An essential step of any surgical procedure and effective treatment is a preoperative appointment. During this appointment, you and your plastic surgeon will go over preparations and details for surgery. Most plastic surgeons tend to follow the same preoperative protocols, but each also has their own way of preparing for surgery. If you’re considering plastic surgery for enlarged male breasts, then this appointment will be an essential step in your journey here in San Francisco. This article is a guide to what you can expect from your preoperative gynecomastia appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Delgado.
Gynecomastia Consultation Vs. Preoperative Appointment
It’s important to note that a surgery consultation and a preoperative appointment are two separate things. A consultation is where you’ll meet with Dr. Delgado to discuss your concerns (i.e. male breast tissue or excess fat) and what’s bringing you to consider plastic surgery. Dr. Delgado will perform a physical exam of the chest area to determine the type of tissue causing your gynecomastia. He will also discuss what factors could be causing gynecomastia or male breasts, such as hormonal imbalance. He’ll also determine if you’re an ideal candidate by going over your medical history and ensuring you’re in good health. If he determines that you can benefit from a gynecomastia procedure, you’ll learn more about the advanced techniques that can be used, such as liposuction, to achieve a more notably male chest. If you and Dr. Delgado decide to go ahead with surgery to correct gynecomastia, then a preoperative appointment is scheduled.
What is a Preoperative Appointment?
In general, the preoperative appointment takes place approximately two weeks prior to surgery. The purpose of this appointment is to ensure patients have directions on preparing for gynecomastia surgery, including the days leading up to surgery and the surgery date itself. You’ll meet with Dr. Delgado and our patient care coordinator and will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about your preparation, male breast reduction procedure, and recovery. Finally, you’ll complete the paperwork and go over payment. In short, a preoperative appointment is designed to help your surgery go smoothly by ensuring you have all the information you need – and the chance to ask questions of Dr. Delgado and our team.
What Happens During a Preoperative Appointment?
At your preoperative gynecomastia surgery appointment, you’ll first meet with Dr. Delgado to review all details of your procedure and how it will be performed. This will include every step like creating a small incision, removing glandular tissue, and lifting excess skin. This is a great opportunity to ask Dr. Delgado any questions or state concerns you have about your gynecomastia surgery. Preoperative photos will be taken so you can later compare your before-and-after images.
Next, you’ll meet with our patient care coordinator. You’ll be given a surgical information booklet that contains all your preoperative and postoperative instructions. You’ll review these instructions in detail with our coordinator to ensure all your questions are answered and that you understand them.
Some of the most important topics at this point include:
Blood Thinners and Medications
Certain medications like blood-thinning pain medications (ibuprofen and aspirin) must be discontinued for a few weeks prior to surgery. You’ll confirm this with our patient coordinator, as well as review all current medications and supplements you take. This is an essential step as it maintains a safe and risk-averse surgical procedure. You’ll be given information about your anesthesiologist who will call to review your medical history the day prior to surgery.
Fasting
Your instructions for fasting before surgery will depend on the type of anesthesia used. If your procedure will include general anesthesia, then it’s essential to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before male breast reduction surgery. This is one of the most important pre-operative steps as it means surgery can’t be performed if not followed.
Prescriptions and Blood Tests
Our patient coordinator will go over your prescribed medications and review the instructions on how to take them. These medications typically include antibiotics, anti-nausea, and pain meds. We recommend filling these medications ahead of your surgery date so you have them on hand when you get home. Dr. Delgado will also order blood tests for medical clearance and our coordinator will review the process for completing this.
Recovery Preparation
You’ll discuss your recovery and how to prepare for it – most importantly, confirming that you’ll have a responsible adult available to bring you home afterward. Additionally, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment that fits snugly over the chest area to help reduce swelling and boost your healing process. You’ll be given directions on wearing it after surgery.
You’ll also go over instructions on recovering successfully. This means things like limiting physical activity, managing pain, how to minimize swelling, and more. You’ll also go over how to maintain your results for the long term, like taking steps to avoid exposing your incisions to sunlight and living a healthy lifestyle to prevent weight gain.
Payment and Consent Forms
You’ll review patient consent forms with our coordinator and have the opportunity to ask questions. Once these are signed and filed away, you’ll get a detailed quote for your male breast reduction cost and we’ll collect payment.
Tips for a Successful Preoperative Male Breast Reduction Appointment
The best way to ensure a successful preoperative appointment is by doing a little preparation. Make sure you have your complete medical history and the names and dosages of any medications. If you have any medical conditions, make sure to bring the details of your diagnosis. The more detailed information you can supply, the better our team can help you prepare for surgery.
Before your appointment, we recommend spending some time writing down questions you have. Most patients forget important questions in the moment because of the amount of information you’ll receive throughout your appointment – having a quick list to refer to can help get your questions answered. Make sure to also write down details during your appointment so you don’t forget.
Although it may seem overwhelming, Dr. Delgado takes every step to ensure patients make an informed decision. If you forget questions or need more information about your pre-operative appointment or surgery date, don’t hesitate to call our office. Dr. Delgado’s main goal is for you to have a safe, stress-free, and successful surgery.
Contact Us
Male breast reduction remains the best way to achieve a more masculine chest and boost self-esteem. To learn more about gynecomastia treatment and your male breast reduction options in San Francisco, contact Dr. Delgado today by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shave my chest before gynecomastia surgery?
Yes – the night before, please shave your chest and trim your armpits for easier access during the procedure.
What tests are done before gynecomastia surgery?
Dr. Delgado will order blood work ahead of your procedure to ensure you’re in good overall health. In the case where your gynecomastia might be caused by hormone imbalance, he may order tests to check your hormone levels.
Is there pain after gynecomastia surgery?
As with general surgery, there will be some degree of pain after gynecomastia treatment. Dr. Delgado will prescribe pain medications ahead of your procedure.
How long before surgery do you have a pre-op assessment?
Pre-operative appointments are usually scheduled two weeks in advance of your surgery date. This allows you time to complete any pre-operative steps and ensure you’re ready for your procedure.
