Breast Reduction Surgery
Excessively large, sagging breasts can be uncomfortable, unhealthy and distracting from a women’s appearance. Large breasts can also restrict certain activities. Breast reduction surgery reduces overdeveloped breasts and can alleviate back pain, shoulder strap furrows, hand numbness and breathing difficulty.
Who are the best candidates for breast reduction?
The best candidates are women with very large breasts who require physical relief. Other candidates for breast reduction include those patients with one breast significantly larger than the other. Those with indentations in their shoulders from tight bra straps and those who are self-conscious or dissatisfied with their oversized breasts are also excellent candidates.
Traditional breast reduction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, but is sometimes performed as an inpatient procedure under general anesthesia and takes between two to four hours. There are many variations to the procedure. The most common procedure involves an incision that circles the areola and extends downward following the curve of the crease beneath the breast. Your surgeon removes the excess glandular and fatty tissue. Then the nipple and areola are moved to their new position. The skin is then drawn together and down around the areola, providing a new shape to your breast.
Breast liposuction is a safe alternative to traditional breast reduction surgery. It may be performed with twilight sleep anesthesia combined with local anesthesia. Since the female breast is about 50% fat, a 1-3 cup reduction in size can be obtained using liposuction alone. Liposuction of the breast enables the surgeon to remove fatty tissue, but not glandular tissue. With this procedure, most patients experience a quicker recovery time with minimal scarring as compared to a traditional breast reduction. Depending on your breast size, breast liposuction might be an option to consider.
Recovery
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Bandages are applied immediately following surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks.
Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery. Any pain can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the instructions given after surgery. Most patients resume most activities in 2-4 weeks and resume full physical activities in 4-6 weeks.
Your New Figure
A breast reduction can make a dramatic change in your appearance and your outlook. A breast reduction can make your breasts smaller and firmer. Many patients find a new enjoyment in sports, exercise, dancing, or even just walking.
To find out more about how we can help you look and feel your best, why not request an appointment with our medical team right now? Call to schedule your consultation today at 1-855-294-BODY (2639) or to learn more visit our website at www.pinehurstsurgicalplasticsurgery.com