Breast Reduction Surgery: What To Expect

Few women are happy with the size of their breasts. Either they feel their chest is too small and seek out augmentation to increase the size and shape or they feel their chest is too large in which case a reduction procedure is often the answer. Large ones, unlike smaller ones can be problematic not just because of cosmetic concerns but because of the health problems that ensue with larger ones.

The extra weight of breasts that are too large for a woman’s body frame can cause back, neck, head and shoulder pain from the burden of weight on the front of the body which places to much front weight on the spinal column pushing it out of alignment.

Breasts reduction surgery also known as reduction mammoplasty can create relief from the discomfort and pain by removing the excessive tissue and skin and leaving breast that may still be large but are the appropriate size for the patient’s body. After the excessive tissue and skin and are removed the areola and nipple are repositioned to give a more balanced and pleasing chest size that will solve a patient’s health concerns without losing too much cleavage. 

Unlike most cosmetic procedures that are not covered by health insurance, this cosmetic procedure can often be covered because of the health complications the condition creates and many policies consider it a corrective surgery and not a cosmetic one for this purpose. 

A reduction doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a big impact on a patient’s quality of life and overall health. How much breast tissue would need to be removed is a decision a patient can reach in the initial consultation with her surgeon. 

The level of satisfaction from reduction surgery is very high and complications are relatively rare. Of course with all surgeries there are some possible complications that although uncommon could include a variety of issues including a reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection or simply poor healing. 

After surgery patients need to put on a supportive brasier for a few weeks until the bosom heals. Incisions will be visibly discolored for several weeks to several months.

The lines eventually do fade but will generally always remain visible although they can be concealed by clothing. Most surgeons have before and after photos of similar procedures and if scarring is a big concern it can be helpful to see how well your particular doctor does to make the scars as invisible as possible.