Understanding the facts about breast reduction is an important first step for anyone considering having the procedure performed. As such, there are a few things that potential patients should know about this life-improving plastic surgery procedure. For the team at Straith Clinic, offering life-improving transformations like breast reduction is the most rewarding benefit to specializing in the art of plastic surgery.
Why Get a Breast Reduction?
There are numerous reasons that can cause someone to opt for breast reduction surgery. Chief among them are:
- Personal dissatisfaction with large or otherwise heavy breasts
- Discomfort or even pain in the back, neck, and shoulder areas due to breast weight
- Difficulty finding bras and other garments that fit well
- Chronic under-breast rashes and excessive wear on the shoulders from bra strap contact
Patients with these very legitimate issues resulting from oversized breasts often have questions regarding the process and recovery for breast reduction surgery.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Safe?
While this procedure typically results in great patient satisfaction and overall higher quality of life, it is still a surgical procedure. For this reason, it’s important to discuss your medical history, allergies, any medications you may be taking, and any other concerns or expectations you may have during your consultation with plastic surgeons Dr. Sabbagh and Dr. Baca.
Breast reduction surgery usually takes between three and four hours to complete. It is an outpatient procedure, which means it doesn’t require an overnight stay. When performed by a physician who is board-certified in plastic surgery like Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca, breast reduction is very safe. Like all invasive procedures, there are potential risks such as bleeding, poor scarring, and sensation changes. During your consultation, Dr. Sabbagh and Dr. Baca will be able to review these and other potential risks with you and discuss ways to decrease your risk.
Is the Recovery Process Painful?
Most patients who undergo breast reduction surgery do experience some pain after the procedure. The majority of the pain usually only lasts for only a few days and begins to quickly taper off thereafter. Most patients find that the relief of not having to deal with the daily troubles of large breasts makes any temporary pain worthwhile.
Will a Breast Reduction Procedure Lift My Breasts?
Breast reduction is considered a “two for one” procedure. This is because, while reducing the breasts’ size, your surgeon will also move the nipple and breast mound up. This provides results similar to a breast lift at the same time as your breast reduction.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
While soreness and pain only last a few days after breast reduction surgery, it’s important to take additional care for several weeks after surgery. During this time, avoid heavy lifting and forceful contact and take extra care toward hygiene. The majority of the surgical swelling will slowly improve over the first month, with the rest of the swelling resolving over about 3 months. Scars will continue to fade for a year or longer after surgery.
Does Insurance Cover a Breast Reduction?
Some patients find that their insurance will cover the costs associated with a breast reduction if the symptoms and side effects of overly large breasts have been documented. During your consult, you will be able to discuss your symptoms with our surgeons. Then, the insurance process can be started if appropriate.
The Next Steps on Your Journey
If you think you could benefit from breast reduction surgery, the next step is to get in contact with our office. Here at the Straith Clinic in Detroit, Michigan, we are highly experienced in breast reductions as a Metro Detroit institution for over 80 years. Start a conversation about your breast reduction surgery with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca today by calling us at 248-270-5272 or contacting us online.
