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WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Women who are living with breasts that are too large for their bodies can often experience negative side effects such as physical discomfort, self-consciousness, neck, back, and shoulder pain, rashes, and difficulty taking part in physical activities. Breast reduction can reduce the size of the breasts so that they are no longer a source of physical discomfort. Based on your size and symptoms, this procedure can be considered medically necessary and a covered benefit under your insurance. (Individual insurance policy benefits may vary).
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Women who are feeling emotional or physical discomfort sometimes look to a breast reduction to alleviate their pain and discomfort. You may be a candidate for breast reduction if:
- You feel that your breasts are too large for your frame
- You suffer from back and neck pain from large breasts
- You have recurrent skin conditions and bra strap grooving from overly large breasts
Ultimately, a consultation with Dr. Fichadia is needed to discuss if this procedure is right for you based on your medical history, current breast size, and general overall health.
THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning a breast reduction patient can be taken home after waking up from the surgery.
The breast reduction procedure uses the same incision patterns as the breast lift procedure, including the donut incision, the lollipop incision, and the anchor incision. The incision pattern that is right for you is dependent on the amount of excess breast tissue and excess skin that needs to be removed, your individual anatomy, and your desired results.
After the correct incision pattern is made, the nipple will be repositioned, and breast tissue and excess fat will be removed, lifted, and shaped as necessary to shrink the size and weight of heavy breasts to a more manageable yet natural-looking size. Sutures will be layered within the breast tissue to create support for the newly reduced breasts. The external incisions will then be closed with dissolving sutures. Drains are not usually necessary.
RESULTS AND RECOVERY
Results from breast reduction are immediately noticeable but will improve with time as swelling subsides and incisions heal. Surgical dressings may be placed that will be removed after a few days, and mild swelling and discomfort are to be expected. Patients are encouraged to sleep with pillows underneath their head and neck to keep their torso elevated when sleeping or lying down. Most patients can return to work that is not physically taxing within 2 weeks of healing.
BREAST REDUCTION IN PORTLAND, OR
If you are tired of living with too-large breasts, a breast reduction can help. Our office staff is experienced in working with your insurance company to determine if this is considered a medically necessary procedure. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fichadia to find out if you’re a good candidate for this plastic surgery procedure.
