AESTHETIC NEWS
Every woman has her own vision of the ideal body. For many, having large breasts is troublesome. For example, it can be hard to find clothes that fit properly. Large breasts can also draw unwanted attention and make exercising painful. Plus, chafing and pain from bra straps are common. If you’re fed up with the complications that large breasts can cause, you might be considering breast reduction surgery. Here’s what you should know as you make your decision.
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, although some women might opt for intravenous sedation. Your plastic surgeon may use incisions to surgically remove glandular tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts. Alternatively, liposuction may remove fatty tissue– if glandular tissue and skin are not a factor.
In some cases, the nipple may need to be repositioned (it will remain attached to its nerves and blood supply) while the breast tissue is addressed. The remaining tissue will be carefully shaped and lifted to produce a natural-looking, youthful silhouette. Lastly, the surgeon will apply sutures to close the incisions. The incisions will leave small scars, yet these will fade over time, and a bra or swimsuit covers them.
Breast reduction is one of the few plastic surgeries that insurance may cover because it could be considered medically necessary. If you’re thinking of having breast reduction surgery to address persistent pain, skin irritation, and other symptoms, you may document your history of these symptoms to obtain coverage. Insurance plans differ, so check yours and ask if you need to obtain prior authorization or meet other requirements.
Note that some insurance companies require a certain minimum amount of tissue to be removed for the surgery to be considered medically necessary. This amount can vary from one plan to the next, and it may depend in part on your total body weight.
You can expect to return home the same day, although you will need a friend or relative to help out for a few days. It’s normal to experience some discomfort, tenderness, and sensitivity, along with swelling and bruising. You’ll wear a compression bra to minimize the swelling and protect the breasts. Take medications as directed and call the office with any concerns.
Every woman heals on her own timeline, but most patients can generally go back to work in a week. Avoid strenuous activities for two to four weeks, and you may want to avoid underwire bras for a few months.
With more than 30 years of experience and a reputation for clinical excellence, Dr. Thomas Loeb is New York City’s plastic surgeon of choice. Dr. Loeb combines his extensive experience with unparalleled artistry to produce results that his patients love. If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, you can schedule a confidential, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Loeb. Call 212-327-3700 our office in Manhattan to request an appointment.
Additional resources on breast reduction surgery
