Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is among the most popular procedure in cosmetic surgery. It can be performed on most any age, but is recommended to wait until breast development has stopped. Common factors that affect the breast size are childbirth and breast-feeding. You may be able to breast-feed after a reduction, however, you should consult your plastic surgeon. Breast reduction can help relieve symptoms such as back, shoulder and neck pain, painful breasts, breasts which are at lease a size different, skin irritation beneath breasts and indentions in shoulders from bra straps. Some insurance covers this procedure, so be sure to check with your insurance carrier and surgeon's office.
What to expect from the consultation: During this visit you should expect to sit at length with your doctor and discuss your goals for surgery. It is important to be informative about:
- Past surgeries
- Past and current medical conditions
- Any medications and vitamins you are currently taking
- Any and all supplement you are using
- Allergies to drugs, foods, dyes and rubber
How the surgery is performed: The most common is a method called a "three-part incision". The incisions are made around the areola, vertically to the crease underneath the breast, and horizontally beneath the breast following the natural crease. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed and the nipple and areola are repositioned. The areola can also be reduced in size. The skin from around the nipple is brought down and approximated to reshape the breast. The scar resembles an inverted "t". Scarring is permanent but will fade with time. Drains are sometimes placed to help with fluid evacuation.
What to expect after the surgery: You can expect some discomfort for the first week. you will notice bruising and swelling and drains may be removed. Bruising and swelling may be present for up to 6 weeks after, so be patient with the results. Within a few weeks you can discontinue the support bra, sensation in your nipples and areola will gradually improve. You can return to normal activity within your limits.
