Breast
reduction is also known as "reduction mammaplasty". This procedure is done
to reduced large breasts to make sure they are more proportioned and symmetrical
to the rest of the body.
Is breast
reduction permanent?
Breast reduction is
considered permanent. However, if the patient
should gain weight or become pregnant then a revision
breast reduction might have to be done. If the
patient is taking birth control pills or synthetic
hormones, the breast tissue will swell and be tender to
the touch.
Who is
considered a good candidate
for breast reduction surgery?
The best
candidates for breast reduction are the following:
Women who have
developed very large breasts
Experiencing
physical discomfort due to the breast size
What are the
risks of breast reduction?
Breast reduction
comes with the same risks as all other surgical
procedures.
These techniques vary depending on the patient's
needs and how much tissue needs to be taken off.
What does breast reduction
surgery involve?
Breast reduction is almost always performed under
general anesthesia, because of the time involved with this procedure. Most
surgeons will make an incision that is in the shape of a anchor or inverted "T". The excess fat, skin and tissue and repositions the nipple/areola complex on the
breast mound so the breast appears more perky. This surgery depending on
the case can take anywhere from one to three hours per breast.
Where are the
incisions made with breast reduction?
The incisions are made in the "inframammary fold" or the
natural fold under the breast, straight up vertically ending
up around the nipple/areola complex. This procedure is
not considered minor. There will be scars from the
surgery, as with any surgical procedure; however, your
plastic surgeon will help you choose the best incision
placement for your case.
Can I use Arnica Montana
for swelling and bruising?
Arnica is a perennial herb that has been used in
other countries (such as Europe) to help with bruising and swelling.
Arnica has proven that it
can decrease the healing time.
There are many different
types of Arnica Montana that you can take.
Arnica should never
be taken in it's raw form as it can cause intestinal
bleeding, abdominal cramps and sickness.
Make sure you ask your
plastic surgeon first before taking this
Can I use bromelain for
swelling and bruising?
Bromelain comes from the pineapple plant, in
which it contains anti-inflammatory properties with an enzyme that aids in the
process of digestion of protein. Originally used after sports injuries
or in arthritis to help relieve edema and also used after surgical procedures to
help reduce swelling.
Patients taking any kind of blood thinner or
anticoagulant such as aspirin, warfin (Coumadin) heparin, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Motrin, Naproxyn, Aleve - should only
take bromelain under a physician's care. Make sure you ask your plastic
surgeon first before using this after surgery.
After the surgery, your breasts will be covered
with gauze and an elastic bandage. You more than likely will have drains to help reduce
the build up of fluid. These drains are normally removed at the first post
operative appointment depending on the amount of drainage. You will have
either a surgical bra or a compression garment for several weeks following the
procedure. Expect to experience some pain and swelling as the breast
heal.
Some surgeons use the pain pump for
the first few days following surgery. This helps reduce the need for
narcotic pain medication for some. Antibiotics will be prescribed as well
to help fight off any infection. It is important that you take all the
medication as prescribed.
Recovery takes anywhere from two to six
weeks with breast reduction. Getting back to your exercise routine will
take several weeks, as it is also very important not to start this too soon.
Wound separation
can occur or possibly a
hematoma if your blood pressure gets too
high. If your surgeon has recommended no exercise for six weeks or more -
you need to listen to their post operative advice.
It might take you a few weeks to resume work and
other activities. Each patient is unique with their own needs and pain
threshold during recovery. Listen to your body and only do what is
comfortable and advised by your plastic surgeon.
How much does breast
reduction surgery cost?
Breast reduction costs vary. The fees can
range anywhere from $5,000 - $10,000. Depending on the patient's
healthcare coverage, insurance sometimes can be used. Make sure you
check with your plastic surgeon if he takes your insurance plan or if he can
help you bill this out yourself.
Most of the time breast reduction is done for
medical purposes - so most insurance companies will cover the cost of this
procedure.
