Is Breast Reduction Surgery a Life-Changing Procedure?

Is Breast Reduction Surgery a Life-Changing Procedure? : While many women are content with the size and shape of their bodies, this is often not the case for women with big breasts. For most women, the journey to breast reduction is long and arduous. The size of breasts directly impacts the daily life of women worldwide.

Large breasts put stress on the back and shoulders, causing pain and discomfort. For these women, breast reduction is for sure a life-changing cosmetic surgery.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery, and How Is It Done?

Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed to reduce breast tissue and size. Breast reduction surgery, also called a mammoplasty, may involve the excision of glandular tissue and skin to achieve the desired breast size and shape. Some women may get a breast lift with a breast reduction to achieve a better outcome because large breasts often lie low on the chest.

Depending on the extent of your surgery, your plastic surgeon may choose to have your procedure in an outpatient clinic or a hospital. The surgeon will start by making marks on the skin to guide his incisions. You may also take a few pictures to compare the procedure’s results.

Once that is done, your doctor will administer an anesthetic to put you out for the procedure. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. The procedure will take about two to five hours, depending on the amount of excision and remodeling needed.

Depending on the amount of fat your surgeon needs to remove, your plastic surgeon may choose one of the following techniques.

Liposuction– This is a common technique used to remove fat and fat cells using a cannula. This technique only requires tiny incisions in your skin and leaves minimal scarring. A liposuction breast reduction is best for small-scale breast reduction procedures.
Vertical breast reduction– For this method, your surgeon will make incisions around your areola and down from there to the crease beneath the breast. This technique is best for breast reduction with a breast lift effect.
The inverted-T or anchor– For this technique, your surgeon will make an incision around the areola, from the areola to the crease beneath the breast, and a cut along the crease. This technique is best for women with extremely large breasts. If you want a breast lift effect from your breast reduction, this technique would also give you the desired results.

After the surgery, your surgeon will insert drainage tubes on each breast to encourage drainage and discourage fluid build-up. They will then stitch you up and place a compression garment, a bra, to keep your breasts in place while they heal.

Breast Reduction Recovery

You should be able to go home the same day you get your breast reduction done. The first few hours are important for recovery. Rest is recommended, so you may need to take a few weeks off work. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help ease the pain and discomfort. Yo should be able to see the results of the procedure after the first four weeks

Breast Reduction Q&A

What are breast reduction risks and complications?

Most people are most concerned about scarring after the procedure. You can expect to scar, but with the help of medication and topical creams, the scars will be manageable and hidden under undergarments. Other common risks and complications include:

Infections
Excess bleeding
Swelling and bruising
Damage to the nerves and consequent change in feeling around the breast
The need for a second surgery

These are breast reduction-specific complications and do not include general risks and complications associated with surgery.

How much does a breast reduction cost?

A breast reduction surgery can cost around $8,000 and go as high as $9,700, depending on various factors including location and plastic surgeon’s skills. But, for some, insurance does cover the surgery or part of the surgery since it is often performed to help eliminate physical pain. Get in touch with your health insurance provider to find out if they can cover even a fraction of the cost.

Does a breast reduction hurt?

Pain management has come a long way over the years, so you can expect little to no pain during your recovery.

How long does breast reduction surgery take?

A typical breast reduction surgery will take between two and five hours. Your plastic surgeon will try and make the surgery as short as possible so you don’t stay under for too long.

How can I prepare for breast reduction surgery?

Your surgeon will recommend you stop taking some medication and herbal supplements. Consult your surgeon about the type of medication you are currently on and any other kind of recreational drug you are on for further advice. You should stop taking these drugs around three weeks before your surgery so your body can be completely clear of them.