What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breast and lifts it into a higher position on the chest wall. During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve the desired breast size and look.
Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?
Women with breasts that are too large for their frame, or women with large drooping breasts, feeling of heavy weight on the chest wall during regular activities due to large breasts, women with upper back and neck pain which also can be due to heavy breasts are candidates for breast reduction surgery. Women who develop bra-strap marks on their shoulder due to heavy breasts are also good candidates. Some women develop excessive sweating and fungal infections under the breasts due to their size and drooping. Such women will benefit from breast reduction surgery. In some cases large breasts are a source of embarrassment or social discomfort; these women too will benefit from breast reduction surgery.
What are the most common benefits of breast reduction surgery?
An immediate end to back and neck pain. After the immediate post-op period, women are able to maintain a more active life with more frequent exercise. Women fit into normal-sized blouses and bras
How much pain is there after breast reduction surgery?
Mild to moderate pain may occur. This pain is easily controlled with the pain relieving medications.
How long does it take to get back to normal after breast reduction surgery?
The recovery period ranges from several days to a week or two. You can be up and above the very next day after the surgery but certain upper body exercises and activities may be restricted for a period of 4 weeks.
When can I return to work after breast reduction surgery?
Returning to work should be okay within about one to two weeks after the surgery, depending on your overall progress and type of occupation you will be returning to. If your work involves heavy lifting, it may be five to six weeks until you are back to work.
Will I have scars after my breast reduction surgery?
All methods of breast reduction require some sort of cut or incision and unfortunately incisions mean scarring. There are methods available which leave shorter or less visible scars but not all woman qualify to receive these procedures. The size of your breasts and amount of reduction necessary will determine the procedure that is best suited to you.
Does liposuction work as a method breast reduction?
While it is true that liposuction can be used for breast reduction, the fact is that very few women meet the criteria necessary to achieve optimal results from this method.
In a lipo-reduction only fatty tissue, as opposed to actual breast tissue, is removed. Additionally the breasts are not reinforced or lifted in any way and the nipple is not repositioned. Criteria to be considered as a good candidate for a lipo-only-reduction includes moderately-sized breasts, good elasticity of the skin and excellent nipple placement. Typically woman considering breast reduction are seeking to remedy extremely large breasts with nipples that rest at an abnormally low position, thus this method is generally not recommended.
Which method of breast reduction is best?
There are many methods of breast reduction. Each technique is suited to different types of patient and desired outcomes. These will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with breast reduction surgery?
It is important to understand that any surgical procedure presents some level of risk. In the case of breast surgery, there are rare cases in which patients experience such things as loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts or lose the ability to breastfeed. We will discuss the subject of risk and potential complications with you in detail prior to your surgery. You can greatly assist in lowering your risk for complications by closely following any instructions we give.
Will I still be able to breastfeed?
In most cases it is possible to preserve the lactating functions of the breast but this cannot be guaranteed. When you choose to undergo breast reduction surgery, you must be aware of this risk. In those rare cases which require complete nipple detachment (free nipple graft) breast function is guaranteed to be lost. Your surgeon will inform you in advance whether this method will be required in your surgery.
What is the age requirement for breast reduction surgery?
While breast reduction may be performed at any age, it is generally recommend waiting until one's breasts are fully developed. In the event that a breast reduction must be done before a patient's breasts have fully developed the patient must understand that there is a possibility that of needing a second reduction surgery later in life. It is also recommended waiting until after you have had children, as the processes of child birth and breastfeeding can cause unpredictable changes in the size and shape of your breasts. However if the breasts are extremely large and the patient desires reduction it can be performed safely even before birthing children and breast feeding.