Question 1

what is breast reduction surgery like?

Accepted Answer

A trade off...: Of smaller breasts that cause less neck and back pain for scars on the breasts. Usually outpatient surgery with general anesthesia. Most breast reduction patients say that the pain is like that from doing too many pushups: soreness in the chest muscles. It should easily be controlled with the medication given to you by your surgeon. Most patients return to regular activities in 10-14 days.

Question 2

how painful is breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Breast Reduction: I have done over 300 breast reductions with all but two of those patients winding up happy they had the surgery.  Most find the discomfort transient, quite tolerable and well worth it to relieve them of the symptoms they originally sought treatment for.

Question 3

does breast reduction surgery hurt much?

Accepted Answer

Not particularly: Women with overdeveloped breast generally seek surgery to relieve pain.  With surgical reduction, the pain from the weight of the large breast is immediately and permanently relieved: many women leave the hospital with less pain than they had when they came in!

Question 4

how long does breast reduction surgery last?

Accepted Answer

Breast Reduction: Breasts are composed of largely fat with some glands covered with skin. As one ages the glands atrophy and breast size is mostly determined by the amount of fat.  The changes from a breast reduction are permanent though weight change after surgery can result in increase or decrease in breast size.

Question 5

who is eligible for breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Adult females: Typically any adult female is a candidate. This is usually deferred until completion of growth - 18 years. Women over the age of 40 should likely undergo diagnostic imaging with a mammogram to establish a baseline or exclude underlying disease. Depending on your health insurance different criteria may be applied for coverage.

Question 6

what happens during breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Reducing/reshaping: Breast reduction surgery tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations performed. During this operation, “excess” breast tissue and skin is removed.  The breasts themselves are lifted on the chest wall.
 This operation tends to help patients with neck, back, shoulder discomfort and may help patients with posture as well.
 Best wishes.

Question 7

how to know if i need breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms are worse: From a medical viewpoint, large breasts cause back, shoulder, and neck pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and excess sweating and fatigue. Cosmetically, the breasts sag, and become asymmetrical. Insurance may cover large breast reduction surgery. Also, non invasive surgery treatment such as liposuction can be used instead of excisional techniques. A doctor's visit is essential to decide.

Question 8

can you tell me about breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Breast Reduction: Your question is too vague.  Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin and breast tissue from select areas of the breast so as to permit reconstruction of a smaller breast to relieve symptoms attributable to excess size.  The goal is to do so in an aesthetically acceptable manner preserving nipple sensation and ability to nurse.  Risks are loss of sensation, inability to nurse, poor cosmesis.

Question 9

what should i do after breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Ask you Surgeon: Every surgeon has his/her own way of advising their patients.  I suggest you contact your surgeon.  Generally speaking, most patient should refrain from vigorous activity for 4-6 weeks following surgery and wear a support bra.

Question 10

what are some risks of  breast reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many but not common: The risks are fortunately not common and include infection, hematoma, wound breakdown, asymmetry, wound separation, skin necrosis, interference with nipple sensation with nursing/aging/weight change, interference with oncologic/physical/mammographic evaluation of the breast, alteration in shape with nursing/aging/weight change, need for subsequent revisionary procedures and inability to predict.

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Breast reduction surgery

A member asked:

What is breast reduction surgery like?

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How painful is breast reduction surgery?

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Does breast reduction surgery hurt much?

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How long does breast reduction surgery last?

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Who is eligible for breast reduction surgery?

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What happens during breast reduction surgery?

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How to know if i need breast reduction surgery?

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Can you tell me about breast reduction surgery?

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What should i do after breast reduction surgery?

A member asked:

What are some risks of breast reduction surgery?

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