Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure for people who wish to reduce the size of their breast. An overly large breast may be uncomfortable. The process includes removing of extra fat, glandular tissue, and skin. It aims to achieve a comfortable breast size proportion to the body. Breast reduction may also make the area of dark skin surrounding the nipple area.
There are several techniques you can choose to undergo for breast reduction. The method you’ll go through will depend on your personal preference, desired amount of breast reduction, breast composition, and your surgeon’s advice.
Here are your options for breast reduction techniques:
After the incisions, your breast tissue will then be reduced, lifted and shaped according to your preference. For those who have really overly large breasts, the nipple and areola may be removed. It’ll then be transplanted to a higher position of your breast.
The incisions will then be closed using surgical sutures. The scars incision lines may be permanent, but you can use certain products to reduce its appearance.
The cost of breast reduction may differ due to several factors. These factors include your anesthesia fees, facility costs, post-surgery garments, and surgeon’s fee. The average price for aesthetic patients according to the 2016 statistics of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is $5,631.
Fortunately, a majority of health insurances cover a breast reduction surgery. You just have to submit the needed documentations like an authorization from your insurer for the surgery.
A breast reduction is best conducted for patients who suffer from overly large breasts that make your everyday living a burden. Most of the patients who undergo breast reduction surgery are those who have children and disproportionate breasts. Also, overweight women can be a good candidate for breast reduction.
By: MarinaPlasticSurgery
Here’s the checklist for those who can go through a breast reduction surgery:
A breast reduction surgery must be done by a certified and expert surgeon to accomplish the best results. An unqualified doctor may lead to surgical complications and unsatisfying results. Keep these factors in mind when choosing a surgeon for your breast reduction surgery.
After choosing the best plastic surgeon you can trust, it’s time for the initial consultation. This is your opportunity to discuss with your surgeon your cosmetic goals. Your doctor will evaluate your overall health if you’re fit for the procedure. He may suggest some additional procedures related with breast reduction for optimal results.
Upon this consultation, your doctor will examine and take pictures of your current breast condition. He’ll determine the size and shape of your breasts as well as the quality and quantity of breast tissue.
Make sure to inform your doctor if you have past and present health conditions, if you’re taking medications and if your family has a history of breast cancer.
Weeks or months before your scheduled surgery, your doctor will provide you with preoperative instructions you must follow.
Your surgeon may advise you to:
On the day of your procedure, here are your needed preparations:
Right after the surgery, the incisions will be covered with dressings or bandages. You may be advised to wear a support bra or elastic bandage to support your breasts as they heal. In certain cases, there may be a small tube inserted in each breast to drain blood and fluid. After 1-2 weeks or 10 days, your stitches will be removed. The swelling and bruising may stay for several weeks.
If you’re experiencing pain after the surgery, your surgeon may prescribe you pain relievers.
In terms of bathing, you may need to take sponge baths until the time your incisions are healed. You may also need to monitor your temperature to make sure you’re safe from infections.
You may return to your usual routine after a couple of weeks unless they involve vigorous and draining activities. As much as possible, stay away from strenuous activities unless your surgeon gives you a go-signal. Moreover, do it only when you’re already comfortable to do them.
Breast reduction surgery’s result is consistent unless you’ve gained more weight or become pregnant. However, you have to expect that sagging is a natural occurrence as we age and weight fluctuations, so it may loosen and sag.