Breast reduction surgery, also referred to as a reduction mammaplasty, removes excess fat, skin, and tissue from the breast to decrease its size. It gives the patient a more manageable size, weight, and shape. The purpose of the surgery is to make breasts proportional to the body.
A breast reduction procedure can be beneficial for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Disproportional large breasts can affect the patient’s view of their body. They interfere with the person’s physical perception when they enlarge beyond the body’s size and shape.
Furthermore, large breasts can also cause several health concerns. They cause:
- Discomfort in the lower back because of the extra pounds and pressure subjected by the breasts
- Pain in the neck and shoulder
- Skin irritation under the breast crease
- Movement restriction from the weight of the breast
- Increased self-consciousness about having large breasts
Breast Reduction Surgery Eligibility
Not everyone with large breasts can have breast reduction surgery. The patient’s breasts should be fully developed. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also lists physical health as a qualification criterion for breast reduction.
Surgeons do not recommend breast reduction to smokers because smoking affects healing and increases the risk of developing complications after surgery.
This surgery is appropriate for:
- Anyone with shoulder, lower back, or neck aches from having large breasts may qualify for a breast reduction.
- Patients bothered by how their breasts look are candidates for this procedure.
- People with skin irritation from the breast skin folds can also have this procedure to rectify the problem.
Breast Reduction Costs
Insurance helps cover breast reduction procedures that are performed for medical reasons (i.e. back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, rashes beneath the breasts, etc).
Patients can also choose an affordable certified plastic surgeon if they pay for the surgery out of pocket. Try Birmingham Specialists for reasonable breast reduction costs. The group of specialists provides top breast reduction surgery costs in Birmingham, AL.
What to Consider After a Breast Reduction Procedure
Although breast reduction is permanent, weight fluctuations will still affect the breasts’ size and shape. Therefore, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to maintain your new breasts.
Additionally, pregnancy-related changes alter the results of a previous breast reduction procedure. Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase breast size and cause them to droop. The patient can schedule the surgery after breastfeeding finishes.
The surgery may also affect the patient’s breastfeeding ability. The patient should be aware of this outcome in case they want to breastfeed in the future.
What to Expect After a Breast Reduction Surgery
The surgery does not require you to stay overnight at the facility.
During recovery:
- Expect to feel tired and some discomfort after the procedure.
- Scars develop along the incision site and persist for a long-while post-surgery. Their appearance will improve with time.
- Changes in sensation along the nipple area may also linger after the surgery.
FAQs
What Happens During a Breast Reduction Procedure?
A breast reduction procedure takes three to five hours. Performed under general anesthesia, your surgeon will make the necessary incisions (depending on the extent of your reduction). From here, breast fat and glandular tissue will be removed. This surgery is performed alongside a breast lift to remove excess skin, tightening the remaining breast tissues, and reposition the nipple-areola complex to a more central part of the breast.
How Can I Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding nutrition post-surgery, smoking, mental preparation, and taking certain medications. A balanced diet helps in wound healing. It gives the body the nutrients it needs to form healthy scars. Tobacco interferes with this process. Hence, most surgeons ask patients to avoid smoking months before scheduling a surgery.
Is a Breast Reduction Procedure Expensive in Birmingham, AL?
The cost of a breast reduction procedure varies between practitioners. Different surgeons charge different fees. There are separate fees for other specialists performing the operation, like the anesthesiologist. The equipment and facility fees also vary.
Another pricing aspect is that each patient’s case is unique. Thus, there is no standard fee for a breast reduction procedure in Birmingham, AL. The best way to find out the surgery cost is to call the practice and ask for a quote.
Is It Necessary to Prepare for Breast Reduction Recovery?
The recovery journey occurs at home. The patient needs to set up a recovery station before the surgery that has easy access to anything they may need. Have loose-fitting clothes that are easy to adorn. Keep medication and water nearby for easy access. Avoid doing any strenuous activity for a few weeks after surgery.
