Female breasts can come in all shapes and sizes. However, women that have large breasts often have problems because they interfere with their daily activities and lifestyle goals. Furthermore, large breasts can often result is other health issues such as back pain. Luckily, managing this is easy thanks to breast reduction surgery. Today we are sharing some of the most frequently asked questions about breast reduction.
What does it involve?
Breast reduction usually involves several things. First and foremost, the removal of breast tissue and skin. This is then followed by reshaping and lifting of breasts which should be more proportional to the rest of your body and provide a more appealing look.
What’s the criteria for breast reduction? Who’s the ideal candidate?
In general, women that are in good health, have realistic expectations about breast reduction and are confident about their decision are ideal candidates. There are signs that a breast reduction surgery is necessary if:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain aren’t resolved with other treatments
- You have poor posture
- Tingling or arm numbness
- Physical activity is limited due to breast size
- Skin irritation under the breast crease
- Indentations from bra straps
Is it covered by insurance?
Since breast reduction surgery is used to treat physical symptoms of large breasts, it is a medically necessary procedure and should be covered by insurance. But in order to be absolutely sure, we strongly recommend that you check with your insurance provider.
Your insurance provider will most likely require you to send them additional proof of persistent symptoms that were caused by large breast that haven’t been resolved by other treatments.
Insurance coverage can also depend on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed. The minimum amount varies from one insurance provide to another, so it’s best to confirm before committing to the procedure.
Is there a difference between breast lift and breast reduction?
Generally speaking, both procedures involve the same steps i.e. removal of excess skin and breast tissue, reshaping and getting that “lifted” appearance.
But the one major difference between the two procedures is that breast lift is usually a purely cosmetic procedure, not covered by insurance. On the other hand, breast reduction is often a medically necessary procedure to manager other symptoms.
How small will your breast be after the procedure?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict your cup size when you’re planning your breast reduction surgery. The end results depend on several things:
- The size of your breasts
- Blood supply to your nipples
If you have large breasts and the blood supply to your nipples is good, your cosmetic surgeon will be able to remove more breast tissue with breast reduction. But if the blood supply isn’t good, removing too much breast tissue might compromise the blood supply to your nipples.
The general rule is that for every 100-300 grams of breast tissue removed, your breast will decrease by one cup size. An experienced and skilled plastic surgeon will be able to determine what is the safest amount of breast tissue that can be removed, without affecting your nipple’s blood supply.
Is there are age requirement for breast reduction?
In order to undergo this procedure, the candidate needs to be at least in her teenage years (if she has severe symptoms caused by large breasts). For all others, it’s best recommended that they wait until the breasts are fully developed.
For women that plan on having children and breastfeeding, it’s recommended that they wait until they are done having children.
Will the procedure affect breast sensation?
Sensation in your breast should be the same following breast reduction. Some patients might notice decreased (or increased) sensation in their nipples. To better prepare yourself on what to expect, discuss it with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation.
What’s the recovery like?
Once your breast reduction is done, you will go home. A dressing will be over your breast and you will have to wear a surgical bra in order to minimize the swelling. Your surgeon might also place a small drain in the incision site that will drain excess fluids which will help with healing.
Patients receive detailed instruction on how to clean the incision site properly, how to sleep and when is their next follow-up appointment.
During the first week or two, you will notice that your breasts are swollen. That’s completely normal and part of the healing process. Once the swelling goes down, the results of the breast reduction will become more visible.
Scars will take the longest to heal (over several months) but in time, they will also fade and become barely visible.
Is breast reduction right for you?
If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above and you think that you’re a good candidate for breast reduction, you should contact a plastic surgeon and schedule consultation. Discuss the symptoms you’re having, if the procedure is right for you and what you can expect.
