As you know, breast reduction is major surgery. This is because of the invasive surgical elements involved and the nature of its recovery process. The process consists of the removal of excess breast tissue to achieve your desired breast size and shape. Attaining realistic expectations from this invasive surgical procedure is crucial. In fact, this is one of the requirements to become a potential candidate. Do you want to learn more about the operation before going under the knife? Here are the top things to know if you are getting breast reduction surgery:

 

You Would Need Some Time Off

The procedure is an outpatient procedure. The actual surgery also takes only three or four hours, depending on your breast size. Most patients are often discharged within a day or two after the surgery. But you will be required to spend eight weeks or even longer to recover completely. The best time for you to undergo breast reduction is when you can get at least a month away from work.

 

A Lift Is Part of the Procedure

Heavy, oversized breasts typically stretch the skin and eventually move the position of the nipples. Your plastic surgeon will also perform a lift during reduction because of the breasts’ natural inclination to sag or hang low. They will reshape and recontour your breasts by removing the excess skin and tissue as well as raising the position of the nipples and areola. This will help make your newly shaped breasts look perkier under tight clothing.

 

There Will Be Some Scars

Like any surgery, scarring is another inevitable part of breast reduction. The size and extent of your scars will largely depend on the surgical technique used by your surgeon. These scars never become entirely invisible. But there are ways to make them fade away and become less noticeable.

 

You May Experience Nipple Numbness

Your nipple sensation will also likely decrease after the surgery. You may feel this in the breast skin, nipple, and areola. Some women develop hypersensitivity in these areas. This is when touching them feels more intense than usual, or sometimes, even painful.

 

Your Health Insurance May Cover It

Breast reduction is usually viewed as a cosmetic procedure. Many insurers will not cover it if that is the case. Nevertheless, they may consider it if you meet certain conditions. You will have to provide proof of having to deal with an adequate number of health issues as well as attempted remediations of those problems before undergoing the corrective operation. Once you reach the threshold, your insurer may then consider your breast reduction as reconstructive.

 

It May Affect Your Ability to Breastfeed

Your breasts need its milk-making tissue to release milk. Any breast surgery can disturb milk production to some degree. Since breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissues, there’s a risk that essential nerves and milk ducts will have been cut. Lactation may also be affected if the nipples have been repositioned and the blood supply to your breasts is no longer intact. You will likely not be eligible for breast reduction if you are nursing or planning to get pregnant. It’s best to discuss with your surgeon during your initial consultation.

 

Find out more about breast reduction surgery, contact Alan Matarasso MD, FACS, PC in New York, NY (212) 249-7500 to schedule a consultation.