All You Need To Know About Breast Reduction

If you are considering Breast Reduction Surgery, you’ll want to do your research before proceeding.

Women with large breasts (Macromastia) often complain of:

·         Shoulder and back pain

·         Infections under the breasts

·         Numbness or tingling in their hands and fingers

·         Indentations of their shoulders from their bra straps

They may also have trouble with:

·         Finding bras that fit and they can exercise in

·         Balance issues

·         Low Self-esteem

The items in the first list support insurance coverage of the procedure. Yet, insurance companies have been making it difficult to get authorization for the procedure. In my experience, they have been making unreasonable demands for the amount of tissue to remove. Removing too much tissue can cause problems. I refuse to compromise blood flow to the nipple or reduce the breast to an A cup. Insurance Companies may also ask for months of physical therapy to correct shoulder and back pain before surgery. Many have even eliminated Breast Reduction as a covered benefit in their plans.

The traditional Breast Reduction surgery involves an anchor type incision. The resulting scar is around the nipple areola, comes straight down and then across the bottom of the breast. The technique called SPAIR reduction involves only a scar that goes around the areola and comes straight down and to the outside of the bottom of the breast. The main advantage of this technique is that the breasts stay up longer and look fuller in the cleavage area. The other advantage is avoiding scars that can be seen on the outside and inside of the breasts. With the traditional technique, you will find the breasts reduced, but they are also droopy and flat after about a year.

The operation is an outpatient procedure and usually requires about a week off work. Drains are no longer used. Pain is usually minimal, the ACE wrap seems to be more uncomfortable than the actual surgery. Risks are generally minor, the most common is a slight wound healing problem for which you may need to do dressing changes. Smokers and the obese are at much higher risk for complications. You should stop smoking for at least 3 months before the procedure and getting your BMI under 30 before considering surgery.

Many studies have shown the beneficial results of Breast Reduction Surgery. Patients, for the most part, get relief of back and shoulder pain following the reduction. The infections underneath disappear. The tingling in the fingers improves and, most important, women feel better about themselves.