Facts About Breast Reduction

While breast augmentation is a very popular cosmetic surgery, at least half of the patients I see for breast surgery would prefer that their breasts were smaller. Large breasts can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. In fact, many women with large breasts have significant medical problems, such as neck and back pain. Additional symptoms can include grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, rashes underneath the breast, headaches, and numbness in the fingers. Thankfully, many of these problems are improved with breast reduction surgery.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above or if you just wish your breasts were smaller so that you had an easier time finding bras and swimwear, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery not only decreases the size of the breast, but it results in lifting the breasts and downsizing the areola as well. If there is asymmetry in size between the breasts, this can also be improved. The degree of downsizing desired is something you should discuss with your plastic surgeon. Leaving the breasts excessively large may result in recurrent droop, but over-reducing them can lead to disharmony in your appearance.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 2 to 2½ hours. The patient is discharged to home an hour after the procedure is completed. No drainage tubes are required, and discomfort is usually easily controlled with oral pain meds. Most patients are off pain medication and can therefore resume driving five days post-operatively. One to two weeks off of work is recommended, depending on the activity level of employment. A sports bra is worn for three weeks to provide support and control swelling. Most patients feel that they look acceptable in a bathing suit three to four weeks post-surgery. The final result takes some time to develop, and evaluation of results should be deferred for four to six months.

This procedure is occasionally covered by insurance, but many criteria have to be met by the patient to qualify. Each insurance plan and company has different requirements, so it is advisable to check with your plan representatives in advance of a consultation. The insurance companies have become very stringent about who qualifies for coverage. In my practice, less than one-third of the breast reduction patients I see meet insurance requirements. Some companies require documentation that non-invasive treatment, such as physical therapy or Motrin, have been ineffective at controlling discomfort. Most require that the amount of tissue removed is consistent with the body weight. The amount of tissue that is required to be removed is frequently alarming to patients and much more than they desire to have removed. Other companies require x-ray documentation of arthritic changes in the neck or back.

This procedure should generally be performed when patients are at a stable body weight. If significant weight loss occurs following the procedure, it can lead to recurrent drooping of the breasts. It is generally wise to wait until after child-bearing for similar reasons; however, some teenage girls are so encumbered with large breasts that earlier treatment is warranted. The ability to breastfeed is preserved in some patients but not all, so ask your plastic surgeon about her experience with this issue. Patients with underlying health problems should seek clearance from their primary care physician before pursuing the procedure. Smokers need to stop smoking prior to the procedure to avoid healing issues.

Breast reduction patients report a very high satisfaction rating with their results. Most report a significant reduction in discomfort in their neck and back, as well as more comfortable choices in bras and clothing. Many patients report they wish they would have pursued the procedure sooner. If you feel your breast get in the way and are uncomfortable, seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the option of breast reduction.

Categorized in: Breast Reduction