Breast Reduction The decision to have a breast reduction done is often a difficult one. However, we've found that breast reduction patients are often the happiest patients a plastic surgeon has. A common response after surgery is "Why did I wait so long?"
Large breasts can cause a myriad of problems resulting from the stresses caused by the excess weight on the chest. Back, neck, and shoulder pain are common as are headaches which can be brought on by the stress on neck muscles.
The Procedure Breast reduction surgery is done under general anaesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about two and a half hours, though occasionally an overnight stay may be required. Recovery time varies according to the patient, but most women are able to return to work after 2-3 weeks with a return to full activity being allowed after 3-4 weeks.
The average patient will have 700-1,200 grams of tissue removed, but this will vary according to the patient's needs. Be sure to ask your physician what size your breasts will be after the surgery to ensure that you will be satisfied with your post-operative breast size.
Potential Drawbacks Significant scarring is likely to occur due to the removal of excess skin and the lifting of the breast.
In addition, about 1 in 10 patients will lose some sensation in the nipple, although most patients find that sensation returns within one or two years.
Some patients may lose the ability to breast feed. Unfortunately there isn't any way to know beforehand who might have their ability to breast feed affected by the procedure, so you should be prepared for the possibility.
Insurance Coverage Most insurance plans will cover breast reduction surgery. However, you'll want to check your specific plan to ensure coverage, and also to see if there are any conditions that must be met in order to qualify for coverage.
Some plans may require that a certain amount of tissue be removed (typically 500-600 grams) while others might require that your physician document your symptoms, such as pain in the neck, back or shoulders, rashes, painful strap marks, etc.
Breast Reduction Links:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Consumer's Guide to Breast Reduction
Discovery Channel Health - Breast Reduction
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