Breast reduction
Breast reduction is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Because it is common and in most jurisdictions requires at least one day of hospital stay, it consumes considerable health care resources. Breast reduction is not generally considered a cosmetic procedure . If you suffer physical pain, discomfort or other disabilities as a result of very large or oversized breasts, breast reduction will usually be covered by your medical insurance. Breast reduction is more difficult than mastopexy because the surgeon must remove breast tissue without interfering with the blood supply or the sensation of the nipple. This task can be difficult or even impossible when large amounts of breast tissue must be removed.
Skin from above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Skin is removed from the lower section of the breast. The areola, nipple, and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. Skin is pulled across from both sides of the breasts to give a new, smaller and more pert shape, and closed with stitches. After the operation they will be wrapped in dressings and a soft supportive bra.
Patients stay at the clinic/hospital overnight and are usually discharged the following morning. Before the patient leaves, the jelly bandages are changed and the drains are removed. Patients will usually tolerate whatever form we need to give them if it will improve their functional ability. A person will gladly replace a lost thumb with a toe-to-thumb transfer, even if it leads to a loss of form at the foot and a noticeable difference on the hand. Patients will need to discuss with their insurance plan what their eligibility requirements are for breast reduction surgery. Our office will assist the patients in filing for a preauthorization.
Within two weeks of surgery, stitches (sutures) are removed. Within a few days you can shower. When you will be released from the clinic you will be given instructions from the plastic surgeons how to exchange the dressings. Within 2 weeks of surgery, sutures will be removed.
Surgeons hope liposuction breast reduction will reassure many breast reduction candidates who may have previously been deterred by risks of extreme scarring and loss of sensation in the nipple. Lawrence Gray, of the Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center in Portsmouth, N.H., explains that since the surgeon using liposuction is only removing the fat portion of the breast, there’s no risk of losing sensation in the nipple. Surgeons at Transform report that breast reduction is one of the most impactful in terms of having a positive outcome on people’s lives. Browse the before and after pictures of breast reduction to see some great results.
Scarring is variable and often depends on the patient’s ability to heal. Scars gradually fade over a six to 12 month period. Lowen, cosmetic surgeon, Palo Alto can provide more detailed information about what to expect during your recovery based on your individual needs. Scars will typically remain red, and perhaps lumpy for up to several months, but will gradually fade and become less noticeable. It may take up to a year before the breasts achieve their final position and size.
Women requesting the procedure do so primarily for symptom relief; cosmetic considerations are secondary. Women seek out this procedure in preference to excisional surgery because of an almost total absence of scarring and other possible complications of excisional surgery, such as persistent nipple sensation changes and necrosis. Women who wish to have breast reduction surgery are referred by their GP to a cosmetic surgeon (a consultant in plastic and reconstructive surgery). The surgeon will ask you about your medical history and your reasons for wanting the procedure. Women with small breasts seek a larger bust, while women with too much breast tissue wish for a smaller, more manageable size. Do not expect everyone to understand or appreciate the misery your huge breasts can cause you.
Liposuction only removes fat tissue, not connective tissue, and is generally not considered an option for thinner women with large breasts. It is also not recommended for women with pendulous, or very large, dense breasts. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour under the arm.
Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if airway obstruction or traumatic deformity are indications for surgery. Insurance coverage is sometimes available for breast reduction surgery. Many factors determine your eligibility, including the terms of your insurance plan and the amount of breast tissue to be removed.
Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40% of men. Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) is a very common condition in men. It can result in terrible embarrassment, teasing, and social trauma. Gynecomastia correction is most often performed as an isolated procedure. For men who are considering additional plastic surgery, male breast reduction is combined most often with liposuction, particularly liposuction of the abdomen and flanks.
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