Breast reductions are usually a procedure done out of necessity to either reduce excess or ectopic breast tissue, cure pain, correct nipple location or fix sagging, however there are a small amount that are also done as an elective procedure. As cosmetic procedures becomes more and more common, more men and women are taking advantage of this procedure. The average cost for a breast reduction surgery in the US is approximately $7,500 and most surgeons offer little or no financing options for elective surgeries such as this.

Procedure Details

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a common plastic surgery that yields consistently excellent results in men and women. Candidates for the surgery are often women who experience physical pain and emotional discomfort from having large breasts. A large bust can cause severe neck pain, back pain, and tenderness where bra straps rest. Age increases discomfort. Additional procedures, such as a breast lift or nipple correction, may be scheduled at the same time as reduction mammaplasty. Talk with your doctor about the best options for your unique situation.

A Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure that decreases the size and possible contour of the breasts by removing excess skin and fat, repositioning the nipple to a higher position, and reshaping the breast. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast reduction surgery usually will not affect your ability to breast-feed.

You will be fit to travel within a few days but restricted from strenuous activity for 2 to 4 weeks. Usually, 2 weeks off work will be required, and swelling will remain for up to 3 weeks. There are several types of incisions used to get the results that you desire, please discuss these options with the doctor if you have preferences.

Risks and Side Effects

Your surgeon will be happy to discuss the risks associated with this surgery in more detail. Risks may include: scarring, bleeding, infection, change in sensation, skin discoloration, breast shape changes, blood clots, pain, reactions to anesthesia, etc. Many patients report shooting pains in the breasts for months following surgery. During a female patient's first menstruation following the procedure, increased breast pain or sensitivity may occur. Your surgeon will discuss the best type of anesthesia for you, anesthesia is usually administered either by IV or as a general.

Post Operative Care

Fatigue after surgery is normal. You will also probably experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising in your breasts. An oral painkiller can be prescribed for comfort. If you suspect infection, have a fever, experience unusual discharge of pus from the incision site, or if sutures come out prematurely, contact your doctor immediately. Surgery is never an exact science. Therefore, although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. Should any complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

Following your physician's instructions will add to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Please review your doctors specific instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery.

After surgery you will be wearing dressings or bandages over the incisions. You'll also wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support healing. Also, a thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect, this will be removed before you return home.

Resources

This is the official site of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. They have answers to all the important questions about breast reduction, like what a good candidate is, where the incisions would be and how long the recovery process should be.

The official site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can fill you in with the latest news and techniques, before and after pictures and stories of patients who have undergone with the procedures.

Extensive information about breast reduction in one sitting. This blog post will give you the basic information you need to know, including the concerns and problems breast reduction can be an answer to.

This blog post describes what breast reduction is in a nutshell. Simple explanations in simple, non-medical terms.

FAQ

Q: When will the final results of the procedure be visible?
A: The final results of your breast reduction will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continues to settle. Scars will fade over time, but will be permanent. Over time, however, your breasts will continue to change due to age/gravity, but you can help ensure the best results by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Q: How much does breast reduction cost?
A: Cost is always a consideration in this type of surgery. Prices for breast lift procedures can vary widely. A surgeon's cost for breast lift may vary based on his or her experience as well as geographic location. The only way to get you an accurate quote, is to allow the surgeons to see frontal and side view pictures of the area for quote purposes. This information is secure and confidential and we request that you do not take any shots with identifying information (such as face views) for privacy reasons.

Q: What is breast reduction?
A: Breast reduction is a surgical procedure in which the plastic surgeon removes fat, skin and glandular tissue to reduce the size of the breast. There are many different techniques, most common technique involves the complete removal of the areolas and nipple and replacing back onto the breast after reduction.

Q: Can I breast feed after a breast reduction?
A: Breast feeding may not be possible after breast reduction surgery. It all depends on the technique used to reduce the breast. For further information, speak to your surgeon at consultation.

Q: Am I a candidate for breast reduction?
A: Most people already have the answer to this question. They have chronic neck aches, back aches and shoulder aches due to their large breasts. They are also suffering from deep grooves in their shoulders from bra straps. Smoking hinders your body's ability to get the needed oxygen to all the parts of your body. So it is better not to smoke. You have realistic expectations for the reasons and the outcomes of having breast reduction surgery.

Q: How long does the surgery take?
A: It generally takes about one to three hours per breast. It depends on the techniques used and the amount of reduction done.

Q: Is there a lot of pain and swelling after a breast lift?
A: There is moderate to severe discomfort involved, which is usually managed by pain medications. There is some swelling and bruising, lasting usually 2 to 3 weeks and some numbness in the breast for about 1 to 2 weeks. Bruising and swelling are natural consequences of the breast reduction. The scars will be red and raised for several months and will gradually fade in color and flatten out. The surgeon will attempt to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. Also, you will experience more pain if you remove the support bandages and your bra for longer than necessary to clean the surgical area.

Q: Can I have other surgery combined with breast reduction?
A: Yes, lately patients have opted to have more than one surgery at the same time to reduce the cost, recovery and pain period.

Q: Are there alternatives to breast reduction surgery?
A: Yes, losing weight may reduce the size of one's breasts. Also, liposuction of the breast is another way to reduce the breast without major scarring, but this option can make the breasts sag more.

Q: When will I be able to return to work?A: You should usually be able to return to work within two weeks. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for at least three to four weeks.

Q: Will insurance pay for my breast reduction surgery?
A: Insurance companies will only pay for the surgery if it is not considered cosmetic surgery. This usually requires a letter from your doctor saying that it is necessary for your mental and physical wellbeing. If you do not have insurance, there are several financial options available.

Q: How long will the results last?
A: Unless there is a significant weight gain/loss or you become pregnant, the results should remain fairly constant. Remember that gravity and the effects of aging, as well as continually not using sufficient breast support, the size and shape of the breasts will change.