Plastic surgery, in its essence, is a surgical specialty that aims to improve the body’s form or function. Many of the procedures we do accomplish one or the other. Breast reduction typically does both, and is one of the few procedures we do that may actually eliminate patient discomfort. For all of these reasons, breast reduction surgery is one of my favorite procedures to do.
Large breasts may cause back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, rashes and skin breakdown beneath the breast, and may contribute to social embarrassment, refraining from intimacy, and difficulty finding properly fitted clothing. Many of my patients also describe interference with exercise, which leads to overall weight gain. If any of these reasons apply to you, you may want to consider breast reduction surgery.
The surgery may be covered by insurance. Be sure to check with your plan to see if that may be the case. Many plans will cover the procedure if certain factors are present, such as documented pain that hasn’t been relieved with physical therapy, skin problems, absolute breast size, and amount of tissue that will be removed based on a patient’s weight and height.
The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Your breasts are marked preoperatively to estimate the amount of tissue that will be removed. The surgery itself typically takes 2-3 hours. The incisions are usually a circle around your areola, then run vertically to the fold beneath your breast, and then many times involve a horizontal incision in your breast crease. The breast tissue is typically sent to pathologists to study it closely and make sure there are no unexpected abnormalities. Drains are usually not needed. In cases performed for cosmetic reasons (not insurance), I like to combine liposuction of the lateral breasts, armpits and flanks to shape the chest wall and give an even more pleasing result. Postoperatively you are typically put in a surgical bra for support during the healing process.
Of all of the procedures we do in Plastics, breast reduction consistently has some of the highest patient satisfaction rates. With the reduction in pain (can’t promise this, but it’s possible), and breasts that are more proportional to one’s body, patients are usually thrilled following the surgery and wish they had done it sooner.
If you are having upper back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, rashes, difficulty shopping for clothes, or are otherwise unhappy with the size and shape of your breasts, please call and schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your options. I’m happy to assist in any way I can.
