Breast ReductionAbout The Procedure
Breast Reduction surgery is designed for women with very large, pendulous breasts. These women may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.
Procedure Description
There are different Breast Reduction surgery techniques, but the most common one involves an anchor-shaped incision that goes around the areola, down the breast toward the crease between the breast and abdomen, and then horizontally in the crease under the breast. The surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of your breast.
In most cases, the nipple and areola remain attached to the breast. If the breasts are very large and droopy, however, the surgeon may have to remove the nipple and areola and reattach them at a higher position as a skin graft. In this case, detaching the nipple and areola from their blood vessels and nerves causes them to permanently lose sensation and can result in the inability to breast-feed.
Best Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction surgery candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Breast reduction surgery is for women who have large breasts and want to resolve one or more of the following associated problems:
- Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain.
- Poor posture.
- Skin rash under the breasts.
- Deep grooves in the shoulders from bra strap pressure.
- Restricted levels of activity.
- Self-esteem problems.
- Difficulty wearing or fitting into certain bras and clothing.
Length of the Procedure
Breast Reduction surgery usually takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Breast Reductions are typically performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Breast Reduction surgical procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
Breast Reduction surgery often results in bruising, swelling, discomfort, and / or numbness.
Recovery
After a Breast Reduction surgical procedure, expect to be back to work in 2 to 3 weeks. Fading and flattening of scars should occur in several months to 1 year.
Duration of Results
Breast Reduction results are usually permanent.
Risks
With Breast Reduction surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. These scars may or may not fade in time. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Future breast-feeding may or may not be possible.
Some patients may experience a temporary or permanent loss of feeling in their nipples. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body-this is more common in smokers.
Cost
Expect to pay $5,000 to $15,000 for Breast Reduction surgery.
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