BREAST REDUCTION

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Women with very large breasts find breast reduction surgery to greatly benefit their life. Patients not only have relief from their symptoms but also the ability to exercise better, wear more fitting clothes and many have psychological benefits. Of all surgeries that plastic surgeons perform, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction. Patients of most any age may have breast reduction surgery, however, most surgeons recommend waiting until after breast development has stopped. If your breasts are causing you discomfort most insurance plans will cover the surgery. We would need to examine you in our office and seek preapproval from your insurance company. You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have any of the following problems:

-neck, back or shoulder pain
-shoulder notching from you bra strap
-heavy, sagging breasts
-breasts that are too large for your body size
-irritation and rash beneath your breasts
-difficulty with exercise and physical activities due to large heavy breasts
-one breast that is a lot larger than the other

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE CONSULTATION?

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The first step in having this surgery of course is the initial consultation. During this meeting I will discuss your condition as well as any other medical conditions and medicines that might affect the surgery. We will discuss what size you would ideally like to be, and make a determination of about how much breast tissue will need to be removed. The different options for breast reduction will be discussed. When this consultation is over I will dictate a letter to your insurance company to seek approval. If you have not had a baseline mammogram you should do so if you are older than 35 years of age.

HOW IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY PERFORMED?

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There are several techniques available for breast reduction. The method used depends upon the size of your breasts and amount of reduction to be performed. The surgery is performed with you under a general anesthesia in either a hospital or outpatient surgery center. Some women go home the same day. For large reductions I usually use a technique that leaves a scar around the areola, then down to the breast crease and extends horizontally in the breast crease. This technique allows removal of a large amount of breast tissue and skin safely. The breast will be firmer with a nice shape and the nipples in a more youthful position. The nipples are left attached to the breast tissue beneath them and most patients do not lose sensation. The size of the areolas can also be reduced. The ability to breast-feed is also usually preserved. Smaller reductions can be performed without the horizontal incision beneath the breast. The only scars are around the areola and the vertical scar down to the breast crease. I have been using this minimal scar (SPAIR) technique with increasing frequency with very satisfied patients. The majority of patients have no complications. The most common is delayed healing of an incision and this rarely occurs unless a patient smokes. It is very important to not smoke at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY SURGERY?

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-Do not smoke for two weeks before and after your surgery
-Avoid medications that can cause bleeding (aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Nuprin, etc) for about 10 days before the surgery.
-Arrange for help or special care following surgery.