Some advance preparation is always in order before a major cosmetic surgery procedure such as 
breast reduction. It is vital for the patient to follow the surgeon’s preparatory guidelines and stay fit for the surgery. A thorough preparation will create the foundation for a successful surgery.
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss various aspects related to pre-operative preparation.
The patient should freely ask questions and clarify any doubts or concerns or doubts about the preparation process. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides breast reduction to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding locations across the horizon.
Arranging Health Records
To determine candidacy and create an appropriate breast reduction surgery plan, the surgeon might want to review the patient’s past health records. If the surgeon finds any specific concerns, they could discuss with the physician or specialist before going ahead with the procedure, or may modify the plastic surgery plan to ensure safety of the patient.
Diet and Exercise
To achieve more physical strength and resilience before the surgery, the patient should follow a balanced diet and maintain a regular exercise regimen as far as she can. A healthy and fit woman will be better prepared, both physically and mentally, to undergo general anesthesia and surgery, and is also likely to heal faster.
Avoiding Smoking
The patient should disclose to the surgeon during the consultation if she has a habit of smoking. The surgeon will advise her to stop smoking at least a few weeks before the breast reduction procedure. Smoking can significantly increase the risks of surgery and delay recovery.
Alcohol consumption should also be cut down before the surgery. The patient should totally avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the surgery.
Adjusting Medications
If the patient is regularly using blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, she may have to stop taking them for a few days prior to the surgery.
Herbal supplements, vitamin E, and even a few prescription medications may have to be stopped for a while in consultation with the physician. These precautionary steps will help to minimize the risk of bleeding during the surgery.
Transportation and Aftercare
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient should arrange for someone responsible to drive her back home after the surgery. She may also arrange for aftercare for a few days, depending on her needs. She can ask the surgeon for their advice on these issues before the surgery.
Get Used to the Surgical Bra
The patient will have to wear a surgical bra full-time after the breast reduction surgery to provide extra support to the newly shaped breasts. After the initial healing, she may wear a support enhancing sports bra (with no underwire). She should check out her options and familiarize herself with both types of bra prior to the procedure.
Other Aspects
The patient should stock up on essential items such as pain medications, loose fitting clothes, ice packs, and extra pillows at home. She may also set up a personal ‘recovery station’ close to her bedside to have a more comfortable initial recovery. Kind cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and other towns and suburbs in the Chicago region for breast reduction.