Will I need to stop any of my medications before surgery?

You will be advised to stop taking certain medications and vitamins or herbal supplements that can contribute to excess bleeding 2 weeks prior to surgery. You will be given a full list of medications to discontinue, but the most common ones are Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E and Aspirin. Please be sure to include all vitamins and supplements you are taking on your health history form.

Does smoking affect the healing process, and if so, how far in advance of surgery should I quit?

You MUST discontinue the use of ALL nicotine products, including the patch and the gum, for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking decreases blood flow to the nipple and can lead to delayed wound healing, infection and nipple loss.

Will I need a mammogram prior to my surgery?

If you are under the age of 40 and do not have a family history of breast cancer, you do not need a mammogram prior to surgery. If you are close to 40, we may recommend that you have a baseline mammogram prior to surgery. If you are 40 or older, you will need a mammogram performed within the last year prior to surgery.

Will I need any other tests or blood work done?

Lab work will be performed prior to surgery to ensure that you are not anemic, do not have an infection, and are not pregnant. Based on your medical history, you may be asked to have additional laboratory studies or other diagnostic tests to ensure your overall health and breast health.