Breast reduction surgery can remedy a number of problems associated with enlarged breasts, including : back and neck pain, shoulder strain, poor posture, skin irritation and infection, shortness of breath, difficulty participating in sports or other recreational activities, difficulty fitting clothes, social/sexual embarrassment.

If the procedure is deemed medically necessary because of neck or back pain, some insurance plans will cover it. They usually require that a minimum amount of fat be removed to qualify, often in the range of 500 grams (the equivalent of 1.1 pounds), depending on height and weight. The doctor usually must write a "predetermination letter" to the insurance company beforehand to confirm that it will be covered.

In many cases the milk ducts leading to the nipple are cut during breast reduction surgery. However, some women find that they can breast-feed after surgery, at least partially. Most need to supplement their breast milk with formula.

Breast reduction surgery, medically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure intended to reduce large breasts as well as to make them more symmetrical and proportioned to the rest of the body. The best candidates for breast reduction surgery are women whose breasts have fully developed and who are experiencing physical discomfort due to their breast size.

After surgery, your breast area will be wrapped in gauze and an elastic bandage or surgical bra . You will have to continue wearing the bra/bandage even after the gauze has been removed, which usually happens several days after the breast reduction surgery. For several weeks to several months, you can expect to experience soreness and swelling while your breasts heal. Patients can usually resume work and other activities between one and six weeks after the surgery , depending on the individual.

All surgical procedures leave some scars. The scar resulting from breast reduction is typically anchor shaped and runs vertically from the areola to the lower breast, with the horizontal component hidden within the fold of the breast. Most scars gradually fade over the course of 10 to 12 months and become barely noticeable.

Surgeons generally require that breasts be fully developed before they will consider performing a reduction procedure. Breasts are usually fully grown by age 18. In some cases, if the discomfort is very bad, reduction surgery can be done at a younger age.

A The main BFAR forums are the primary source for support for the woman who has had breast reduction surgery. She need not be currently breastfeeding to participate. Click here to join. Many mothers also find that local breastfeeding support groups like La Leche League are excellent ways to meet other breastfeeding mothers for support, even though these mothers may not have had breast reduction surgery themselves.

Breast reduction is performed on patients under general anesthesia. Post-surgical discomfort is generally minimal. You will be offered pain medication after the procedure, of which most patients require very little.

There are various techniques that may be used for breast reduction surgery, though the procedure is nearly always performed with general anesthesia. The incision is commonly made in the shape of an anchor or inverted keyhole running from the top of the nipple to the crease below the breast. One the incision is made, excess fat, skin and tissue are removed the remaining skin and areola are repositioned. The surgery typically takes between one and three hours per breast to complete.

Breast Reduction 34 year old female - superior pedicle short anchor scar (wet technique) more pictures and early healing Breast Reduction 56 year old female - short scar Regnault type B with liposuction (wet technique) more images and early healing Breast Reduction 16 year old adolescent female - short scar tumescent technique additional images - 6 days after surgery showing minimal bruising

with all surgery, breast reduction surgery does come with some risks. Complications may include infection, blood clots, adverse reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage, loss of sensation, asymmetry, and scarring. In some cases, a woman may lose the ability to breast feed.

The techniques for breast reduction vary . However, the procedure is almost always performed under general anesthesia . Generally, the doctor will make an incision similar in shape to an anchor or inverted keyhole that encompasses the area from the top of the nipple to the crease of the breast. Then, the surgeon removes excess fat, skin, and tissue and repositions the remaining skin and areola. Breast reduction surgery usually takes one to three hours per breast .

When looking for a doctor to perform a breast reduction surgery, it is important to find one who is a board-certified plastic surgeon and who specializes in breast reduction surgery . Only a qualified plastic surgeon can evaluate your case and explain the risks and benefits associated with major surgery. Please contact us to find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area.

The improvement is immediate. However, you will experience some recovery time, as this is major surgery.

In general, the incisions take the shape of an anchor on the front of the breast with a vertical incision downward from the nipple and the base of the anchor under the breast. There is also an incision around the areola of the nipple, so that it can be repositioned upward. Breast reduction surgery always creates scars. It is best to think of the procedure as a trade-off between new scars in exchange for improved sizes, shape, and position of the breasts.

Your dressing will stay on for 1-2 days. It can be removed either in the office or at home. You may shower and wear a sports bra. Please leave brown paper tape or steri-strips for 5-7 days when they will come off or removed. Scar massage should be performed after the brown tape/steri-strips are off. Sutures are dissolving and do not have to be removed unless liposuction was performed at the same time. Liposuction sutures are taken out in 7-19 days in the office.

Women with very large, sagging breasts tend to have neck, back and shoulder pain. Patients find that breast reduction surgery greatly benefits their life and is one of the most satisfying procedures. Patients have not only relief of their symptoms, but also the ability to exercise better and wear better-fitting clothes.

There is some degree of risk associated with all types of surgery. Potential complications of breast reduction surgery may include adverse reaction to anesthesia, asymmetry, blood clots, infection, loss of sensation, nerve damage, and scarring. Women may lose the ability to breast feed in some cases.

The breasts are wrapped in gauze and an elastic bandage or surgical bra after surgery. The gauze is usually removed within several days, though the bra or elastic bandage will need to be worn for longer. Some soreness and swelling of the breasts is common for several weeks to several months as the breasts heal. Recovery times will vary for each individual, though patients are generally able to resume work and other activities within one to six weeks after surgery.

The nipple and areola are generally not affected. In most cases, the nipple-areola is left attached and moved by relocating the entire gland. There are rare exceptions, such as with patients who have extremely large breasts.

with all surgical procedures, bleeding, scarring or infection may occur. Occasionally, small differences in the size and shape of the breasts may appear. Rarely, loss of nipple areola or sensation in this region may occur. Unfavorable reactions to medications and anesthetics can develop. Finally, future breastfeeding could be impaired. Knowing these risks enables you to make an informed choice to proceed.

Good candidates for breast reduction surgery include women who are looking to reduce the size of large breasts. Women may experience physical discomfort due to the large size of the breasts, which can be alleviated through breast reduction. The breasts should be fully developed before undergoing breast reduction.