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The Skinny on Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, clinically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, has long been a popular procedure for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts and make them more proportionate to their overall body frame.
Why Breast Reduction?
Women with exceptionally large breasts often experience negative effects
caused by the significant weight of their breasts, ranging from mild discomfort
to severe back and neck pain. Moreover, they usually have difficulty finding
clothes that fit them comfortably, or may feel self-conscious about their
figures. A reduction mammaplasty procedure can help alleviate these symptoms
and side effects.
The
Consultation
Prior to a breast reduction procedure, the doctor will meet with the patient
to discuss the current size and shape of her breasts, her specific discomforts
and concerns, and the extent to which she would like her breasts reduced.
Following a few questions regarding the patient’s prior medical
history, the cosmetic surgeon determines whether or not the patient is
a good candidate for the procedure. If the patient appears to be eligible
for the surgery, the doctor will then ensure that the patient understands
exactly what the procedure entails and will answer any questions she may
have concerning the surgery and recovery. Pictures and measurements of
the breasts may be taken to establish a baseline for the procedure and
so that the post-operative results can be examined and evaluated.
The Procedure
Breast reduction surgery can be performed as an inpatient or outpatient
procedure in a doctor’s office or hospital and requires that the
patient undergo general anesthesia. The surgery typically lasts from about
three to five hours, during which time the plastic surgeon will make a
keyhole-shaped incision around the patient’s nipple in order to
extract excess fat and tissue from the breasts. The nipples are then moved
to the new center of each breast to give them a natural look. After the
breasts have been reduced and the nipples have been relocated, the incision
is closed with stitches.
Recovery
During the recovery period, which typically lasts from a couple of weeks
to a couple of months, depending on the individual, patients will be instructed
to wear a special surgical bra and refrain from overexerting themselves
while the breasts heal. Patients often experience moderate pain and soreness
which can usually be managed with oral pain killers and antibiotic ointments.
Patients experiencing a fever, or discharge from the nipple, or premature
expulsion of the stitches should contact their doctors immediately.
Cost of the Procedure
Reduction mammoplasty can be relatively expensive, ranging from approximately
$5,000 to $7,000 depending on the surgeon and region in which the procedure
is performed. The cost can increase if the patient’s breasts are
grossly oversized, which would entail additional time and work to reduce
them. However, unlike many other breast surgeries, the procedure is often
covered by insurance since it is often considered a necessary action to
not only lessen pain and discomfort, but also curtail any potential complications
associated with abnormally large breasts. Even when insurance does not
cover all of the expenses related to the surgery, many patients perceive
the relief that comes with breast reduction well worth the monetary costs.
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