Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a surgery which goal is to reduce the size of the breast. A breast reduction surgery removes the fat, glandular tissue and skin of the breast to achieve a resulting breast which size is in harmony and proportion with the patient’s body.  For people, both women and men, who suffer from the discomfort or embarrassment of large breast, breast reduction is a great choice.

Breast reduction is a highly specialized procedure. The goal of breast reduction is to reduce the size of the breasts and enhance their appearance.

Breast Reduction Procedure

The main purpose of the Breast Reduction procedure is to reduce the size and reshape the breast.  Breast Reduction is not the same as breast lift.  Breast Reduction may be performed also in order to correct breast unevenness or a large breast that may produce physical discomfort or embarrassment to a patient.

The objective of a Breast Reduction is to surgically reshape and trim down the breast.

Breasts that are too large can cause physical and emotional problems. People who have large breasts can suffer from pain, discomfort, embarrassment and low self esteem.  Physical problems from large breasts can be caused by the breasts weight. This situation may even interfere with a person’s activity level.

By reducing the size of the breast thru a breast reduction surgery a person can alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by the large breasts.

There are many reasons why the breasts can change their original shape. These reasons include:

• Weight gain
• Childbirth
• Genetics
• Aging process

With Breast Reduction surgery a patient can now correct these conditions and enjoy a better happier more confident life.
After an initial Breast reduction consultation and examination of your medical history, your Breast Reduction surgeon will schedule Breast Reduction surgery. 

During the Breast Reduction surgery, the large or uneven breast or breasts are cut, shortened and shaped using specialized instruments. In some cases liposuction can be used to reduce the size of the breast.

The Breast Reduction sutures are then closed with dissolvable stitches.

Breast Reduction Today

Everyday more and more patients opt to have the Breast Reduction procedure done. The reasons to have a Breast Reduction performed include:

• Pain (breasts or back)
• Discomfort
• Interference of the breasts in their normal life
• Cosmetic reasons

The demand for Breast Reduction surgery is on the rise also as the procedure is featured on the media and more people know about it.

Breast Reduction Candidate

A good candidate for Breast Reduction includes men and women with enlarged and sagging breast.  Breast Reduction is a surgery that can help correct these circumstances that may also cause pain and self-consciousness in a patient. Good candidates for Breast Reduction are fully developed women and men in good overall health. Since every person is different, it is important to have a consultation with a Breast Reduction specialist to know if you are a good candidate.

You are a good candidate for Breast Reduction also if you experience any of the following:

• Pain or discomfort while exercising or doing physical activities due to a large or uneven breasts.
• Pain or discomfort while doing normal activities due to a large or uneven breasts.
• Discomfort, embarrassment or low self esteem due to a large or uneven breasts.

Breast Reduction Considerations

Please be aware that the Breast Reduction surgery is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Please consult a Breast Reduction specialist and consider all benefits and risks before undergoing a Breast Reduction.  Breast Reduction is meant to only correct the shape and sizes of the breast.

Breast Reduction Consultation

It is necessary that you make a have a consultation with a Breast Reduction specialist to know if you are a good candidate, how you can benefit from Breast Reduction and what to expect from your Breast Reduction procedure. Your Breast Reduction doctor can clear any doubt and answer any questions that you may have about the Breast Reduction procedure. 

Breast Reduction Cost

Many Breast Reduction specialists offer free consultations for patients who are looking forward to getting this procedure. In many cases there may be payment plans and financing available for the Breast Reduction surgery and many Breast Reduction surgeons may offer special discounts if the procedure is dome in conjunction with other procedures. 

In some cases the Breast Reduction surgery may be covered by insurance; specially is the patient experiences pain during their normal activities or exercising due to the size of the breast. It is necessary that you talk to your insurance company to know if they will cover the full or part of the cost of the Breast Reduction.

The Breast Reduction surgery costs usually include: local anesthesia fees, facility fees, and Breast Reduction surgeon fees. Usually Breast Reduction fees range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on your location, skills of the Breast Reduction surgeon and your particular case. 

Breast Reduction Risks

Like any other surgical procedure; the Breast Reduction surgery includes risks such as:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Temporary numbness
• Asymmetry between both breasts
• Pigmentation changes
• Pain
• Decreased feeling in that area
• Scar tissue buildup
• Hematoma

It is important that you choose a good Breast Reduction surgeon to make sure that you get the best changes of having a successful Breast Reduction surgery. It is also necessary that you follow carefully the Breast Reduction surgery directions and doctor’s follow up orders and aftercare to reduce the risks of the Breast Reduction surgery.  With a skilled Breast Reduction surgeon a Breast Reduction should be a procedure that produces great results and satisfaction; and with proper after care your Breast Reduction recovery should be smooth and you will be back to normal quickly.

Breast Reduction Preparation

Before a Breast Reduction surgery it is recommended that you stop smoking or consuming alcohol for a least a week before your Breast Reduction procedure.

It is also recommended that you stop taking certain medications before the Breast Reduction surgery including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and blood thinners, since these may increase the risk of bleeding.  Also any herbal remedies that may increase the risk of bleeding should be stopped.  These include: vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea and gingko biloba since they may increase the risk of bleeding during your Breast Reduction surgery.

Make sure that you tell your Breast Reduction surgeon everything that you are taking. Please consult your Breast Reduction surgeon or regular physician before stopping abruptly any prescribed medication.

Breast Reduction Follow Up Consultation

It is necessary to have a follow up session with your Breast Reduction surgeon.  After the Breast Reduction surgery your surgeon will give you a list of medications to take and the necessary after care and you will be given a Breast Reduction follow up appointment or be advised to schedule one.

Your Breast Reduction surgeon will prescribe oral medications to reduce pain and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
In this follow up appointment your Breast Reduction surgeon will make sure that the healing process is going on as planned, may take out any sutures and will assess what aftercare is needed in order to help with your Breast Reduction recovery.  This consultation is a very important part of the Breast Reduction surgery recovery.

Breast Reduction Recovery

After the Breast Reduction surgery the area treated may be swollen and tender for several weeks.

After the Breast Reduction surgery you will be requested to stop any heavy, strenuous exercise for at least 3 weeks.   After your Breast Reduction surgery you will be requested to wear protective garments for at least 1 week since some bleeding will be present.