks

Recovery

Prevention

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Your surgeon can help you decide which procedure is best for you.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Breast augmentation is done to increase the size of your breasts.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is usually done to lift sagging, loose breasts. The size of the areola, the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple, can also be reduced.

Talk with a plastic surgeon if you are considering cosmetic breast surgery. Discuss how you expect to look and feel better. Keep in mind the desired result is improvement, not perfection. Emotional stability is an important factor. Breast surgery can renew your self-confidence and improve your appearance, but the rest is up to you.

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Before the Procedure

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

If you are or could be pregnant
What drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

During the days before your surgery:

You may need mammograms or breast x-rays before surgery. Your plastic surgeon will do a routine breast exam.
Several days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of surgery.
You may need to fill prescriptions for pain medicine before surgery.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you around the house for 1 or 2 a days.
If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help.

On the day of the surgery:

You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before surgery.
Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
Wear or bring loose clothing that buttons or zips in front and a soft, loose-fitting bra with no underwire.
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After the Procedure

You may need to stay overnight in the hospital. Some women can go home when their anesthesia wears off and they can walk, drink water, get to the bathroom safely, and have pain they can manage at home.