During your consultation be prepared to discuss:

Your surgical goals

• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use (including steroids)
• Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Perform diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia; this may include testing of your endocrine function
• Examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples and areolas
• Take photographs for your medical records
• Discuss your options
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of gynecomastia correction and any risks or potential complications
• Discuss the use of anesthesia during your procedure

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

The success and safety of your gynecomastia procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Breast reduction surgery may be performed in an accredited, office-based surgical facility, licensed ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It's very important to understand all aspects of your breast reduction. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.