Breast Reduction Surgery Survival Tips

Seven Essential Items for Surgery Day, Recovery and Beyond

Are you preparing for breast reduction surgery? Here are my suggestions for things to purchase and prepare for, to help make your recovery as pleasant as possible. Of course, always follow your doctor's orders, especially if you're experiencing any complications or health problems. Since I'm not in the medical profession, my suggestions are based on my surgeon's recommendations and my experience as a patient, and should not be substituted for your own surgeon's advice.

1. Prepare a day pack with medicines, a button-down shirt and pajama pants, required medical documents, toothbrush and toothpaste, and any other personal essentials to bring to the hospital on the day of your surgery. Also, don't wear jewelry or bring your valuables with you. You may need to make a co-pay at the hospital before you're admitted for surgery, but try to pre-register beforehand. Also, don't forget to bring your goal bra. A goal bra is a garment in the cup size you hope to attain after surgery. For my surgery, I brought a goal bra with padded cups, so the surgeon could easily see what size and shape I wanted to become.

2) Have all your medicines in easy to reach locations at home. You may already be taking some medicines and vitamins as prescribed by your doctor. During the first week(s) of recovery, your range of motion may be very limited. Although you should be able to walk without assistance, expect to have less energy than usual. I prepared to have some pain, and in my case, it was limited to my breast and incision area. Follow your doctor's advice for pain management, but make sure your prescriptions are filled and ready to go.