Breast Reduction

For patients with excessive breast size, Breast Reduction Surgery can help relieve the physical symptoms caused by the size & weight of your breasts. Breast reduction surgery will change both the size and position of your breasts. After surgery, your breasts will be in better proportion to the rest of your body.

Who is a candidate for surgery?

If you experience one (or more) of the following complaints, you may be a good candidate for surgery:

• Breast size out of proportion to your body
• Pain due to you breast size, usually involving your back, neck, and/or your shoulders
• Shoulder grooving from your brassiere straps
• Skin irritation beneath your breasts
• Restrictions in you activity due to your breast size
• Dissatisfaction & self-consciousness about your breast size
• Pain from dense, fibrous breast (even if not extremely large breasted)
• Breast size varies significantly from side to side

Your consultation

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will review your breast concerns, including any history of previous breast surgery. He will examine you, often taking measurements and photographs for your medical record. Since you weight can affect breast size, if you plan to lose a large amount of weight, be sure to discuss your plans with your surgeon.

In addition to concerns about your breasts, be prepared to discuss your medical history, both for medical treatments and any surgeries you may have had. Bring a list of your current medications. Any allergies, particularly to medications, can be important to your care.

The Procedure

Individual needs, surgeon preference, and local custom will dictate where and how surgery will be performed. Surgery is usually performed with general anesthesia. While most patients stay overnite at the hospital, occasional patients are able to go home the day of surgery.

	Typically, incisions are around your nipple, from your nipple down to your chest wall, and side to side under your breast.
	The skin over the breast tissue to be preserved is removed, sometimes by laser.
	Excess breast tissue and skin is removed, with the remaining breast tissue moved to its new position,
	and the skin closed around your new breast mound.

 

What You Should Know

Age:

While breast reduction can be performed at any age, surgery is usually deferred until breast development is complete. For a younger patient whose breasts are increasing rapidly, surgery can be considered before development is complete. Before surgery, a hormonal evaluation may be recommended (to exclude other medical conditions that might require treatment). When surgery is performed before your breasts are fully developed, there is a small chance excessive breast size can re-occur.

Pregnancy & nursing:

Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing can have unpredictable effects on your breasts. The decision to have surgery before or after you have children is a very personal decision. The ability to nurse after reduction surgery is unpredictable. If you nurse after surgery, you will likely experience areas of temporary engorgement. If children are a part of your future plans, be sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Cancer Screening:

Recommendations for cancer screening remain the same. Monthly self-examination remains important. Your first baseline mammogram should be done 1 year after surgery. Your doctor will review recommendations specific to your needs.

Risks of surgery

Risks associated with breast surgery are the same as any other surgery. Common risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, change in sensation, and loss of tissue. Temporary changes in sensation are common. Changes that are present 1 year after surgery will be permanent. Although complications are uncommon, you should share any concerns with your surgeon.

Healing time

Unless you have a job that requires heavy lifting, you can expect to return to work within 7-10 days of surgery. Return to "normal" activity requires 4-6 weeks. Complete healing requires up to 1 year after surgery.

The appearance of your breasts will change with time. Three months, or longer, may be needed to achieve a more natural "look & feel" for you chest.

Does insurance cover the costs of surgery?

While most insurance companies provide coverage, many factors can influence your eligibility. A letter of predetermination is usually sent to your insurance company. Some companies require a photo as part of their determination process. The financial aspects of breast reduction surgery will be reviewed by a member of your doctor’s staff.

Books You Should Read

Also Known As (AKA)

Breast Augmentation

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