A complete medical history and a careful examination with blood tests will be done in the initial preoperative visit to determine the general health of the patient. The surgeon will then evaluate the shape and structure of the patient’s breasts, and determine the extent of surgery and approach required to achieve the desired shape. Other options available will also be discussed to help achieve this desired shape such as a breast augmentation at the same time as the lift to produce fuller breasts. Photographs, that do not include the face, may also be taken before and after surgery to evaluate the extent of improvement. Moreover, the surgeon will discuss the procedure, realistic expected results, type of anesthesia to be used, and possible risks of surgery.
Preoperative instructions generally include taking certain vitamins and elimination of certain drugs, such as birth control pills, to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Furthermore, antibiotics may be prescribed for the days prior to surgery in order to prevent infection. Women who anticipate breast-feeding should also discuss this with the surgeon since the ability to do this can vary with each individual after surgery.