Introduction to Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)
For the woman who has struggled all her life with excessively
large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be an emotionally
and physically rewarding procedure. Not only will the
procedure give you smaller, firmer breasts, it will
put an end to physical discomfort, allow you to increase
your physical activities and your clothing options.
In fact, of all the procedures that plastic surgeons
perform, reduction has the highest degree of patient
satisfaction.
Best Candidates for Breast Reduction
Women who have reached full breast development, usually
16 years of age or older, who suffer from one or more
of the following conditions: back, neck and shoulder
pain, overly heavy breasts, indentations across your
shoulders from your bra straps, skin irritation beneath
the breast, feelings of self-consciousness about the
size of your breast, restriction of physical activity
due to the size of your breast.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At your initial consultation, Dr. James Matas will
discuss your motivations for reduction surgery, along
with assessing your physical and emotional health and
reviewing information you provide about previous surgeries,
previous pregnancies/breastfeeding, history of weight
loss, past and current medical conditions, as well as
nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and pharmaceutical
medications you take.
He will carefully examine your breasts, considering
the amount of breast tissue to be removed and the position
of your nipples and areolas.
He will explain the exact technique he intends to use,
location of the surgical incisions, the type of anesthesia,
where the surgery will be performed and the risks and
possibility of complications.
Some insurance companies will pay for the procedure,
however, coverage may depend on the quantity of breast
tissue to be removed. If appropriate, a letter of predetermination
will be mailed to your insurance provider asking for
prior approval. If you are seeking a cosmetic change
to your breast, or do not have health insurance coverage,
you will pay a cosmetic rate for the procedure.
How Breast Reduction is Performed
The incisions necessary for a reduction usually resemble
an anchor shape, and are located around the areola,
extending downward toward the bottom of the breast and
horizontally beneath the breast following along the
natural crease.
When Dr. Matas has removed the excess breast tissue
and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher
position. Since the areola is usually larger than desired,
it is reduced in diameter. The skin around the areola
is then brought down and together to reshape the breast
to its smaller size.
Ideally, the nipples and areolas remain attached to
the underlying tissue when shifted, and this may preserve
sensation and make it possible to breastfeed in the
future. When it is necessary to move the nipple a great
distance, sensation may be lost.
Reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia,
and usually takes four to six hours to complete. Depending
upon individual circumstances, it may be performed outpatient
or with a brief hospital stay.
Recovery from Breast Reduction
After surgery, you’ll be wearing a surgical bra
designed to hold gauze dressings in place over the incision
sites. In some cases, you may also have drain tubes
designed to capture excess fluids from swelling. You
can expect some discomfort from surgery, along with
bruising and swelling, but this can be controlled with
the medications we prescribe. Over the course of the
first week, your sutures and drain tubes will be removed.
You’ll be instructed to take it easy for the
first week, and to discontinue certain strenuous activities
for about one month. You may return to light work within
one or two weeks after surgery.
Over the next few months, your breasts will start settling
into a more natural shape and you will begin to regain
sensation in the breast and around the nipple. Your
scars will be reddish in appearance and will gradually
fade and become less visible. It is important to protect
your scars from the sun and tanning beds for one year
to prevent them from darkening permanently.
Your New Look
Breast reduction surgery can have a dramatic effect
on your body image. While it may take some time to adjust
to such a large change, you’ll have a greater
ability to enjoy life to its fullest. You may become
more physically active, and it’s not unusual to
lose weight as a result of this increased activity.
You can expect to maintain your new shape long-term,
unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight
or become pregnant in the future.
|
