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Breast Reduction Procedure Description:
Women with larger breasts are more likely to experience ptosis (drooping) associated with symptoms of back and neck pain, shoulder notching, and rashes underneath the breast. Breast reduction surgery both reduces the size of the breasts to make them more proportionate to the rest of the body, as well as lifting the breasts to a better, more youthful position.
During your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Klainer he will review your symptoms and medical history with you. He will discuss how much breast tissue can be removed and the incisions required to achieve the desired results. You also will learn about how to prepare for breast reduction surgery and how to plan for your recovery.
The Breast Reduction procedure is performed in a hospital setting and takes approximately 2-4 hours. The most commonly made incisions encircles the areola (darkened area around the nipple) and extend downward and then continued into the breast crease under the breast. This produces the least conspicuous scars. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are then removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned resulting in a smaller, more proportional, lifted breast. In certain cases, Liposuction can be used to remove additional fat often seen extending to the area under the arm.
When the tissue removal is completed, the incisions are closed and the new smaller and reshaped breasts are revealed. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the skin. Breast reduction surgery incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.
Breast Reduction Downtime & Discomfort:
Before breast reduction surgery and for your safety, a full medical history will be taken and you may be asked to undergo lab tests. It will be determined if you require new medications or current medications need to be adjusted. All breast reduction surgery patients are required to stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to their surgery to decrease the risk of complications. In addition, patients are to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements. These may increase bleeding. Dr. Klainer will discuss these matters in detail as well as the type of anesthesia to be used at your breast reduction pre-op visit.
After breast reduction surgery, normal activities will be curtailed for approximately one to two weeks. During the first week light activities such as driving can be resumed as long as you are off pain medication. The timeframe for downtime after breast reduction surgery varies however most normal activities including vigorous exercise can be resumed by the third week after surgery. At the one month point the scars from breast reduction surgery will be noticeable. Over the following months this scarring will gradually fade to its permanent appearance.
Discomfort levels resulting from Breast Reduction surgery are moderate but they are very manageable with medications and sensible post-op care. Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Klainer should any problems arise.
Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and breast reduction incision lines will fade. You will be given specific post-op instructions that include how to care for your breasts following surgery, directions on how to apply and/or take prescribed medications, how to reduce the risk of infection and when to follow-up with Dr. Klainer. For the best results, it's important to follow Dr. Klainer's instructions for your post-operative care. When you go home, if you experience any symptoms that concern you, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Klainer immediately.
Breast Reduction FAQ:
Q: Where is the breast reduction procedure performed?
A: The breast reduction procedure is performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center setting usually as an outpatient.
Q: Can I lose nipple sensation?
A: While the majority of patients retain their preoperative feeling, approximately 25% of women experience changes in sensation and 1% will lose sensation permanently. /p>
Q: How long is the recovery from breast reduction surgery?
A: Most patients can return to work within 7-10 days with minimal discomfort. Light exercise is ok after 1 week and you should be able to return to your pre-operative levels of activity by 3 weeks after your procedure.
Q: Will insurance cover the procedure?
A: Our office does not accept insurance for this procedure.
Q: How can I find out more about breast reduction surgery?
A: Call Dr. Klainer for more information regarding breast reduction surgery today. Schedule your free breast reduction consultation at 703-988-2246.
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