| Dr. H. Steve Byrd is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Breast Reduction.
Q. What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast Reduction surgery is a procedure recommended for patients who are not only looking for pain relief, but also a younger, trimmer body shape and new confidence. This procedure reduces the size and amount of breast tissue in each breast, while keeping symmetry and aesthetic ideals in mind.
Q. Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?
Patients with large breasts who are dealing with physical issues (neck and back pain, grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, numbness/tingling in arms and hands due to pinched nerves, etc.) who have reasonable expectations and are willing to accept the necessary scars as a reasonable trade-off, are excellent candidates.
Q. What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
Many of the benefits are immediate, but it takes some time for the incision sites and resultant scars to lighten so they aren't as visible. If weight loss is planned or in progress, it should be completed before undertaking breast reduction surgery. The neck, back and shoulder pain should dissipate fairly quickly, but nerve damage may take longer to resolve, or may be a permanent and ongoing issue. Shoulder grooves from bra straps will lessen over time, but they too can be a permanent reminder of these breast induced symptoms. It’s always better to do the corrective surgery sooner rather than later to avoid as much permanent damage as possible.
Q. What are the risks involved of breast reduction surgery?
While there are minimal risks involved with breast reduction surgery, there are potential, but very rare risks which could include: visible scars on the breast, some loss of sensation in the nipple, possible inability to breastfeed, asymmetry, and recurrent sagging.
Q. What does breast reduction surgery involve?
Moderate to large breast reductions generally require an incision around the nipple as well as an incision extending vertically down from the nipple and out into the fold beneath the breast. This incision is referred to as an inverted "T" or "anchor" incision. Its purpose is to reduce the size of the breast, allow upward positioning of the nipple and to shape the breast into a more naturally projecting form.
Q. What should one expect after breast reduction surgery?
Patients spend one night at the Cloister, an aftercare facility on the same floor as our office and the operating rooms at Dallas Day Surgery Center. Patients go home the day following surgery and will have pain medications to deal with any post-op discomfort and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection. Any activity that would pull on the pectoral muscles is limited for some time. Sutures are removed 5 – 7 days after surgery and scar management will be done by the patient at home. Most patients are back at work 7 – 10 days after surgery. Routine check ups with Dr. Byrd are then done at 3 and 6 weeks, and 3 and 12 months. We deal with a good number of patients who reside outside of the Dallas Metroplex area and often arrange follow up visits to coincide with the patients travel plans when they pass through or are staying in Dallas. We also stay in touch using e-mails and attaching pictures when necessary.
Q. How much does a breast reduction cost?
Dr. Byrd’s fee for most breast reductions is about $5000. The total amount which includes the surgery center, anesthesia, and overnight stay would be about $8100 - $8600.
|
