Breast Reduction

The breast reduction, technically known as a reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the size of a woman's breast by removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breast, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. This procedure may be done for a variety of reasons:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman who may for personal reasons feel her breast size is too large for her body frame, making it difficult to wear clothes comfortably and participate in athletic activities.
• To help relieve a variety of medical problems caused by excessively large breasts such as back and neck pain, and skin irritation.

Patient Assessment

• Over-sized, pendulous breasts which could be causing one or more of the following: breathing difficulties; back, shoulder and/or neck pain; noticeable shoulder indentations from brassiere straps; poor posture, breaking out of the skin in fold of breast, difficulty buying clothes.
• Breast size out of proportion to patient physique.
• Unbalanced breasts, one larger than the other.

Intended Result

• Smaller breasts, with more attractive contour, which are in better proportion to patient's physique.
• Decrease in back, shoulder and neck pain.

Procedure

• Procedure is performed under general anesthesia administered by an M.D. anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Depending upon the size of the reduction, the procedure may be performed in our outpatient surgery center, or in a hospital outpatient center, with no overnight stay.
• Surgery involves incisions that follow the contour beneath the breast and around the areola. Through the incisions the surgeon excises tissue, fat and skin on the sides and bottom of the breast. Nipple, areola and underlying tissue are moved upward and skin on both sides of the breast is moved around the areola, lifting and forming the breast, as well as reducing and recontouring.

Recovery

• Patient goes home with a light dressing and a support bra. Sutures are usually invisible under the skin and will dissolve after healing is complete. A support brassiere is worn for a few weeks.
• There will be some post-operative pain for a few days but it is easily controlled by medication.
• Scars gradually improve over 6 to 18 months, depending on individual.

Insurance Considerations

• Reduction mammaplasty frequently is performed to relieve physical pain or discomfort and may be covered by many insurance plans. Size of the breasts, documented medical problems caused by the breasts' size, and the amount of tissue removed determines the level of insurance reimbursement.
• More information about payment and financing.

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