Pre-operative Breast Reduction Instructions

By Dennis Hurwitz on April 23, 2016

At Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dennis Hurwitz offers a comprehensive range of breast surgery procedures, combining his decades of experience, finely honed surgical skills, and keen eye for aesthetics to produce results of the highest standard for his valued patients. He is particularly pleased to offer his services to women whose disproportionately large and heavy breasts have caused them both physical and psychological discomfort. By providing these women with world-class breast reduction, he has been able to help them feel more comfortable, confident, and beautiful in their own bodies.

While breast reduction is an extremely safe procedure that offers numerous aesthetic and health benefits to patients, it is nonetheless a major surgery. As such, it is associated with possible risks and side effects. Patients who entrust their breast reduction procedures to Dr. Hurwitz are already helping to minimize their risk of complications by having their surgeries performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, in order to achieve the best possible results, they must be willing and able to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided to them by Dr. Hurwitz, as well.

Dr. Hurwitz carefully details pre-operative breast reduction instructions during consultations at his Pittsburgh, PA plastic surgery practice so that patients know precisely what to expect before committing to surgery. If you are considering breast reduction and would like to learn more about the pre-surgical process, please schedule your consultation at Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery today.

What to Do in the Weeks Leading Up to Breast Reduction

In the weeks leading up to surgery, you will be advised to:

• If you smoke, stop smoking: Smoking can greatly interfere with proper healing and cause complications during and after surgery. It can also keep you from achieving the best possible results.
• Arrange for time off from work: You will want to arrange for at least a week, and preferably two, off of work after your surgical appointment.
• Eat healthy and get plenty of exercise: It is important that you are as healthy as possible going into your surgery. You don’t have to overdo it; there’s no need to alter your exercise routine drastically. However, you should at least walk regularly and make sure that you are eating healthy foods and avoiding empty calories.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgical appointment: You’ll want to make sure that you have someone on hand to drive you to and from your surgical appointment and who will be there to help around the house for a day or two afterward.
• Stop taking any medications, vitamins, and supplements as recommended by Dr. Hurwitz: This list will include, but may not be limited to, aspirin, St. John’s Wart, ibuprofen, and Vitamin E.

What to Do within 24 hours of Surgery

Within 24 hours of surgery, you will want to:

• Make sure you have everything you need to bring with you to the surgical center: Dr. Hurwitz will provide you with a checklist of items, which will include paperwork, identification, and medications.
• Shower as directed: Do not wear any perfumes or deodorants.
• Relax: Avoid stress in any way you can.
• Eat normally the day before surgery: But do not eat anything past midnight of the day of surgery.
• Dress properly: Do not wear any jewelry, contact lenses, hair accessories, or piercings.

Learn More about Pre-operative Breast Reduction Instructions

To learn more about pre-operative breast reduction instructions, please contact Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Announcing the Retirement of Dr. Dennis Hurwitz

Dr. Hurwitz is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon with a distinguished record of contributions to his field and community. His groundbreaking approach to post-operative care, which includes a dedicated team of aesthetic professionals to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process, was the first of its kind in Pittsburgh. Dr. Hurwitz has also earned a reputation as a highly sought-after educator, having instructed students from all over the globe. Through his unwavering dedication to his craft and passion for sharing his knowledge, Dr. Hurwitz has become a renowned practitioner, innovator, and mentor in plastic surgery.

As of early 2024, Dr. Hurwitz has retired from surgery. His innovative techniques and high standards of care continue to thrive under the expertise of Dr. Davlia and Dr. Turer, ensuring that his legacy endures through their exceptional work.