Breast Reduction
Women who have large breasts often have issues with back and neck pain and skin irritations. Also, they are usually limited to doing certain activities and even finding the right clothes. Most women who get breast reductions are satisfied with the results. Their breasts take up less space, and the loss in weight can help with any neck or back pain. The breast reduction removes fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. They become smaller, tighter, and firmer. The surgery also reduces the size of the areola. This is the darker skin around the nipple area.
The main goal of a breast reduction is to provide the patient with smaller, better-shaped, lifted breasts. It can also help those who have uneven breasts. The focus is to get the breasts in proportion with the rest of the patient’s body. This can help with a woman’s self-confidence and self-esteem. It also helps with a lot of the negative impacts of large breasts.
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Breast Reduction Consultation
If you are interested in a breast reduction, you will need to schedule a consultation. During the appointment, you should tell Dr. Brown what your expectations are. Dr. Brown will ask about your medical history, including any family history of breast cancer and any other health issues. The doctor will also do a physical exam to determine what they can do during surgery. They will discuss the reality of your expectations post-surgery.
The doctor will take photos of your breasts and measure them. During this time, you and Dr. Brown will discuss how much tissue you want removed and what your desired size is. The doctor will also discuss what you’ll need to do to prepare for surgery. Most doctors will require that you get a mammogram and breast exam before surgery. You will also need to disclose any medications you are taking.
Lastly, you’ll be asked to quit smoking for a period before and after surgery. This helps with the healing process and your overall recovery. It’s essential to be in the best possible physical shape before surgery. This also helps with healing as your body needs to be strong enough to recover from the surgery. It’s essential to meet with Dr. Brown and their team to see if it is the right fit for you.
Before surgery, be sure to have the following items ready at home when you return:
- Ice packs;
- Gauze, clean washcloths, and towels;
- Loose, comfortable t-shirts; and
- Special creams recommended by the doctor for the incisions.
Breast Reduction Procedure
You will be put under general anesthesia and will be completely asleep during the process. The surgery itself takes about two to five hours, depending on the patient. It is vital to find a highly skilled surgeon who has experience in reduction mammaplasty. The procedure is standard and safe. However, the doctor needs to ensure that good blood supply is maintained so that the areola is protected. The areola is the colored part around your nipple. Without a proper blood supply, it can result in discoloration and loss of sensation to the nipples.
During the procedure, Dr. Brown will cut your nipple. Then, they will cut down to form what looks like a keyhole. Once the incisions are made, the doctor will remove the extra skin, tissue, and fat from your breasts. Depending on the size of your breasts, liposuction may be used to remove the excess fat. The loose skin will be taken off and tightened to form the newly shaped breasts. Your breasts will also be lifted so that they are higher on your chest. The doctor will then reposition your nipple. The size will likely be changed so that it is proportionate to the size of your breast and body. The doctor may use drainage tubes and then stitch up your chest completely. Your breasts will then be wrapped in special gauze. You will also be given a surgical bra to keep everything in place.
Depending on the consultation, the surgery is usually done in an outpatient facility. This means that you are typically released the same day, depending on the outcome of the operation. It would be best if you also had someone pick you up from surgery and stay with you for a few days during your recovery.
Breast Reduction Recovery
If you are only going in for a breast reduction, your recovery will be relatively smooth. You will likely be released on the same day of surgery. Before leaving the clinic, be sure to walk around. This helps with healing, and it’s helpful to move as soon as possible. Most doctors suggest taking at least one to two weeks off to recover. You should not be doing any exercise and only doing some light walking to increase blood flow. At the two-week mark, patients are allowed to do some light activity. At the six-week mark, patients are allowed to resume most of their normal activities. Each patient should talk directly with their doctor at each stage before moving forward.
Swelling is expected and may take a few months to go away completely. The doctor will monitor your progress at the follow-up appointments. This is to ensure that your results are progressing normally. This is also to be sure that there are no signs of infection.
Results
Studies have shown that women who have reductions commonly feel an increase in self-esteem, body image, and physical health. One study found that 95% of patients felt satisfied with the results. The reduction and lift can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life and sense of self. This is a common surgery that is an excellent option for those who are good candidates.
Breast Reduction in Tampa Bay, Florida
Dr. Brown is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Tampa Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery. He is the premier plastic surgeon in the area and has had stunning results with his patients. He is focused on each patient’s personalized goals and results. Contact Dr. Brown at Tampa Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery for a consultation.