Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of large breasts. Many women who undergo breast reduction surgery suffer from physical discomfort, emotional distress, or both. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about breast reduction surgery, including who is a candidate, the benefits and risks, the procedure itself, recovery, insurance coverage, scarring, and real patient stories.

Introduction to Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that aims to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The surgery can also reduce the size of the areola, the dark skin around the nipple. Breast reduction surgery can improve the appearance of the breasts and alleviate physical symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and bra strap grooving. The procedure can also enhance self-confidence and quality of life.

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. There are several techniques used to perform breast reduction surgery, including the anchor or inverted T technique, the vertical or lollipop technique, and the periareolar or donut technique. The surgeon will choose the best technique based on the patient's anatomy, breast size, and desired outcome.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a suitable option for women who have large, heavy, and pendulous breasts that cause physical discomfort, emotional distress, or both. The ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery is a woman who:

• Is in good physical and emotional health
• Has fully developed breasts
• Has realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery
• Has tried non-surgical methods to alleviate breast-related symptoms, such as weight loss, physical therapy, and supportive bras
• Does not smoke or is willing to quit smoking before and after the surgery
• Is not pregnant or breastfeeding

The surgeon will evaluate the patient's medical history, physical exam, and breast imaging to determine if she is a candidate for breast reduction surgery. The surgeon will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, the expected outcome, and the recovery process.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery has several benefits for women who suffer from large breasts. The benefits of breast reduction surgery include:

• Alleviating physical discomfort: Breast reduction surgery can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and bra strap grooving by reducing the weight and volume of the breasts.
• Enhancing physical activity: Breast reduction surgery can enable women to engage in physical activities that were previously difficult or impossible, such as running, jumping, and swimming.
• Improving body image: Breast reduction surgery can improve self-confidence, body image, and sexual function by restoring breast symmetry, proportion, and contour.
• Reducing the risk of medical conditions: Breast reduction surgery can reduce the risk of medical conditions associated with large breasts, such as breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, and macromastia.

Breast reduction surgery can have a profound impact on a woman's physical and emotional well-being. However, it is important to note that every woman's experience with breast reduction surgery is unique, and the outcome of the surgery cannot be predicted with certainty.

Risks and Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries risks and complications. The risks and complications of breast reduction surgery include:

• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to hematoma, or the collection of blood under the skin, which may require drainage.
• Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site, which may require antibiotics or surgical intervention.
• Scarring: Breast reduction surgery leaves scars that may be visible and permanent, although they can fade over time.
• Nipple sensitivity: Breast reduction surgery can affect nipple sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
• Breastfeeding difficulty: Breast reduction surgery can affect milk production and breastfeeding ability, although it is possible to breastfeed after surgery.
• Anesthesia risks: General anesthesia carries risks such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular complications.

The surgeon will discuss the risks and complications of breast reduction surgery with the patient before the surgery and take steps to minimize them. It is important for the patient to follow the surgeon's pre-operative and post-operative instructions to reduce the risk of complications.

Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure - What to Expect

Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes two to five hours, depending on the technique used and the extent of the surgery. The steps of breast reduction surgery include:

• Anesthesia: The patient will receive general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety during the surgery.
• Incision: The surgeon will make incisions on the breasts according to the chosen technique. The incisions may be around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease, forming an anchor or inverted T shape. The surgeon will remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position.
• Closure: The surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, and may place drainage tubes to remove excess fluid.
• Dressing: The surgeon will apply dressings and a supportive bra to the breasts to promote healing and reduce swelling.

After the surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery room where she will be monitored for a few hours before being discharged. The patient will need to arrange for someone to drive her home and stay with her for the first 24 hours after the surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery - Tips and Timeline

Breast reduction surgery recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing ability. The following tips can help speed up the recovery process and reduce discomfort:

• Rest: The patient should rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks after the surgery.
• Pain management: The patient will likely experience pain, swelling, bruising, and discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
• Dressing care: The patient should follow the surgeon's instructions for dressing care, such as changing the dressings and keeping the incisions dry and clean.
• Drainage care: If drainage tubes are placed, the patient should follow the surgeon's instructions for drainage care, such as emptying the tubes and measuring the output.
• Supportive bra: The patient should wear a supportive bra 24/7 for at least four to six weeks after the surgery to promote healing and reduce swelling.
• Follow-up appointments: The patient should attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.

The timeline for breast reduction surgery recovery varies from person to person, but the following is a general guideline:

• Day 1-7: The patient will experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, and will need help with basic activities such as bathing and dressing.
• Week 2-4: The patient will gradually resume light activities and may return to work if the job does not involve heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
• Week 4-6: The patient may resume normal activities and exercise, but should avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping.
• Month 3-6: The patient may experience residual swelling and numbness, but should see a significant improvement in breast size and shape.
• Year 1: The scars will continue to fade and flatten, but may still be visible.

It is important for the patient to follow the surgeon's instructions for recovery to promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications.

How to Get a Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance

Breast reduction surgery may be covered by health insurance if the patient meets certain criteria. The criteria for insurance coverage may vary depending on the insurance policy and the state laws, but generally include:

• Medical necessity: The patient must have medical symptoms related to large breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and bra strap grooving, that have not responded to non-surgical methods.
• Documentation: The patient must provide documentation of the medical symptoms, such as medical records, physical therapy notes, and photographs, to support the claim for insurance coverage.
• Insurance policy: The insurance policy must cover breast reduction surgery as a medically necessary procedure, and may have specific requirements such as pre-authorization, deductible, and co-payment.

The patient should contact her insurance company before the surgery to determine if breast reduction surgery is covered and what the requirements are. Our staff mcan provide assistance with insurance coverage and documentation. Please contact our office at 516-600-0117 to discuss.

Breast Reduction Scars - What to Expect and How to Minimize Them

Breast reduction surgery leaves scars that may be visible and permanent, although they can fade over time. The extent of scarring depends on several factors, such as the technique used, the individual's healing ability, and the surgeon's skill. The following are the types of scars that may result from breast reduction surgery:

• Anchor or inverted T scars: These scars are the most common and result from incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease, forming an anchor or inverted T shape.
• Lollipop scars: These scars result from incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, forming a lollipop shape.
• Donut scars: These scars result from incisions around the areola, forming a donut shape.

The scars may be red, raised, and itchy initially, but will gradually fade and flatten over time. The surgeon may recommend scar management techniques such as massage, silicone sheets, and laser therapy to minimize scarring. It is important for the patient to follow the surgeon's instructions for scar care to promote optimal healing and reduce the visibility of scars.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction Surgery

Q: Is breast reduction surgery painful? A: Breast reduction surgery can cause pain and discomfort after the surgery, but the pain can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.

Q: Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery? A: Breast reduction surgery can affect milk production and breastfeeding ability, although it is possible to breastfeed after surgery. The surgeon will discuss the potential impact of the surgery on breastfeeding with the patient before the surgery.

Q: Will insurance cover breast reduction surgery? A: Breast reduction surgery may be covered by health insurance if the patient meets certain criteria, such as medical necessity and documentation. The patient should contact her insurance company before the surgery to determine if breast reduction surgery is covered and what the requirements are.

Q: How long does it take to recover from breast reduction surgery? A: Breast reduction surgery recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing ability. The patient should follow the surgeon's instructions for recovery to promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications.