Breast Reduction
REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY
Description
Breast reduction surgery entails the removal of skin and tissue from the breast, followed by reshaping and elevating the remaining breast tissue and the nipple/areola to create a smaller, more proportionate bust size.
Benefits
- Reduced back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Easier to exercise and shop for clothing
- Reduction of skin rashes beneath the breasts
- Improved self-confidence
Ideal Candidate
- You are a nonsmoker, physically healthy with a stable weight, and you aren't pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have fully developed breasts
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
- Have difficulty with exercising due to the large size of breasts
- Have neck, shoulder, and/or back pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Have difficulty shopping for clothes due to the size of your breasts
- Have skin irritation, rashes, or infections beneath the breasts
Consultation
- During your consultation, Dr. Cho will assess your current medical history, including medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. She will also ask about family history of breast cancer, previous mammograms, and if you’ve had any breast biopsies.
- Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas. She will also examine your breasts for any masses or lesions.
- Take photographs
- Discuss your goals and limitations of the surgery.
- For insurance coverage of this procedure, a certain amount of breast tissue has to be removed.
- For some patients the best option may be to remove the nipple areolar complex and replace this in the appropriate position as a skin graft. This would result in losing nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed in the future. The nipple areolar complex may also not be as pigmented.
- Discuss risks or potential complications
Recovery
- 4-6 weeks
- You will be placed in a surgical bra provided for you and will need to wear a soft supportive bra for up to 3 months.
- A support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
- You will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical sites after surgery, and how to take the prescribed medications to reduce pain and risks of infection.
- It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.
- To help avoid postoperative complications and facilitate healing, you will not be able to lift more than 15 lbs or do any strenuous activities particularly if it involves pushing or pulling for a few weeks.
Pre- and Post-Op Care
- Do not take any blood thinning medications for 1 week before surgery: these include aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen/motrin, naproxen. Also avoid any herbal supplements or vitamins which can prolong bleeding.
- Do not smoke or vape or take nicotine-containing products before or after your surgery as they can impair the healing process.
- You will typically be allowed to sponge bathe, but do not shower until cleared by Dr. Cho
- Wear your surgical bra at all times if possible.
- Take medications as directed.
- Avoid heavy lifting as directed by your surgeon.
- Come to all postoperative visits as scheduled.
FAQs
- Is breast reduction covered by insurance? Some patients meet criteria for insurance coverage if the size of the breasts cause functional impairment and affects quality of life. Your surgeon will evaluate the weight of your excess volume and come up with an estimate of how much weight in grams can be removed while maintaining your proportions and allow for safe healing postoperatively. Dr Cho has done hundreds of this procedure and will assess whether you would qualify for insurance coverage.
Surgery is a big decision.
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.