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Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations
frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient-and
every physician, as well-has a different view of
what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Heavy breasts can lead to physical
discomfort, a variety of medical
problems, shoulder indentations due
to tight bra straps, and extreme
self-consciousness.
The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, and will probably photograph
them for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also
be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) He or she will discuss
the variables that may affect the procedure-such as your age, the size and
shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss
where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they'll be moved higher
during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath
your breasts.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks
and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result.
The surgeon should also explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the facility
where the surgery will be performed, and the costs. (Some insurance companies
will pay for breast reduction if it's medically necessary; however, they
may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your
policy, and have your surgeon write a "predetermination letter"
if required.)
Continue reading about breast reduction
Back to top of breast reduction section
Breast Reduction Patient Information 
Highlights: Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-Operative Care
Activity Restrictions
Recovery Time
Resuming Normal Activities
Pre-operative Instructions 
Post-operative Instructions 
FAQs on Recovery From Plastic Surgery
Breast Reduction Illustrations
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