- Pain: Pain is the most common complaint of women with oversized breasts. Neck, back, and shoulders are just a few of the areas that become sore from carrying excess breast weight.
- Shoulder Grooves: Deep grooves that cut into the shoulder from the weight of breasts.
- Rashes: Rashes and other skin irritations can occur under breasts.
- Numbness: Some women report numbness, this can be due to the compression of nerves that comes with poor posture.
- Inability to exercise: Large breasts can restrict mobility and make physical activity difficult or impossible for some women.
- Aesthetic issues: Feeling overwhelmed by your breast size or struggling to find properly fitting clothes.
- Unwanted attention: Many women complain of unwanted attention that can unfortunately come with large breasts.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction is performed with incisions and surgically removes breast tissue, access fat, and skin. It is a very common surgery, over 90,000 surgerys are performed by certified Plastic Surgeons nationwide each year. Breast reduction surgery can do more than make the breast smaller but also lighter, firmer, more symmetrical while eliminate sagging. Although, the overall goal is to increase overall comfort in life.
During the surgery, you are given an anesthesia to sleep throughout the whole procedure. During the procedure, the incision is made around the nipple and then downward on the breast where excess skin and fat will be removed. The entire surgery takes about three to five hours and the patient is often able to be taken home the same day.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Breast reduction surgery is not as time-consuming or intense as many people think. After surgery, the recovery period is comparatively quick to other plastic surgeries because nothing external is added. You will need one to two weeks to rest and take off from either work or school and at least six weeks before engaging in physical and sexual activity. Following post operative instructions is essential to healing quickly and properly. You can expect to feel swelling and soreness post surgery but most patients report feeling healthier and stronger as the days continue on. Some things to have available for post surgery:
- Someone to help: Besides needing a ride home after surgery it is important you have someone with you that night and next couple of days. This should be someone you feel comfortable around because it can be difficult to raise your arms and you may need help changing your clothes or the gauze around your breasts.
- Medication and creams prescribed by your doctor: Make sure to follow these directions and apply as needed. Don’t take any other medication without approval from your doctor first.
- Loose fitting clothes: Avoid underwire bras and be sure to have loose fitting clothes as your breasts will be sensitive.
- Ice: Icing your breasts on and off every one to two hours will help decrease the swelling. You should try to do this while awake throughout the first 3 days.
- Relaxing forms of entertainment (TV, magazines, books): Resting and sleeping are a major part of this recovery. So preparing forms of relaxing entertainment will be helpful in keeping yourself occupied.
Scarring
Scarring can last for a few months post surgery and appear lumpy. This improves as time goes on and the scars begin to fade. Due to the incision placement under the nipple women are still able to wear low-cut tops and bikinis without exposing their scars. It is important to follow post-op instructions to make sure they don?t get infected and can heal as discreetly as possible.
What can you expect post surgery?
Overall, women are extremely satisfied after getting a breast reduction. With breasts more proportionate to the body, the physical discomfort of carrying around excess breast weight is significantly improved or eliminated. Without this discomfort, exercising and engaging in physical activity is easier and more enjoyable. Many women report boosted confidence. With smaller breasts women are able to find clothes that better fit and suit their body. Overall, women feel more comfortable in their bodies and report an improved quality of life.
Will it be covered by Insurance?
There is no guarantee that your insurance will cover your breast reduction surgery but it is definitely worth a shot. Breast reduction surgery is usually considered cosmetic until it can be proved otherwise. So acquiring medical evidence can help prove your case. It is in your best interest to keep receipts from chiropractors, massage therapists, or any other pain-related expense. A recommendation letter from your primary care doctor is another effective reference.
Get More Information
If you are interested in getting more information on whether or not breast reduction is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Cash. Dr. Cash is educated at the most advanced level with experience in the field of breast reductions. He will talk through your goals and how you will be able to achieve your desired look. Dr. Cash will be sure to answer all your questions and concerns so you can leave the consultation feeling as comfortable as possible. Schedule a consultation today!