Breast Reduction Consultation/FAQ's

Sculpts, tightens and uplifts breasts to achieve an attractive and manageable shape and size.

Our meeting is the first step in bringing you closer to feeling good about yourself. It is always exciting and at the same time anxiety producing when going for the consultation.
But, congratulations, it is now complete.

My philosophy:
Having been in private practice for over 23 years has allowed me to fine tune and think about every aspect of your care. I take great pride in my work and want my patients, you, to be extremely pleased with your results. How we achieve a content family of patients is by planning each step of your journey. The consultation was the starting point. From here we set up a day of surgery that fits into your schedule. My office staff will smooth the way for you. You will receive care instructions before the surgery that outlines what we both can do to improve your results and make you comfortable before, during and after surgery. Your prescriptions will also be written for you before the surgery so you can arrive home and not worry about how to get your medicines. These will be accompanied by guidelines informing you how and when to use these medicines.

I will meet you before the surgery and be with you as you are being sedated. It is my task to look out for your well being, which I take very seriously. Once the procedure has started my aim is to do the very best I can for you. I do not rush through surgery as I wish to be gentle and afford you the best outcome. I am often asked how long surgery will take. My only answer is as long as I need for both of us to be satisfied with the outcome. Rushing though one surgery to get to another is not how I take care of my patients. Often I will only do one major surgery a day. Not only have I studied and continue to learn and grow, but I keep my physical being in excellent condition as would an athlete prior to their events.
Every patient is important to me. You have entrusted me with your care and as such I consider you unique. No two surgeries are ever the same; each is tailored to match your particular needs. The human form is the highest form of art. Once the healing has been completed we both will be delighted.
Your care just begins after the end of the surgery. As you awaken I will remain near to you. Maintaining close a contact after the procedure, coupled with personalized and frequent evaluations in my office will help to ensure optimal healing.
Hearing my patients profess a high degree of satisfaction with the way they look and feel is what drives my office. We look forward to your joining our satisfied family of patients.

Where is the surgery performed?
Bridgeport Hospital

Will I stay overnight?
After surgery you will stay overnight in the hospital for your comfort and so
that the nurses can monitor you. The following morning I will visit you and see
you off to your home.

What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a mammogram and possibly a medical
evaluation by your family physician.

Will I have drains?
There are usually two drains placed on the sides of the breasts to remove fluid
that the body produces. These drains are removed after 2-5 days. They are
easy to care for. I will give you instructions before leaving the hospital.

Does it hurt to have the drains removed?
There is minimal, if any, discomfort. You may feel a little pulling but no pain. I
remove them quickly.

Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes--each cigarette’s effect lasts 12 hours on the blood vessels of the body.
Smoking causes the skin to heal poorly, and the complications associated
with smoking are tremendous. Even second hand smoke during the weeks
before and after surgery will adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must
before and after any operation.

Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep so that you will be comfortable throughout the
operation. Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under the skin so that
you will feel no discomfort and the amount of medicine you receive during
the operation will be minimized. By putting you to sleep your heart rate,
blood pressure and amount of oxygen will be optimized.

How long will the surgery take?
My objective is to give you my best effort. That means not rushing through
your surgery to do someone else. I take my time and like to be
meticulous. There are many things that must be done before the
operation can even start. These include washing and preparing the
area, making sure that your body is well cushioned and your legs are
placed in special boots to compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at
the end of surgery I need to wash you and apply a special well padded
dressing. Rest assured, being asleep for hours is generally very safe so the
5-6 hours you sleep will be just fine. I will also wait in recovery after the
surgery to be certain that all is going well before I leave.

What can I expect?
Your breast shape will be improved. The position of the nipples and
surrounding areola will also be highly improved.

Will I hurt?
Generally, there is moderate discomfort. A prescription to help alleviate
pain, should it arise, will be given before surgery. By the second week after
surgery this discomfort is much diminished, and by the third week there
should be no discomfort.

Where are the scars?
The scar will run along around the areola and then follow the contour of
the breast to the fold beneath the breast. Imagine an anchor and you will
be able to visualize the scar. Since the scars are on the lower portion of
the breast you will be able to wear low cut garments and hardly see them.

How long will I wear a bandage?
At the end of surgery I will wrap a soft, cottony bandage around your
chest. This bandage is held in place with a bra. Wear the bra for 3-4
weeks in order to keep the swelling down.

When can I shower?
Showering can usually take place the day after the drains are removed;
however, you can wash yourself prior to this. Baths and hot tubs are not
permitted for 4 weeks after surgery in order to keep swelling down.

When I can resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 10 days. Bruising is variable and usually
located along the lower breast or chest. Due to gravity, the swelling and
bruising may descend to lower positions. After 3 weeks you should be
almost back to your old self except with a new and improved body. It is
not a good idea to exercise or increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from
the time of surgery, and no vigorous lifting or exercise for 6 weeks from
surgery. This will help to diminish your swelling and improve the rate at
which you heal.

What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what medicines to stay
away from and which vitamins to take before and after the surgery. Do
not allow anyone to smoke in your presence for weeks. Using ice often,
resting, maintaining a low salt diet and having a positive attitude all go a
long way to assisting your recovery.

When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit the office
within 4-8 days. There will be multiple visits (which are included in your
care) to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs.
Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer (as there is never a rush), a bit more may
be owed for the operating room and anesthesia. However, if future
surgery or procedures are necessary, there will be additional fees for
anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon.

Conclusion:
My staff and I will strive to take the best care of you. We appreciate your
trust and confidence in us and do not take it lightly. My aim is to tighten,
tone, and reshape your breasts. Won’t it be nice to wear clothing that
fits? Looking as good on the outside as you feel on the inside is what we
will accomplish together.
If you have additional questions we are available to answer them.

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.