|
|
 |
Treatments | Breast Reduction
 |
|
 |
 |  |
| Send Page To a Friend |
Treatment Summary: Breast Reduction |
Consultation: 30 minutes |
Procedure: less than 60 minutes |
Healing: 10 to 14 days |
Pain: Anesthesia |
Number of Procedures: one treatment |
Duration of results: last long |
Cost: $1800-$4500 , depending on the extent of the procedure. |
Before Treatment: Read More. |
After Treatment: Read More. |
 |
|
Breast Reduction General Questions:
- What is Breast Reduction?
- How Does Breast Reduction Work?
- Who is a good candidate for Breast Reduction?
- What will be the results of Breast Reduction?
- How about safety & side effects Breast Reduction?
- How long is recovery time for Breast Reduction?
- Pre-Breast Reduction Instructions?
- Post-Breast Reduction Instructions?
- Testimonials form Breast Reduction patients?
- How painful is the Breast Reduction?
- How much does Breast Reduction cost?
- What are the Alternatives for Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction Unique Questions:
- Breast Reduction Articles and Information
What is breast reduction?
This procedure is done to reshape sagging and large breasts by removing excess skin and fat and repositioning nipples and remaining tissue. In some cases, this may be substituted with or combined with breast augmentation surgery.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
How does breast reduction work?
The procedure involves the removal of fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. Usually three incisions are needed-one around the areola, one running vertically down from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast, and a third incision tracing the curve of the breast crease. The nipple and areola are re-positioned and moved higher. The skin on both sides of the breasts is then brought down and around the areola to create the breasts' new shape. (If the breasts are excessively large, the areola may be stretched, but they can also be made smaller at the same time as the breasts are reduced.)
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Who is a good candidate for Breast Reduction?
The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 30 or older, but if sagging or heavy breasts are a problem, you may decide to have this procedure at a younger age.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
What will be the results of Breast Reduction?
The effects are variable. Gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
| Breast Reduction |
 |
 |
| Before Breast Reduction |
After Breast Reduction |
|
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
How about safety & side effects of Breast Reduction?
Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising, and breast sensitivity to stimulation for a few weeks are the most common side effects. Make certain you understand all consent forms.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
How long is recovery time for Breast Reduction
Back to work: 1 week or more. Strenuous activities: 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
How painful is Breast Reduction?
Some pain and discomfort is experienced after the surgery. This can be managed with oral medications.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Testimonials form Breast Reduction patients?
" I am only 5’4”. So large breasts are not only unattractive on me, but they actually were beginning to hurt my back. Weighing only 110 lbs, I was a full D cup size. By the time I was 26 my breasts were droopy as well. I talked to many doctors before I decided to have the surgery done. I still have some scars on my breasts, but they are already facing and I can wear all the clothes that I had always wanted to wear. Best of all; my back pain is gone."
Tammy L., 28, Los Angeles, CA
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Pre-Breast Reduction Instructions?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed. Though rare, your doctor may recommend that you have blood drawn ahead of time in case it is needed during surgery. Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, if needed, to help you at home for a day or two. Special accommodations are available for patients who are coming from out of town.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Post-Breast Reduction Instructions?
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Don't expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days. It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
How much does Breast Reduction cost?
$4000- $8000, depending on the extent of the procedure.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
What are the Alternatives for Breast Reduction?
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Breast Reduction Articles and Information
- Atricle-1-Breast Reduction
- Atricle-2-Reduction Mammaplasty
- Atricle-3-Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammaplasty
TOP
Atricle-1-Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure which involves the reduction in the size of breasts; it may also involve lifting of the breasts. As with breast augmentation, this procedure is almost universally performed exclusively on women. It is formally known as reduction mammaplasty.
This procedure is designed for women who have large, pendulous breasts. They may experience neck, back and breathing problems or may feel uncomfortable with the size of their breasts in proportion to the rest of their body.
They may also experience discomfort from bra straps leaving indentations in their skin. Reduction mammaplasty gives the recipient smaller, lighter and firmer breasts. The size of the areola and nipples may also be reduced.
Except in extreme cases, this procedure is only performed on individuals with fully developed breasts. It is not recommended for women who intend to breast feed. It is almost always performed under general anesthesia. During pre-operative visits, the doctor and patient may decide on new (usually higher) positions of the areolas and nipples.
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision which circles the areola. The incision extends downward, following the natural curve of the breast.
Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin is removed. Next, the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. Finally, remaining skin from both sides of the breast are brought down around the areola and reattached.
In some extreme cases, the areola and nipple may need to be completely removed for relocation. In these cases, sensation from the areola area will be lost.
Patients may take a few weeks for initial recovery, however it may take from six months to a year for the body to completely adjust to the new breast size. Some women may experience discomfort during their initial menstruation following the surgery due to the breasts swelling.
Scarring from this procedure is extensive and permanent. Initially the scars are lumpy and red, but gradually subside into their final smaller sizes as thin white lines. Though permanent, the surgeon can generally make the scars inconspicuous to the point that even low-cut tops may be worn without visible scars.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Atricle-2-Reduction Mammaplasty
If you're considering breast reduction...
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
If you're considering breast reduction, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure- when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery.
The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient-and every physician, as well-has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.
The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, and will probably photograph them for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure-such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they'll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. The surgeon should also explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs. (Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it's medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your policy, and have your surgeon write a "predetermination letter" if required.)
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You'll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Some surgeons suggest that their patients diet before the operation.
Breast reduction doesn't usually require a blood transfusion. However, if a large amount of breast tissue will be removed, your physician may advise you to have a unit of blood drawn ahead of time. That way, if a transfusion should be needed, your own blood can be used.
While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Breast reduction surgery may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite. If you are admitted to the hospital, your stay will be a short one. The surgery itself usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
THE SURGERY
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.
In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.)
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.
You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you'll continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry.
Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. But you'll have much less stamina for several weeks, and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns. You'll also need a good athletic bra for support.
You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.
A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don't hesitate to call your doctor.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
YOUR NEW LOOK
Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be pleased with the results.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
Atricle-3-Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammaplasty
Breast Reduction, although actually a reconstructive surgical procedure, is used to correct marked breast enlargement, out of proportion to body size, and causing significant back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as a tendency to rashes and yeast infections in the folds under the breasts.
The cause varies but is generally associated with genetic pre-disposition, hormone fluctuation (e.g. puberty, pregnancy, or menopause), or marked weight variation. Breast Reduction is a surgical method of size reduction of the breasts, relieving the weight burden, and usually producing an improvement in breast shape.
Mastopexy or Breast Lift is a similar but distinct technique, designed to cosmetically restore a youthful breast shape and tissue firmness, but not remove any breast tissue.
Insurance has traditionally covered the cost of Reduction Mammaplasty surgery (but not cosmetic Mastopexy), however, many HMO's and similar discount insurance schemes have found i t convenient to deny this service by falsely labeling it "cosmetic surgery".
Be aware that if you are trapped in one of these limited service insurance plans you have the legal and contractual right to appeal denials of necessary Reconstructive Plastic Surgery services. Every state has an Insurance Commission which oversees operations of such insurance schemes, and they are usually responsive to consumer healthcare complaints.
TOP| Contact us - 1-888-471-8899
| |