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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.
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:
Breast reduction surgery may not be appropriate for you if you:
There’s no question that breast reduction surgery is popular for women with large chests. Many have excellent results and enjoy the following benefits:
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.
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.
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.
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.
While most people have positive results from breast reduction, below are some risks to keep in mind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
