What Is Involved in Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size and volume of excessively large breasts by removing excess fat, excess skin, and excess glandular tissue. Breast reductions not only addresses physical discomfort like neck pain as well as aesthetic concerns, but they can also have a large positive impact on a person's overall quality of life.
If you have been considering breast reduction surgery, understanding the process and its benefits is essential. Below, we'll go over why an individual might consider a breast reduction, what the specific benefits are, and how the procedure is performed. We've also included a list of some frequently asked questions with answers regarding reduction mammoplasty.
Why Consider Breast Reduction Surgery?
Very large breasts can lead to various physical and emotional challenges. From chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders to skin irritations and difficulty finding properly fitting clothing, individuals with disproportionately large breasts often face a range of physical symptoms.
Breast reduction surgery aims to alleviate these problems by removing excess breast tissue, reshaping the breasts, and repositioning the nipples to achieve a more balanced and proportionate appearance. It can be performed on one or both breasts and can be used to change breast shape and/or size.
What Is Involved in Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast Reduction Surgery Step-by-Step
Everyone's breast reduction experience will be different, but nearly all procedures involve several key steps. See our step-by-step breast reduction guide below to further understand what you can expect from this surgery.
Step 1. Find the right surgeon. (Book your consultation appointment.)
The first step is crucial: finding a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction procedures.
During your breast reduction consultation appointment, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, assess your breast size, and listen to your concerns and goals. This initial meeting establishes a foundation of trust and understanding between you and your plastic surgeon.
Step 2. Prepare for surgery.
Before breast reduction surgery, you'll receive personalized instructions to prepare for the procedure. This may include avoiding certain medications and habits that could affect the surgery's success. Be sure to have your home ready for recovery as well.
Step 3. Arrive on time for your surgery.
On the day of surgery, arrive on time and dressed as your surgeon instructs you. Be sure you have followed your pre-operative instructions.
You'll be welcomed, checked-in, prepped for surgery, then taken to the operating room. Your surgical team will administer anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Step 4. The surgical procedure.
Your surgeon will carefully make the planned incisions to remove the excess tissue, including fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and skin. The remaining breast tissue will be reshaped and lifted to create a more proportional appearance.
If needed, the nipple and areola will be repositioned to align with the newly shaped breasts as well.
Finally, once the desired outcome has been achieved, the incisions will be meticulously closed, and dressings or bandages will be applied, along with a surgical bra.
Step 5. Recover and heal.
After your breast reduction procedure, a healing period is necessary. You will be put into a surgical bra, rest for a while, and must have a friend or family member take you home.
Swelling and discomfort are common initially, but these symptoms will gradually subside over time. As you go through your breast reduction recovery week by week, you should feel better with each passing week and see more and more of your results. Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and good healing of breast reduction scars.
FAQ: Breast Reduction Surgery
What does breast reduction surgery cost?
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary based on factors such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure, and the geographic location of your procedure. It's always recommended that you consult with a qualified surgeon for a more accurate cost estimate.
What do healed breast reduction surgery scars look like?
The appearance of healed scars varies among individuals, just as skin tone and texture varies. Still, skilled surgeons take great care to minimize scarring and often place incisions strategically to ensure they are discreetly hidden beneath creases in the skin or clothing. The size of your scars is generally affected by how much breast tissue you have removed.
Is breast reduction surgery painful?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure itself. After surgery, some discomfort and soreness are normal, but your surgeon can provide pain medication to help manage pain. Most patients find that any discomfort is manageable and decreases as the healing process progresses.
Will my health insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
In some cases, insurance may cover breast reduction surgery. This happens when the surgery is deemed medically necessary.
Factors such as chronic pain, skin irritation, and difficulty performing daily activities due to the size of your breasts can contribute to medical necessity. It is essential to consult with both your surgeon and your health insurance provider to determine if your specific situation qualifies for coverage.
How long is the recovery period after breast reduction surgery?
The recovery period after breast reduction surgery varies from person to person but typically lasts a few weeks. Initially, there might be swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort.
You'll need to rest and avoid strenuous activities during your recovery. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a couple of weeks, but it may take several months for your final results to fully develop.
Set Up a Consultation Appointment With Dr. Aghayan
If you have been thinking about breast reduction surgery for yourself, we invite you to take the first step toward a more comfortable and confident you by booking a consultation appointment with Dr. Aric Aghayan. Together, you can discuss your breast size goals and medical history, look at before and after photos, and go over all your related concerns.
Dr. Aghayan and his team are here to guide you through the process of breast reduction surgery and answer all questions you may have about cosmetic surgery. Contact us now to schedule your appointment. Don't wait to seek the help you deserve.
References
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reduction-surgery
