Breast Reduction is also referred to as Reduction Mammoplasty
It reduces the size of large, heavy breasts to create a more proportionate, feminine size, shape, and contour. Breast reduction can also relieve patients of the following health problems related to over sized breasts: back, shoulder, and neck pain; severe bra strap indentations in the shoulders; poor posture; breathing problems; chafing in the crease below the breasts.
Time Required for Breast Reduction:
Usually 2 to 4 hours are needed for breast reduction surgery. Time requirements can vary, from case to case.
Is Breast Reduction an In Patient or Out Patient Procedure?
Usually outpatient.
What are the Side Effects of Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction side effects can include temporary bruising and limited arm mobility, as well as temporary change in nipple sensation. Permanent side effects include noticeable scars.
How Long do Breast Reduction results last?
Breast reduction results are permanent, though sometimes subject to hormonal changes and weight fluctuation.
What is the Recovery time for Breast Reduction?
The patient goes home with dressings on the incisions and a supportive bra that assists with healing.
After the breast reduction, recovery from scarring can take 6-12 months.
Most patients can usually return to work, and other activities that don’t involve much strain, about 2 weeks after surgery.
Will my Insurance Company cover Breast Reduction?
Because of the common medical need for a breast reduction, insurance may cover the procedure. Any health or psychological problems resulting from over sized breasts would usually need to be legitimately documented.
Is there much discomfort from Breast Reduction?
After a breast reduction, pain can be quite noticeable and mild discomfort may persist for up to a week or so. All are easily controlled with standard pain medication.
What happens during Breast Reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin.
In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction. The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the advice of your surgeon,
Dr. Alexander Sinclair MD.
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Alexander Sinclair, your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The Incision
Incision options include:
A circular pattern around the areola
A keyhole or racket-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern
The incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.
Step 3 – Removing Tissue and Repositioning
After the incision is made, the nipple, which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply, is then repositioned.
The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary.
Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).
Step 4 – Closing the Incisions
The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.
Step 5 – See the Results
The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover.