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Pros and Cons of Breast Reduction

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Breast Reduction?

Having a breast reduction for women with large breasts can feel as if you’ve had an enormous weight lifted from your chest.

Breast reduction surgery can relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain. Also, it can make it easier to exercise and eliminate annoying chest rashes.

But like any surgery, breast reduction has risks that are important to consider. Below is more information about this popular surgical procedure.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that takes out extra tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts. Surgeons perform this procedure to relieve some of the problems that women have from large breasts, including:

  • Long-term back, neck, and shoulder pain that may require pain medications
  • Chronic skin irritation and rashes beneath the breasts
  • Nerve pain
  • Inability to engage in vigorous exercise
  • Poor self-esteem and embarrassment
  • Trouble finding bras and clothing

Breast reduction surgery may not be appropriate for you if you:

  • Smoke
  • Are morbidly obese
  • Have heart problems or diabetes
  • Are concerned about scarring

Breast Reduction Pros

There’s no question that breast reduction surgery is popular for women with large chests. Many have excellent results and enjoy the following benefits:

Better Self-Esteem

Several clinical studies have concluded that women who have breast reduction surgery feel better about themselves, their body image, and their health after the procedure. One study found that 95% of patients were happy with the results, one of the highest satisfaction rates for all cosmetic surgeries.

Breast Lift At The Same Time

Many patients don’t realize that they get a breast reduction and lift in the same procedure. Your plastic surgeon will take out extra skin and tissue to make the breasts smaller. Then, he’ll move your nipples higher, so you get a lift, too.

Proportionate Breast Size

If you have problems with asymmetrical breasts, breast reduction surgery can fix this issue. You can enjoy breasts that are the same size and shape that you want.

A breast lift brings the breasts back to their normal, higher position, which is where they were when you were younger. A breast lift also can make you feel better about yourself and your body.

Insurance May Pay

Health insurance doesn’t usually pay for most cosmetic surgeries. But some insurance companies will pay for most or all of this procedure to relieve physical problems, including back and neck pain and skin problems.

Your plastic surgeon can help you collect the measurements and information you need to give to your insurance company before your procedure. It may take about a month to get approval.

Breast Reduction Cons

While most people have positive results from breast reduction, below are some risks to keep in mind.

Complications

Any surgical procedure with anesthesia has risks. You could get an infection, blood clots, anesthesia side effects, and more.

You can reduce the chances of problems using a certified professional plastic surgeon who does many breast reduction procedures every year.

Recovery

Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about three hours. Most women can go home the same day, but you’ll have a recovery in front of you.

You’ll probably feel tired and sore after the surgery, so it’s wise to take a few days off school or work. It’s essential to move around to reduce the chances of blood clots, but you’ll need to delay vigorous activities for at least a month.

Drains

Some women need to have drains inserted into their breasts after surgery. Drains are thin tubes that sit just under the skin and empty blood and fluid from the surgical area. Drains can reduce discomfort and swelling as you heal.

Usually, your plastic surgeon will remove your drains within a week.

Pain

You will have some soreness and pain for one or two weeks after breast reduction. Your surgeon will probably give your prescription medications to relieve pain. Most women don’t need prescription medicine for pain for more than a few days. After that, you can probably just take Tylenol if you need anything.

Scarring

The incisions usually go around the nipples and down the middle of the breast. They’ll be swollen for one or two months and will fade with time. Most people have minor scarring after a year, but others have more significant scars.

Ability To Breastfeed

Some patients find it’s harder – but not impossible – to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. It’s difficult to predict who may have this outcome. It may be wise to delay breast reduction surgery until you’re sure that you’re not going to have more children.

Decreased Nipple Sensation

Some women experienced decreased nipple sensation after breast reduction surgery. Most women have the sensation return in one or two months, but a few have longer-term problems.

Cup Size

It’s hard to say how much your breasts can be reduced in size. How much hinges on your current breast size, composition, and goals. During your surgical consultation, your surgeon will let you know your best options.

Most patients go down one or two sizes.

Book Your Breast Reduction Procedure Today

Once you’re ready to take the next step and book your consultation, there’s no turning back. The results you’ve dreamed of are within your grasp. Stop delaying, and schedule a Philadelphia breast reduction procedure with our double board-certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. Stark today!

You won’t regret your decision!

References

Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Stark brings decades of experience and training to each consultation. When you meet with Dr. Stark, he takes the time to give you information and options, so you can have confidence in your decision to move forward with the best procedure for you. Confidence. Personalized care. Impeccable results. That’s the Stark Difference. Discover that difference yourself by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stark today.

135 South Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 220, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

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