What happens before breast surgery?
You’ll have a consultation with your surgeon before any medical or cosmetic procedure. He or she will first need to learn about your situation and determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery. You’ll likely have the following discussions no matter what type of breast surgery you’re having:
- Why do you need/want the surgery?
- Do you have any drug allergies?
- What medical treatments have you had before?
- What medications are you on?
- Do you take any vitamins or herbal supplements?
- Do you use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs?
- Is there a history of breast cancer in your family?
- What pre-existing health conditions do you have?
- What surgeries have you had?
You might be ready for optional cosmetic breast surgery if you meet the following criteria, including:
- You’re physically healthy.
- You aren’t pregnant.
- You aren’t breastfeeding.
- Your breasts are fully developed.
- You’ve decided to have the procedure for yourself, not for anyone else. (An important conclusion to come to if you’re having cosmetic surgery.)
At this point in the process, your healthcare provider may ask you to do some tasks to prepare for your surgery, including:
- Adjust your medications.
- Get a blood test.
- Stop smoking and using any type of nicotine.
- Avoid drugs like Aspirin that can interfere with bleeding.
- Stop taking recreational drugs.
- Take vitamins, if recommended.
The consultation is also the time for you to ask your surgeon questions. For example:
- Are you certified by a board-certified surgeon?
- How many years of training do you have?
- How long will my recovery period be?
- What are the risks and possible side effects?
- Will I need more operations in the future?
- Will I still be able to breastfeed?
- How will my breasts look over time?
- What can I do if I don’t like the outcome of my surgery?
Before a breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast reconstruction, your healthcare provider will:
- Measure your breasts. You’ll talk with your surgeon about what size you want to be.
- Take photographs. You’ll want to see before and after images.
Before breast surgery for cancer, your healthcare provider will:
- Identify the size and location of the cancer. This will determine the surgery type: lumpectomy or mastectomy.
How long does breast surgery last?
The length of the procedure depends on the type of breast surgery. Lumpectomy, for example, takes about one to two hours. Breast reduction surgeries, for example, take about three to five hours.
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What happens during breast surgery?
Breast surgeries are very complicated, but the steps are simplified here with two examples: breast augmentation surgery and breast reduction surgery.
There are five steps in a breast augmentation surgery:
- Anesthesia. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
- Incision. The location of the incision depends on the type of breast implant, how much larger you wish to be and your surgeon’s recommendation. The incision might be along your areola, the fold under your breast, or in your armpit.
- Insert and place the implant. The implant will be inserted either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, which is over the pectoral muscle. Your surgeon will discuss the options to figure out the best one for you.
- Close the incisions. The incision is closed using layered sutures in the tissue, and then surgical tape or a skin adhesive (glue) to close the skin. The scar from the incision line will eventually face.
- See the results. You will be able to see the results of your surgery as soon as you wake up.
There are five steps in a breast reduction surgery:
- Anesthesia. General anesthesia.
- Incision. It will be around your nipple, then downward below your breast.
- Removal. Extra skin, tissue and fat are removed.
- Relocation. Your nipple will be relocated to a more ideal location.
- Close the incisions. Your healthcare provider may install a drainage tube at the incision site. Dressings will be applied.
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If there has been some trauma to the breasts or specifically the nipple, or if you want to change its appearance, breast reconstruction surgery might be the best option. Unfortunately, this won’t cure an inability to breastfeed or feel sensation on the nipple. The reconstruction is done using implants or using your tissues such as part of your abdominal wall.
Will I be asleep during breast surgery?
Yes. You will be under anesthesia. Discuss your anesthesia options with your healthcare provider.
What should I expect after breast surgery?
Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely after surgery. You’ll have gauze dressings and either a support bra or elastic bandage. These will minimize swelling and support your healing breasts. You’ll get instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment. You may get a prescription for pain medication.
