Breast reduction is a popular option for many reasons. If you are considering a breast reduction procedure for the first time, you may have some questions. We explore what to expect with this type of surgery to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty involves removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from the breasts. Women can opt for this surgery, and so can men with gynecomastia or abnormally enlarged breasts. Breast reduction is categorized as an outpatient surgery.
Reasons and Benefits
There are many reasons why people choose breast reduction surgery. Women who undergo this procedure do so to reduce the weight and size of their breasts and also to improve the symmetry of their breasts. This surgery is also chosen to eliminate sagging breasts due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, and aging.
The many benefits of choosing breast reduction include the alleviation of painful symptoms associated with heavy breasts, such as shoulder, neck and back pain, shoulder grooves, rashes, and chafing. For men, benefits include greater confidence and a reestablished masculine profile.
Clothing, including swimsuits, bras, and activewear typically fit more comfortably after boob reduction surgery. Once any excess weight is removed, breasts will lift and increase in firmness for a more youthful appearance.
What to Expect
You should expect to have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss any medical conditions and family medical history. It’s important to be honest when answering questions.
In addition to questions about medical history, you should also be prepared to talk about any medications you take, whether or not you smoke, the emotional impact you’ve experienced as a result of your breast size, and any physical conditions that have developed due to your larger breast size.
You should also expect that your surgeon will need to take measurements and photos for breast reduction before and after comparisons. They will also likely talk about the amount of tissue that will be removed. You may need to stop taking certain medications or quit smoking until after surgery.
Length of Surgery
Your surgery will either take place on an outpatient basis or will require you to spend time in the hospital; it depends on your individual circumstances. The actual surgery typically takes between three and four hours to complete, and patients are able to return home on the same day.
Recovery Tips
You can prepare at home for the two to four weeks that you’ll need to recover from surgery. Be sure to have several loose shirts to wear, clean towels and washcloths, gauze, and ice ready for when you return home. You’ll also want to get any prescriptions for topical medications before surgery so that they’re ready for when you return home.
Breast reduction may be for you if you want to eliminate pain and sagging, lift your breasts, and restore your confidence. Dr. Peter H. Grossman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience. To learn more, call Grossman Plastic Surgery at (818) 981-2050.