What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is also known as reduction mammaplasty in which excess breast fat, and glandular tissues are removed to achieve the desired breast size and to get rid of the discomforts associated with overly large breasts. Women with overly large breasts not only feel uncomfortable, it also causes some emotional problems as well. It not only affects a woman’s self image, one may also experience physical pain and discomfort. The excess weight of the breasts can directly or indirectly impair one’s active lifestyle.

One of the most important questions is – who is the right candidate for breast reduction surgery? So, here is the answer:

A woman can consider herself as a good candidate if

· She is physically fit and healthy

· She has realistic expectations

· She is a non smoker

· She is bothered by the feeling that she has big breasts

· Her breasts limit her physical activity

· She experiences back, neck and shoulder pain

· Her breasts hang low and have stretched skin

What one needs to make out before going for a breast reduction surgery?

The surgical success depends on one’s attentiveness while discussing with her doctor. The doctor may ask her several questions, which she is supposed to answer appropriately. These questions may be associated with her health, and daily lifestyle.

Some common questions may include why she wants the surgery, what are her expectations. In addition, does she have any drug allergy, does she use alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs, her current medications, if any, and previous surgeries, etc. These questions are very important for the doctor, because the doctor gets complete status of the patient.

How to prepare for the surgery:

It is always a good idea to get the information about what you should do before breast reduction surgery. Before the surgery, you may be asked to get your lab testing and medical evaluation done, take certain medications, if prescribed, get a baseline mammogram before surgery, and avoid taking medications such as Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements.

The main purpose of surgery is to detach fat deposits from the breast. Liposuction may be used for the same. However, the techniques used for reducing breast size largely depend on the patients’ physical and mental condition.

Procedure: 1 Use of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is given to make the surgical process smooth and painless. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be used for the same.

Procedure: 2 Incisions

Incisions may be made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.

Procedure: 3 Removal of tissues and repositioning

Once fat deposits are detached from the breast, nipple is relocated. Underlying breast tissue is also condensed, lifted and shaped.

Procedure: 4 Closing the incisions

Incisions made are ceiled. However, it is important to mention that incision lines made are permanent in nature, but the lines fade with time.

Recovery time period

Many women enquire about the recovery time. Well, when your breast reduction surgery is accomplished successfully, dressings or bandages are applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage may be worn to reduce swelling and support the breast. In addition, you may be given an instruction chart on how to take care of your breasts.

Breast reduction surgery cost

Breast reduction surgery costs can vary from one clinic to another. However, the costs include:

· Surgeon’s fee

· Hospital or surgical facility costs

· Anesthesia fees

· Medications

· Post-surgery garments

· Medical tests

Since breast reduction surgery is a kind of reconstructive surgery, therefore, it may be covered under the health insurance. One needs to confirm it from her health insurance company.