Breast Reduction

Do you suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain because of your large breast size? Are your breasts so big that you are unable to exercise comfortably? Do you develop rashes on your chest? Are your clothing options limited due to the large size of your breasts? Does the weight of your breasts leave deep shoulder grooves from the bra straps? These are all problems that women who have excessively large breasts must deal with. A breast reduction surgery can help alleviate discomfort and improve your appearance. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get rid of excess breast tissue.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure in which the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The procedure is offered to women who have large breasts to alleviate discomfort and other problems caused by the excess breast tissue. A reduction mammoplasty can help you achieve a breast size that is more in proportion with your body size, enhancing your confidence, body image, and self-esteem.

Things to know about breast reduction surgery

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult a board certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon to learn about your options. Before you make a decision, it is important to understand the benefits and risks of the breast reduction procedure. If you have a question, do not hesitate to ask your surgeon. Here are some things you should know about breast reduction:

You will benefit from improved self-esteem as well as better physical health. Over 95% of breast reduction patients are satisfied with the results.

A breast reduction is an outpatient cosmetic surgery and you can go home the same day or the next day. However, you should plan to take a few days off work after your breast reduction surgery because you will be tired and sore.

Your plastic surgeon will work with you to try and achieve the breast size and breast shape you desire with various surgical techniques. However, you may not get the bra cup you want. This will depend on how much breast tissue and skin can be safely removed by the surgeon during the breast surgery.

An additional benefit of a breast reduction is that you will get a breast lift. The surgeon will reposition the nipple and areola higher after they remove the excess breast tissue.

The scars from the breast reduction surgery look like a lollipop, meaning they encircle the nipple and areola and extend down to the breast crease. The scars will fade with time but may still be visible even years after the procedure.

You could have diminished nipple sensation after a breast reduction procedure. In most patients, the sensation in the nipples comes back, but it can take up to two months.

Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery may find it difficult to breast feed in the future. Breast feeding is not impossible, but it is difficult to predict who will have a problem.

Getting a breast reduction can decrease your risk of breast cancer significantly, depending on how much of the tissue is removed.

Benefits of a breast reduction surgery

The most important advantages of breast reduction reported by the patient community include:

• Relief from chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain due to the weight of the breasts.
• Relief from chronic skin rashes and skin irritation under the breasts.
• Relief from restrictions in physical activity due to the size of the breasts.
• Improved self-image and confidence related to breast size.
• Improved ability to fit into bras and clothing.

How big do your breasts have to be to get a reduction?

You will qualify for a breast reduction cosmetic surgery if your breasts limit your physical activities, you have shoulder, neck, and back pain due to the weight of your breasts, you have shoulder grooves from the straps of your bra, and/or you have recurrent skin rashes underneath the breast creases.

How much can my breasts be reduced?

The amount of breast reduction that can be achieved depends on your original size, your breast composition, and your aesthetic goals. Your plastic surgeon will develop a plan with you and talk to you about what to expect after the surgery. Most patients go down 1-2 cup sizes.

How painful is a breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is done under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the surgery. After the surgery, you will be sore for 2-3 weeks and may need pain medication to manage the discomfort.

How long does it take to recover from breast reduction?

Complete recovery from breast reduction surgery can take up to 6 weeks. You will be sore and tired for the first 2-3 weeks, but you will get stronger each day. You might want to take 2-3 weeks off work to give yourself time to heal from breast reduction.

Will the results of breast reduction last?

The results of a breast reduction procedure are permanent. The surgeon removes excess skin, fat, and breast tissue and it is gone forever. About 2-3 months after the procedure, your breast shape will be final and you can shop for new bras and clothes. You may, however, continue to notice subtle changes in breast shape for the first 6-12 months.

How to prepare for breast reduction? What to expect with the procedure?

Before the procedure

During your initial consultations at the plastic surgery office, the surgeon will obtain a thorough medical history and examine and measure your breasts. They will discuss your desired breast size and expectations from the breast reduction surgery. Photos will be taken of your breasts and placed in your medical record. The procedure, its pros and cons, and the associated risks will be described to you in detail. You may be asked to undergo some laboratory tests and imaging studies like a baseline mammogram.

You will be advised to stop smoking before the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will also advise you to stop certain medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

During the procedure

The plastic surgeon will make incisions on your breasts and remove excess fat through liposuction. They will also remove extra tissue and skin to reduce the size of your breasts. The surgeon will then reshape and/or reposition the nipple and areola for a more aesthetic breast contour. The size of the areola may be smaller than before. While your surgeon will do their best to achieve symmetry between the left and right breasts, some difference in shape and size can occur.

Aftercare and recovery

You will have bandages or gauze dressings on your chest after the breast reduction. The plastic surgeon may leave tubes in place to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. You will be given medications to manage pain as well as antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection.

For the first few days after breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be temporarily sore, swollen, and bruised. Your surgeon may recommend you wear a compression bra or surgical bra to protect your breasts.

You will need to avoid strenuous physical activities for 4 weeks after breast reduction. You may need to wear underwired bras for support for a few months.

Limitations and risks

Limitations

Breast reduction surgery may not be right for everyone with large breasts. For example, women who smoke or have certain medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes may not be good candidates for this procedure.

Also, anyone who absolutely does not want scars on their breasts should not go in for breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction may not be recommended in women who are obese. Such patients should postpone the breast reduction until after they have undergone weight loss with diet and exercise. This is because losing weight can change the breast size.

Also, women who are planning pregnancies in the future might want to delay breast reduction surgery because the procedure can cause problems with breast feeding.

Risks

The most common risks of breast reduction surgery include temporary bruising, scarring, loss of sensation in the nipple and areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipples), difficulty or inability to breastfeed, and asymmetry or differences in size between the right and left breasts, which might necessitate additional surgery.

You can reduce your risk of complications by choosing ASPS member surgeons or expert cosmetic surgeons to perform the breast reduction.

Is breast reduction surgery covered by health insurance?

Your health insurance policy may cover the cost of a breast reduction surgery provided you and your plastic surgeon can demonstrate that the procedure is a medical necessity. This is possible if you're having breast reduction to relieve symptoms like pain or recurrent skin rashes.

How much does breast reduction cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, on average, the cost of a breast reduction surgery is around $5,500.

Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon or ASPS member surgeons for breast reduction

The MeTime app makes it easy to find cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons for breast reduction surgery in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Interested in finding out whether you qualify for breast reduction? Try the MeTime app now!