Relief is Around the Corner!
Many women suffer under the burden of having to support large, heavy breasts. Back, neck and shoulder pain caused by supporting big breasts can become a chronic problem. Certain exercises can be uncomfortable, or even embarrassing, when performed with a large bust. And having an ample bosom may be attracting unwanted attention. If you are a woman with these problems, breast reduction surgery can help relieve you of the weight of heavy breasts and allow you to move more freely, and less self-consciously, through the world. Through this procedure, you can achieve a smaller bust size that is more in proportion with the rest of your body. To accomplish this the surgeon reduces breast volume by removing breast tissue and skin, restructuring the new, smaller breasts and placing them in a higher and more flattering position.
Leading Medical Clinics of the World® is a trusted resource for finding board-certified plastic surgeons that have ample experience performing breast reduction surgery with pleasing results. Read more about the procedure, including whether you might be a good candidate and how to find a top breast surgeon in your area.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Women who are considered good candidates for breast reduction surgery often:
- Experience chronic back, neck and/or shoulder pain from heavy breasts
- Have one breast that is larger than the other
- Suffer from insecurity or embarrassment due to their large breast size
- Avoid certain types of exercises and physical activity due to discomfort
- Have difficulty finding clothes that fit around their substantial bust line
Breast Reduction Incisions and Techniques
Anchor Incision
The anchor incision (also referred to as the inverted-T incision) is made around the areola and then vertically down the front of the breast to the breast fold and then across the breast fold. This incision is typically used when a patient has a substantial amount of sagging or asymmetry, as it allows for a large amount of breast tissue to be removed.
Lollipop Incision
The lollipop incision (also referred to as the vertical or keyhole incision) consists of a circular incision around the areola and then another incision that runs vertically down the breast to the breast fold. This incision pattern is ideal for patients who have a moderate amount of breast sag.
Donut Incision
The donut incision (also referred to as the periareolar incision) is a circular incision made around the areola. This incision method is typically used for women with a mild amount of sagging.
More about the Breast Reduction Procedure
Relieving Pain with Breast ReductionBreast reduction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes between one to three hours to perform, depending on the amount of breast tissue and skin that needs to be removed and reshaped. In most cases, breast reduction surgery is performed with the nipple still attached to the breast. The surgeon will remove excess breast tissue and skin from the incision site, reshape the remaining breast tissue to a higher profile and then close the incision with sutures. Depending on the surgeon, they will either place the patient in a soft surgical bra or bandages after surgery, to keep the incisions clean and protected and provide support to the breasts as they heal.
Recovering from Breast Reduction Surgery
After surgery, a patient can expect to have some swelling and bruising in the chest area. This is normal and it will typically subside after the first week. Sleeping on your back with your upper body elevated will help reduce swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort during the first few days of the recovery period. Patients should avoid lifting anything over 10lbs for the first week. They can usually return to office or other non-physical work after one or two weeks. Moderate exercise (provided it doesn’t involve lifting or chest exercises) can be safely resumed after two weeks, and more strenuous exercise after six weeks. These are general guidelines for the breast reduction recovery period, and your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with more specific post-operative instructions that are based on your personal needs.
What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon
Woman Preparing for Breast ReductionAt Leading Medical Clinics of the World®, we’ve taken out the intimidation factor of finding a reputable, trustworthy plastic surgeon. All of the plastic surgeons in our network meet the following criteria:
- Board-certified
- Well-respected by peers
- Positively reviewed by patients
- Ranked as a top medical practitioner in their field
- In good standing with their medical board(s)
- Operating from a clinic that upholds the highest level of healthcare standards
Questions to Ask During Your Consult (click to view)
- Am I a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery?
- Which incision will you use for my procedure?
- What type of scarring can I expect?
- How many breast reduction procedures have you performed?
- What are the risks and complications associated with breast reduction surgery?
- How much time will I have to take off of work for recovery?
- What types of limitations (driving, exercising, etc.) will I have after surgery?
- Can you provide me with any more information (whether print or digital) to help me better understand the procedure?
- Will my results be permanent?
- Will I need a breast lift along with my breast reduction?
- Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
- Will having breast reduction surgery affect nipple sensation?
- Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
- What do you charge for breast reduction surgery?
- Will my insurance pay for my breast reduction surgery?
- What financing options are available to me as your patient?
Click the icon to print out this list and bring it with you to your consultation.
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