Common Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is also known as reduction mammoplasty. This procedure reduces the size of overly large breasts, which may cause medical problems or self-consciousness. Breast reductions have been extremely successful for women with very large, pendulous breasts who have experienced medical problems caused by the excess weight of the breasts, including back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Most women wanting a breast reduction are in search of physical relief verses cosmetic improvement.

For breast reductions, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

At the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will review your medical history and examine and measure your breast size. Photos will be taken before and after surgery. Photos may be used to send to your insurance company if you are seeking insurance coverage. It is important to tell your surgeon your expectations and desired size. The procedure will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon as well as what to expect before and after surgery. Weeks before your surgery, you may be scheduled to have a mammogram (breast x-ray). In addition, you may need to have a unit of blood drawn (depending on the amount of breast tissue you are having removed) for use during your procedure, if needed.

During your breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will make an incision around the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple), extending downward and along the natural crease under the breast. The incision is like the shape of an anchor. The surgeon will then remove glandular tissue, fat and skin, and move the nipple up to a new position. Depending on the shape of the breast, the areola may remain attached or be completely removed and grafted to a higher position. When grafting the areola to a new position, sensation will be lost. The skin is then brought down on both sides and around the areola, giving the breast a new shape and contour. Sutures are placed along the incision line, and the area is wrapped with an elastic bandage or surgical bra over gauze dressing.

After breast reduction surgery, you may have a small surgical tube coming from your dressing. This tube drains excess blood and fluids for the first few days. You may feel some pain for a few days, which will be controlled with a pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. The surgical bra needs to be worn around the clock until the swelling and bruising have decreased. Sutures will be removed in one to three weeks. You will be up and moving a few days after breast reduction surgery, but make sure you check with your plastic surgeon before assuming your normal activities. Scars will fade in six to 18 months. An additional procedure that would enhance the result is liposuction to reduce excess fat deposits. Your surgeon can advise you on whether liposuction would be beneficial.

In addition, to make the most of your pre- and post-breast surgery, The Centre, P.C. recommends a collagen bust treatment. This process rehydrates and firms the skin. It also calms swollen tissue, aiding in post-operative recovery.

The Centre, P.C. also offers several soothing body treatments that can ease the discomfort and swelling associated with surgery.

Breast Self-Exams and Mammograms
The following is a list of breast self-exam steps, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.

1. Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
2. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
3. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse.
4. Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month.
5. Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)
6. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.
7. Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the exam while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram done every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Mammograms for older women (over 65) should be based on the woman’s health and whether she has other serious illnesses. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular health exam by a health professional, preferably every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.

Please take the time to review our before and after breast reduction photos to see if this surgical procedure interests you. (Our physicians have surgically performed all photos in our website. NO modifications or brush-ups have occurred in any of the photos offered at our website. All patients in the photos have generously allowed the use of their photos to help you better understand the surgical procedures we offer at The Centre, P.C.)

Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our breast reduction surgeons. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures, including breast reduction surgery, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, the Michiana area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

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