If large heavy breasts have quite literally weighed you down for years, impacting your daily activities as well as your self-confidence, it may be time to consider breast reduction surgery. This procedure works by removing excess skin and fat as well as breast tissue to make the breasts smaller and lighter as well as more firm and proportionate in size. Not only can the surgery improve a woman’s appearance, but it may also rid her of pain which can allow her to adopt a more active lifestyle. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, can help you determine whether a breast reduction may be in order.
Why have breast reduction surgery?
Some women are unhappy with the size and shape of their breasts. Others experience chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders, in addition to poor posture as a result of heavy breasts. Deep skin indentations can result when bra straps dig in, causing additional pain. Women may also experience shortness of breath, migraine headaches and a tingling sensation in their arms as the weight of their breasts impact surrounding nerves. These physical conditions may worsen over time. Lifestyle issues also come into play, causing some women to have difficulty participating in activities such as yoga, swimming, and running. Finding clothes that fit properly also can be a challenge. Others are bothered by the unwanted attention that their chest can draw, which makes them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about their appearance.
Before settling on surgery, highly skilled surgeons such as those at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, will consult with patients about the non-surgical options that are available to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by large breasts, including physical therapy. Weight loss may also help reduce the size of the breasts and over-the-counter medications may lessen muscle pain and soreness.
Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?
In general, patients should be nonsmokers who are in good overall health and capable of setting and maintaining reasonable, realistic expectations for the aesthetic outcome of the procedure.
Women whose breasts hang low or whose areolas have become enlarged as a result of stretched skin may want to consider breast reduction surgery. Those whose nipples are situated below the breast crease when unsupported may also be a candidate for the procedure, which can be performed on women of nearly any age. Younger patients in the Long Island area often are advised to hold off until their breasts are fully developed before undergoing the procedure, to allow time for bones in their neck and spine as well as back and shoulder muscles to continue to mature, as those may eventually be able to support their full adult weight.
Some may also delay surgery until pregnancy is no longer a concern since the condition can change the breast tissue and affect the surgery results. Also, breast reduction may diminish a woman’s ability to breastfeed.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies consider breast reduction surgery to be a cosmetic procedure and therefore do not cover its related costs. However, in cases where the condition causes pain or other medical issues, it is possible for patients in the Long Island area to obtain some benefits which may cover all or at least a portion of the surgery. The surgeons and staff at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, are willing to go the extra mile and do what they can to assist patients as they navigate through this process.
What does the surgery entail?
Breast reduction is a highly customizable surgery that usually requires up to four hours to perform on an outpatient basis. The amount of tissue removed depends largely on a patient’s height and weight as well as the surface area of their body. Typically, surgeons make either a keyhole-shaped incision around the areola and downward to the breast crease, or one that looks like an upside-down T which covers generally the same area. The nipple is repositioned and, if necessary, the areola is resized before breast tissue is removed, lifted, and reshaped. In cases where the breasts hang down considerably, the location of the nipple and areola may be moved (or grafted) to be higher on the breast. The surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, will place sutures deep within the breast tissue to create and support the new shape of the breast before the incision is closed. A temporary drain may be placed to remove excess fluid.
How long will recovery take?
For a couple of weeks following breast reduction surgery, it is not unusual for patients to feel some pain or discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Heavy lifting is forbidden for at least six weeks. They also should expect to take anywhere from 14 days to one month off from work and refrain from taking part in strenuous activities. Most will feel an immediate relief from the back or other pain they previously felt. The redness of the lollipop- or inverted T-shaped scars that form on the breast is anticipated to fade with time. Most Long Island-area patients are able to wear a bra with a new, smaller cup size within three months of surgery. It is important to note that following surgery, some women may develop scar tissue and numbness in the nipple, which may impact sensation. While this usually is a temporary condition, some may experience the effect for an extended period of time. Despite having undergone the surgery, it is important for women to remember that their breast size can increase in the future as a result of weight gain, unusual hormone changes, and pregnancy.
Breast reduction surgery often is a life-changing procedure for most women. It can effectively eliminate the pain and discomfort that plagues them and ultimately allow them to pursue healthier lifestyle choices. Once unencumbered by their large breasts, they may also feel an improved sense of confidence to go along with their new appearance. Contact the board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, to schedule an appointment and take the first steps toward improving your comfort and quality of life.
