If you feel like your large breasts are literally weighing you down it may be time to look into a breast reduction procedure. This procedure doesn’t just provide cosmetic benefits, but the medical benefits are abundant. The surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery Center in Huntington, NY are experts at breast reduction surgeries and take pride in improving a patient’s quality of life and self-confidence.
What is a breast reduction surgery?
A breast reduction surgery, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure where excess breast fat, tissue, and skin are removed to reduce the size of the breasts. There are multiple ways to remove the excess tissue and the end result is smaller breasts that are more proportionate to the body.
How can it help me?
Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of the excess breast tissue is one of the main reasons why women elect to have a breast reduction procedure. Women who have large breasts and require special bras to provide additional support may also benefit from a breast reduction. Many women who elect to undergo this procedure often complain of painful rashes that occur under the breasts due to chafing caused from repetitive friction and moisture.
In most cases, one of the most important cosmetic reasons that women decide to have a breast reduction is simply so they can feel better about their appearance. Many women feel insecure and uncomfortable due to the size of their breasts. Finally tired of the unwanted attention they received, they decide to have this surgery to simply look and feel normal, while at the same time being able to wear clothes that fit their chest appropriately.
How much smaller can I go?
Prior to surgery, a physical assessment is conducted at our greater Long Island plastic surgery center, which involves measuring the breasts and taking detailed notes of your current cup size and shape of your breasts. After the initial evaluation your surgeon will have a better idea of how much excess tissue will need to be removed. Women who undergo a breast reduction typically end up 1-2 cup sizes smaller than their original bra size, and in some cases, even more.
What happens during surgery?
A breast reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure in our Huntington, New York surgical center, which is fully accredited by the AAAASF. You will be under general anesthesia and the surgery takes anywhere from 2 - 5 hours. Your plastic surgeon will then move forward with removing the excess breast tissue with liposuction, delicately removing fat until the appropriate reduction has been achieved. Next, a breast lift and skin tightening technique usually follows.
Wise Pattern Reduction
A Wise Pattern Reduction requires the surgeon to make an incision similar to the shape of an anchor beginning with an incision made around the nipple, down the middle of the breast, and across each side. This is one of the oldest types of breast reduction techniques and provides excellent results.
Vertical Pattern Reduction
A vertical pattern reduction involves an incision made around the nipple and down the middle of the breast where the excess tissue is then removed. The scar is similar to the shape of a lollipop. This procedure works well on women that have a small to moderate amount of excess breast tissue. Many patients prefer this technique as it does not require a horizontal scar under the breast, unlike the Wise Pattern technique.
What is recovery like?
Long Island, NY women often comment on the immediate relief they feel following a breast reduction surgery. Your back and neck pain will start to subside because the extra weight from the breast tissue is no longer present. Most stitches that are used during a breast reduction surgery dissolve on their own, but the ones that remain will need to be removed within 7 to 10 days following the surgery. During recovery, your breasts may appear to sit higher up than they did previously, this is completely normal and they will return to normal positioning over the next few weeks. A surgical bra may be required to support the breasts while they heal. Most patients can return to exercise in about 6 weeks after surgery.
How will I pay for it?
There is a possibility that insurance may cover part or all of your breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon will have to determine if there is a true medical need for the reduction or if it’s simply being performed for aesthetic purposes. You will also need to check with your health insurance carrier to verify what their process is for requesting coverage as many companies have additional criteria that must be met, and approval processes can be lengthy. The good news, is that most cosmetics surgeries are not covered by health insurance. However, breast reduction surgery is one of the very few treatments that can be considered for coverage.
How will my life improve?
Back, neck, and shoulder pain will be a thing of the past. You’ll no longer have to hunt down the hard to find bra sizes and ones that provide extra support. Your sleep pattern will likely improve and your ability and want to exercise and move more will also increase. Also, you’ll be excited to shop for clothing that fits your body, instead of clothing that fits over your chest. You’ll also notice your insecurities will begin to subside since all eyes are no longer focused on your large chest or tight fitting tops.
How do I learn more?
Contact our Long Island area plastic surgery office to learn more about a breast reduction surgery and setup a consultation. One of our highly-skilled surgeons will meet with you and conduct a physical examination to see if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. A breast reduction surgery can change your entire outlook and allow you to experience life without your breasts getting in the way.
