What is a Breast Reduction?
Excessively large breasts can impair your daily life, causing heaviness, back or shoulder pain, and irritation beneath the breasts or an unattractive shape that restricts your clothing choices. Breast reduction surgery addresses these and many other issues, and can result in dramatically enhanced health, personal happiness, and renewed self-confidence. Dr. Maxwell believes there can be profound psychological and physical benefits following this procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
Commonly, patients who struggle with excessively large breasts that cause back pain, chafing, limited mobility, or self-consciousness are good candidates for breast reduction surgery. The procedure can be chosen to improve the appearance and proportions of the breasts, to enhance symmetry, to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, or a combination of these reasons.
Though Maxwell Aesthetics does not process insurance, you may qualify for partial or full reimbursement of the cost of breast reduction. This is typically the case for patients who have tried other treatment options such as physical therapy or who require a larger amount of breast tissue to be removed. In a detailed consultation, Dr. Maxwell will help you evaluate your insurance criteria, and make personalized recommendations.
During your consultation, Dr. Maxwell will also review your health history to make sure that breast reduction is a safe option for you. You should be at a stable and healthy weight and a nonsmoker before pursuing breast reduction surgery.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Anesthesia and Duration
Reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes three to four hours.
Incision Placement
Incisions may be made around the areola, in a keyhole-shaped pattern, or in an anchor-shaped pattern, depending on the amount of breast tissue that must be removed among other considerations.
Tissue Removal and Reshaping
Unwanted breast tissue is safely removed, and typically, the areola will also be reduced. The nipple will be repositioned for a natural appearance.
Closure
When these steps are complete, the incisions are closed using sutures. Scars will be minimized as far as possible.
Recovery and Results After Breast Reduction Surgery
Swelling and some discomfort can be expected after your breast reduction surgery. You will wear a supportive surgical bra to help reduce swelling and should rest with your back propped up so your chest is raised. Dr. Maxwell can prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable as you heal. Most patients require about one to two weeks to rest at home before returning to work, school, or other normal routines. However, you should wait at least two to four weeks before resuming strenuous activity such as exercise. During post-operative appointments, Dr. Maxwell will check on your healing progress and let you know when you can safely return to your normal activities. On average, the final results of a breast reduction procedure can be seen starting at two weeks after surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about breast reduction surgery and whether you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Maxwell at Maxwell Aesthetics. Call our Tucson office at (520) 462-9529 or contact us online.