What position is the patient placed in after breast reduction to assess for symmetry?

After breast reduction surgery, the patient is typically placed in Fowler's position to assess for symmetry. This semi-upright position, where the patient is sitting at an angle, allows the surgeon to adequately evaluate the breast contour and symmetry from a more natural viewpoint. The slight elevation helps in visualizing the breasts without the distortion that can occur when a patient is laid flat.

Other positions, such as supine, prone, or Trendelenburg, do not provide the same optimal view for assessing breast symmetry and can hinder the evaluation process post-surgery. In supine, the patient is lying flat, which can obscure any asymmetries due to the effects of gravity. Prone may not be practical immediately after breast surgery, as it puts pressure on the surgical site. Trendelenburg also shifts body fluid dynamics in a way that is not beneficial for evaluating breast symmetry. Thus, Fowler's position is the most effective for this assessment.