Breast Reduction

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

• Also known as reduction mammoplasty, this is a surgery intended to reduce the size of a woman's breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. Functional symptoms (medical disorders) caused by excessive breast weight may be relieved or improved by this operation.
• A woman who has large, heavy breasts, which may be the cause of breathing difficulties, back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, bra-strap indentations and chafing under the breasts will benefit from reduction.
• A woman or man with a decreased sense of self-confidence or attractiveness because of large breast size.

Before	After

INTENDED RESULT

• More attractive contour and smaller breast size.
• Freedom from health problems associated with excessively large breasts.
• Improved self-image.

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PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

• The procedure is done under general anesthesia in our outpatient surgical facility or in the hospital.
• There are a variety of techniques for these operations. Most commonly, there is an incision around the areola, another between the areola and the breast crease and the third within the crease under the breast. This is called the "anchor-shape" or inverted "T" incision. On occasion, these incisions may be modified and more limited.

Before	After

RECUPERATION AND HEALING

• Initially, the breasts are wrapped with a compression garment in order to control post-operative swelling and bruising. A bra may then be required depending on the shape of the breast.
• Initial discomfort subsides daily and can be controlled with oral medication.
• Discomfort, swelling and discoloration of the breasts are to be expected for several weeks. Usually, our patients return to almost normal activity within two weeks. The scars at the incision lines typically become reddish, raised and firm a few weeks after surgery, but after many months they become pale and soft. After 8-12 months, the scars are relatively inconspicuous. The nipples and some areas of the skin may be numb or sensitive after surgery. Sensation may return within a few weeks or months, but may be diminished or overly sensitive.
• With the newer techniques in breast reduction, breast-feeding will probably not be affected although the possibility still exists.

OTHER OPTIONS

• An additional procedure that would enhance the result is liposuction of the axillary area (armpit) to reduce excess fat deposits.

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INSURANCE GUIDELINES

• Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). When the excessive size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty and breast pain. Other problems, which are less likely reasons to be covered by insurance, include: skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.
• This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization.

NOTE

• The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk.