Pain From Excessively Large Breasts Can be Stopped With a Breast Reduction
Women with excessively large breasts can benefit from a breast reduction surgery, which can help relieve the physical symptoms caused by the size and weight of your breasts. In addition to making your breasts in better proportion to the rest of your body, a breast reduction surgery will also change the position of your breasts.
Who is a candidate for surgery?
There are a number of conditions that could be an indication that you are a good candidate for breast reduction procedure. Breast size out of proportion to your body or pain due to your breast size, usually involving your back, neck, and/or your shoulders. Shoulder grooving from your brassiere straps can occur, as well as skin irritation beneath your breasts and restrictions in activity due to your breast size. From an emotional perspective, dissatisfaction and self-consciousness about your breast size could be a symptom, as well as pain from dense, fibrous breast (even if not extremely large breasted) Additionally, breast size varying significantly from side to side is another indication.
During your free consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss your breast concerns, including any history of previous breast surgery. He will examine you, often taking measurements and photographs for your medical record. Your body’s weight can also have an effect on your breast size; accordingly, speak to your surgeon about any weight loss plans that you have.
In addition to concerns about your breasts, be prepared to discuss your medical history, both for medical treatments and any surgeries you may have had. Provide a list of any medications you are currently taking. Any allergies, particularly to medications, can be important to your care.
The procedure will generally involve two incisions: one made from your nipple down to your chest wall, the other from size to side under your breast. Excess breast tissue and skin is removed, with the remaining breast tissue moved to its new position, and the skin closed around your new breast mound.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing can have unpredictable effects on your breasts. The decision to have surgery before or after you have children is a very personal decision. There is a degree of unpredictability regarding the ability to nurse after a breast reduction. If you nurse after surgery, you will likely experience areas of temporary engorgement. If children are a part of your future plans, be sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Risks associated with breast surgery are the same as any other surgery. Common risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, change in sensation, and loss of tissue. Temporary changes in sensation are common. Changes that are present one year after surgery will be permanent. Complications with a breast reduction are rare, but share any of your concerns with your surgeon.
Unless you have a job that requires heavy lifting, you can expect to return to work within seven to ten days of surgery. Return to “normal” activity requires four to six weeks. Complete healing requires up to one year after surgery. The appearance of your breasts will change with time. It may be necessary to wait three or more months to achieve a more natural look and feel for your chest.
Will my insurance cover the costs of breast reduction surgery?
Most insurance companies will provide coverage, but many factors can have an effect on your eligibility. Generally, your insurance company will be sent a letter of predetermination. Some companies require a photo as part of their determination process.