Breast Reduction Surgery

Why Women Consider Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery for women with large breasts who are uncomfortable in clothing or when participating in activities. It may also help reduce neck, shoulder, and back pain. Breast reduction surgery is meant to reduce the size of your breasts. It can also raise and tighten the nipples and provide a perkier appearance.

Breast reduction surgery is often considered by women whose bra cup size is D-cup or larger. Large breasts may cause physical discomfort because they’re too large for your body frame. Even if your breasts are large and uncomfortable, women should wait until they’ve had all of their children because breast reduction surgery can interfere with the mammary glands and the ability to breastfeed.

Common Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery include:

• Breasts are causing you physical pain, especially in your back
• Breasts are causing skin irritation
• Breasts are causing bra strap grooves
• Breasts are too large for your body frame
• Suffered significant trauma to breasts
• Breasts prevent you from engaging in physical activity
• Breasts that make you feel unhappy with your appearance

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them smaller and more proportionate to the body. The surgery is typically performed on women with large breasts who experience physical and emotional discomfort because of their size.

The surgery is done under general anesthesia. An incision is made in each breast near the natural crease of the armpit. The nipple and areola may need to be repositioned after the skin has been removed. Fat, glandular tissue, and skin are then reduced or redistributed into a more desirable position.

The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to fit the new size and location of the breast. In some cases, a woman may need this surgery if she has had a previous breast cancer treatment that has damaged her skin or other tissues around her nipple area.

The surgery can be performed using several different techniques. The most common types of incisions include a lollipop-shaped or anchor-shaped incision around the areola. All techniques involve removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat. In some cases, the nipples and areolas may also be reduced in size. For very large breasts, a free nipple graft may be used to transplant the nipple and areola. The surgery usually takes two to four hours to complete, and patients typically require one or two nights in the hospital.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery

In addition to understanding expectations and asking questions, it is important that patients know how to prepare for surgery. At AMG Plastic Surgery in Reston, VA, our team will make sure you understand the steps to take prior to your procedure, which may include:

• Stop taking certain medications
• Get a baseline mammogram, if necessary
• Stop smoking for a significant length of time
• Follow all day-of instructions

You will also want to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure. It is helpful to have someone stay overnight with you after your procedure to assist you with post-operative care.

Results of Breast Reduction

Most people are happy with the results of breast reduction surgery. Patients can see results immediately, though it will take time for the swelling to subside. The breasts are smaller and more proportional to the body, and many women find that they experience relief from physical symptoms they may have had as a result of large breasts, such as back and neck pain. In some cases, it can even help improve a woman’s self-confidence and body image.

Medically Necessary Breast Reduction

Many insurance companies now consider breast reduction surgery medically necessary, and it is typically covered under most health insurance policies. To be eligible for the surgery, a woman must have physical symptoms from her large breasts. Please check with your insurance provider to see if this procedure would be covered for you.

Recovery from Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is generally considered to be safe, but like any major surgery, it does carry some risks. The most common risk is bleeding during the initial healing process. However, once the woman is healed, she will require regular checkups with her doctor to monitor for complications that may arise later on.

The postoperative period following surgery is important for the patient. During this time, the patient will begin to heal and recover from the surgery. There are a few things that patients can do to help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery:

• Follow the post-operative instructions given by the surgeon. These instructions will tell the patient what to do and what not to do to ensure a healthy recovery.
• Get plenty of rest and take things easy during this time.
• Wear compression garments as directed by the surgeon.
• Avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks following the surgery. Patients should also avoid contact sports during this time.

Can Breast Reduction be Combined with Other Procedures?

Breast reduction surgery can often be combined with other surgical procedures. Common surgeries that are performed at the same time as breast reduction include a tummy tuck and liposuction of the legs or thighs to help sculpt the body. Sometimes, liposuction of the breasts is also used during reduction surgery.

Combining surgeries can help to achieve a more comprehensive result and can often be more convenient for the patient. However, it’s important to discuss all of your surgical options with Dr. Ghaznavi to determine the best plan for your individual needs and goals.