| Dr. Tuan Vu 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 Surgery.
Q. What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
A. Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, making your breasts more proportional to the rest of your body. The breasts are lifted at the same time by repositioning the areola/nipple.
Q. Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?
A. Patients may be a good candidate for breast reduction if they have the any of the following conditions:
- back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the weight of breasts
- Heavy, sagging breasts with low areola/nipple position
- Breasts those are too large in proportion to your body
- Skin irritation beneath large breasts
- Shoulder indentations caused by bra straps
- Physical activity restrictions due to size and weight of breasts
- Self-consciousness about large size of breasts
- One breast that is much larger than the other
Q. What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
A. Having breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life-enhancing option. It not only will give patients smaller and firmer breasts but also significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts. Furthermore, it allows patients the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles.
Q. What are the risks involved of breast reduction surgery?
A. As with any surgical procedures there are risks involved, although thousands of women undergo breast reduction each year without major complications. Most of the risks are quite small but patients must be informed about them.
Risks include: bleeding, infection, scarring, sensory loss, tissue loss, asymmetry, pulmonary embolus, and anesthetic risks
Q. What does breast reduction surgery involve?
A. The specific method chosen for your breast reduction depends on your anatomy, surgeon's preferences and your desired results. The most common method uses a three-part incision. One part is made around the areola area. The second part runs vertically from the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The final part is a horizontal incision beneath the breast. There are other incisional methods that are used in some instances. After the surgeon has removed the excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the areola/nipple are shifted to a higher position. The remaining skin envelope is brought back together to reshape the breast. Liposuction is routinely used to improve the contour of the sides of the breasts. Surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 4 hours.
Q. What should one expect after breast reduction surgery?
A. Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow a general time line:
Within the first week:
- Your soreness will improve allowing more comfortable movement and possibly returning to nonstrenous work
- Surgical drains will be removed if placed and dressings changed
After several weeks:
- Bruising, swelling, and discomfort will resolved
- Supportive bra can be discontinued
- Sensation within areola/nipple area will gradually improve
- Can return to most normal activities including mild exercise
After a few months:
- Breasts will settle into more natural shape
- Incision lines will begin to fade
- Relief from neck, back and shoulder pain
Q. How much does a breast reduction cost?
A. Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction to relieve medical symptoms;.However, coverage may depend on a significant amount of breast tissue being removed. The average is about 500-750 grams (1-1.5 lbs) per breast needed to be removed for insurance coverage. If you are seeking a purely cosmetic change then you will have to pay for the procedure yourself. The cost generally is about $7000-8000 which includes surgeon's fee, facility fee, and anesthesia fee.
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