Breast Reduction is designed to relieve the physical discomfort associated with large breasts while improving overall breast appearance. Elevating the breast and reducing nipple size is an integral portion of this procedure. This procedure is frequently covered by insurance if certain criteria are met.
Your surgeon will examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical record. He will consider such factors as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with your reduction.
During the consultation, you should be prepared to discuss your comprehensive medical history. Relevant information includes current and previous medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, pregnancy, history, and current medications. Your Plastic Surgical Arts surgeon’s recommendation is based largely on the complete and accurate information you provide during this initial visit. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer, and about results of any mammograms and breast biopsies.
If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. He may recommend that you stabilize your weight prior to undergoing surgery. If you are smoking, your surgeon will not perform this surgery. Smoking cessation is necessary for 3 weeks prior to surgery.
Your breast lift surgery may be performed at the Lincoln Surgical Hospital, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, or BryanLGH Medical Center. Prior to the procedure, a general anesthetic is administered; this type of anesthetic ensures you are asleep throughout the procedure. This procedure may also be performed using a local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Once the surgery is completed, you will be required to remain in the recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings, an elastic bandage, or a surgical bra. In some instances, small drain tubes will be placed in your breasts to avoid the accumulation of fluids. You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.
Following the procedure, your surgeon will place surgical tape over your incisions. These are to be left on for up to 10 days, or until your surgeon opts to remove them. It is safe to wear the intact tapes while showering and if necessary, to place a soft dressing or sanitary pad over the tapes and incisions to absorb drainage.
Your breasts may feel firm or tight as a result of swelling. This is common and may take several weeks to fully resolve. Many women use over-the-counter pain medication to relieve any discomfort associated with the swelling, but it is strongly recommended that you not apply ice to reduce the swelling. You should continue to wear a soft and supportive bra; one is generally distributed after surgery.
It is common to have minor complications associated with your incisions. Usually this is due to tension on the skin or the internal sutures working up to the top of the skin. They are easily treated with washing with soap and water daily, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering with a clean dressing.
Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications. We ask that you delay smoking for at least three weeks prior and three weeks after surgery.
Infections are uncommon, but can occur. If you are experiencing high fevers, excessive drainage from the incisions, redness, or swelling that is not symmetrical with your other breast, you should contact our office at 402-483-2572.
It is often possible to return to work within a few of weeks of your breast reduction surgery depending on your responsibilities at work. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but such feelings are normal. Any severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one week, and in some cases your plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer. Care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least six weeks following the procedure.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the results of your breast lift surgery will be long lasting. Gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift to restore a more youthful contour.