Breast Reduction
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery there were 138,152 breast reduction cases performed in 2010. Breast Augmentation (implants) is frequently in the news and in magazines but breast reduction is as common of a procedure as breast enlargement. Many women have back, neck and shoulder pain due to the excessive weight of their breasts. Bras are only designed to transfer the weight to the back and shoulders. A good support bra doesn’t treat the underlying cause. The most common comment I have from patients a month after surgery is “I wish I had done it sooner”.
Will Insurance Pay for It?
A Breast reduction is a covered surgery by most insurance companies. Unlike breast augmentation or a breast lift, a breast reduction is considered reconstructive surgery because a medical problem is being treated. However insurance companies also require a minimum amount of breast tissue (by weight) to be removed and that physical problems be directly related to excessively large breasts. If you suffer from the following symptoms you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction:
- Back, shoulder and /or neck pain
- Shoulder grooving/indentations from bra shoulder straps
- Had to have a custom bra fitted
- Rashes on the undersurface of breasts
At your consultation, Dr. Proffitt will discuss your medical history and take physical measurements. This information along with photographs is then sent to your insurance company in order to see if you meet their criteria for medical necessity.
Before and After Breast Reduction in Mobile, AL
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How is the Surgery Performed?
Dr. Proffitt usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete a breast reduction. Both breast tissue and skin are removed and surgical scars are on the lower aspect of the breast so that any scars are well hidden by clothing and bathing suit tops. Additionally liposuction is regularly performed lateral to each breast to help the overall result. The nipple remains attached to the remaining breast tissue at all times. No drains are used. A bandage is then placed at the time of surgery and remains in place for the first 2 to 4 days. Your bandages will be removed at your first postoperative appointment and you are then placed in a support bra. The support bra should be worn for the next 6 weeks. Dr. Proffitt performs breast reductions under general anesthesia with the supervision of a board certified anesthesiologist.
Where is the Surgery Performed?
Dr. Proffitt performs breast reductions in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia. Exceptions may include those patients from out of town or if other procedures are combined with breast reduction. Also anyone with medical conditions that would warrant longer inpatient observation and monitoring.
What is the Recovery Time?
Most people can resume normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks. However you should not lift more than 10 pounds for 3 weeks or engage in strenuous activities for 6 weeks. At 3 weeks, stitches (3) on each breast will be removed. All remaining sutures are absorbable. Incisions will remain red for 2 to 3 months.
What are the Risks?
- As with any surgery and although infrequent, there is always a slight risk of bleeding and infection.
- Occasionally a loss in sensation in the nipple or breast may occur.
- If you are considering breast feeding in the future, please consider that although breast feeding after reduction has been reported, it is rare.
- If you smoke, you must stop all nicotine products for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery. This includes nicotine patches and gums, and electronic cigarettes. Nicotine compromises blood supply and may result in loss of breast tissue or nipples.
What Will Be My Result?
Although breast reduction is a medically necessary surgery that doesn’t mean that the results won’t be cosmetically improved. Dr. Proffitt tries to achieve your preference for breast size while meeting the requirements stipulated by your insurance company, and achieving symmetry.
To Schedule Your Breast Reduction with Dr. Proffitt
When you are ready to discuss breast reduction with a board certified plastic surgeon in Mobile, AL, contact the practice of Dr. Randy Proffitt. Call 251-344-0322 or use the online email form to get in touch with our friendly staff.