Breast Reduction
Large, sagging breasts may cause a woman to potentially experience various problems caused by the excessive weight of the breast tissue. Breast reduction results in a better-shaped breast that is in proportion to the rest of the body. If you are a Huntington Beach, Irvine or Newport Beach breast reduction candidate, the best way to learn about your unique options for mammaplasty is to schedule a complimentary surgical consultation with Dr. Smith. Call our Irvine plastic surgery office at 949.450.2755 or 951.734.2500 in Corona or you can conveniently email us your breast reduction questions online.
Candidates For Breast Reduction Surgery
Typical candidates for surgery are women who have large, heavy breasts. This may be the cause of breathing difficulties, back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, bra-strap indentations and a rash under the breasts. Patients with excessive breast size may experience a decreased sense of attractiveness and self-confidence. This can interfere with normal daily activities or with the ability to exercise. Other patients may simply desire a more attractive contour and smaller breast size. Breast reduction surgery can have a dramatic effect on a woman's self confidence and self image.
The Surgery
There are many ways to perform a breast reduction. The method must be tailored to the patient. A common method of surgery is to mark the new nipple position. Then with the blood supply of the nipple preserved on a pedicle of tissue, the excess breast tissue is removed. The nipple is then moved into its new position and the new breast shape is reconstructed. The incision is often around the nipple and on the under surface of the breast, like an upside down T. In some cases a horizontal incision is not necessary and a limited scar reduction can be accomplished. basis and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Postoperative Care
The recovery takes one to two weeks. Initial discomfort improves with each day and can be controlled with oral pain medication. Most people are back to work within a week or two. The incisions are initially covered with light dressings and a surgical bra. The dressings may be removed after 1-2 days and a clean bra can be worn. Some mild bleeding can be expected for the first few days after surgery. If you have any questions please call the office for advice. The surgical scars will usually fade in 6-12 months.
Complications
All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are possible in all operations and second those that are unique or special for a particular operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problem, which is special for this operation is compromise to the blood supply of the nipple or a heavy scar. Surgery will probably reduce and possibly eliminate the ability to breast feed. Breast reduction does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer and indeed may slightly decrease the risk. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Other Options
An additional procedure that would enhance the result is liposuction of the axillary area (armpit area) to reduce excess fat deposits. An abdominoplasty or liposuction (to other parts of the body) are commonly performed at the time of a breast reduction.
Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is commonly covered by insurance, though insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Our staff will assist you in obtaining pre authorization for surgery.
For those living in Riverside, Irvine, Laguna Beach and Irvine, breast reduction questions can be answered by Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Smith. You can easily schedule your free surgical consultation by calling our Irvine cosmetic surgery office at 949.450.2755 or 951.734.2500 in Corona or, if you prefer, you can send us an email containing your breast reduction questions.
Dr. Andrew Smith, providing cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery to those in the Orange County area including Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach & Riverside.