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Breast Reduction: Before and After
Breast reduction was performed on close to 300,000 women over the past three years, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Women interested in breast reduction experience relief following the procedure from discomfort, medical conditions, and self-consciousness, including:
- Reduction in breast size to provide contour enhancement and greater comfort
- Refined nipple shape and size to fit newly contoured breasts.
- Relief from back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, breathing difficulty and other medical conditions associated with oversized breasts
- Better fitting bras to resolve shoulder strain
Dr. Weider offers excellence in breast reduction to develop treatment plans suitable for your personal needs. Unlike most Dallas and Plano area plastic surgeons, Dr. Weider has refined his techniques to offer both the traditional inverted T anchor and vertical mammoplasty techniques.
The physical and cosmetic benefits of breast reduction surgery are unique for every individual. The pros and cons of surgery are evaluated individually as well. During consultation with Dr. Weider, you will learn about every aspect of the breast reduction procedure and how those factors may affect the procedure, including:
- Breast size, shape and skin quality
- Quality, consistency and quantity of breast tissue and glandular fat
- Location and shape of the nipples
- Role of age in breast reduction surgery
- Anesthesia
- Facility choices such as our fully accredited surgical facility or an affiliated hospital
- Guidelines to follow to reduce the risk of complications
- Costs for surgery, including: surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees
- Insurance reimbursement eligibility
The Surgery
Dr. Weider may perform breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, to remove glandular fat, breast tissue, and/or skin. The results of the procedure will create enhanced smaller, contoured breasts that are in proportion with the body. Breast reduction surgery requires three to four hours of time. During surgery, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat. In most cases, the nipples remain attached to blood vessels and nerves in order to preserve sensation.
Dr. Weider performs both the traditional form of breast reduction surgery and vertical mammoplasty through carefully selected incisions, as follows:
- Inverted T anchor incision circles the areola, follows down the center of the breast and across the breast crease.
- Vertical mammoplasty omits the incision along the breast crease to provide better shape and longer term results for those who qualify.
There may be variations in the length of incisions among patients. Dr. Weider will create the smallest incisions possible to achieve the shortest scars. Still, breast reduction scars may be quite extensive and permanent. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed in locations that allow you to wear any type of clothing. Women usually do not mind the scars when compared to the benefits. After the procedure, you may be wrapped in surgical dressings and/or placed in a surgical bra.
Aftercare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Following surgery, you will either be wrapped in an elastic bandage or placed in a surgical bra over gauze dressings. The elastic bandage and dressings will be removed in a couple of days. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first two days following surgery. Naturally, you may experience some pain in the first couple of days following breast reduction surgery. Discomfort may last for a week or more. Dr. Weider will prescribe medication to decrease pain and discomfort. You will need to continue wearing the surgical bra for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. You may experience other types of discomforts in the weeks following surgery, including:
- Stitches which dissolve within a week
- Dry breast skin for which you may apply moisturizer
- Breast pain and swelling during first menstrual period following surgery
- Sensation loss which is usually due to swelling that subsides in time
As with any surgery, there is a risk that a complication may develop following the procedure, including: excessive bleeding, infection, anesthesia reaction, impaired breast feeding, slightly asymmetric breasts, sensation loss, or poor scarring. Dr. Weider will provide a list of guidelines to follow in order to reduce the risk of complications. These instructions will include guidelines for exercise and medications in the weeks before and after surgery. Complications can usually be managed, but it is important to follow pre and post operative instructions to reduce the risks of complication.
Within six months or so, your breasts will settle into their new shape. Over time, breast shape and size may change, depending upon the extent of aging, weight changes, hormonal shifts, and pregnancy. Scars may be quite visible in the first year, fade in time and may appear as fine white lines in the end. The extent of scarring varies among patients. The benefits associated with your new body will be immediately evident following surgery. Most likely, you will be pleased with the results for many years thereafter.
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