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Breast Reduction - Female

Reduction mammaplasty is an operation designed to give relief to the discomfort of women who suffer from excessively large breasts. Women with breasts out of proportion to their body size, skin irritation beneath the breasts, shoulder indentations from bra straps, and restriction of activity due to breast size are candidates for this procedure. It often enables the patient to wear a greater variety of clothing and provides greater freedom with exercise and physical activity. This surgery can be performed at any age provided most breast development is complete.

A personal consultation is the first step for any patient considering breast reduction surgery. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals. Your physician will consider the size and shape of your breasts, skin quality and nipple location to determine the appropriate procedure for you. Your doctor can inform you of the benefits as well as the possible risks and complications of this type of surgery. In addition to listening carefully to what he tells you, be sure to raise any questions or concerns that you may have about the safety of the procedure.

A three-part incision is the most commonly used method in breast reduction. One incision runs horizontally under the breast with another made around the areola and a third that runs vertically from the areola to the crease under the breast. Your surgeon will remove excess tissue from the breast, and the areola may be reduced in size and moved to a higher position. The nipple and areola will probably remain attached to underlying tissue thereby increasing the probability that the patient will maintain sensation and the ability to breast-feed. On occasion, the horizontal incision under the breast may not be necessary. In other cases, liposuction may be used in conjunction with the surgery, or liposuction alone may provide desired results.

Breast reduction surgery is usually done under general anesthesia in an accredited hospital or surgery center. The procedure normally takes from two to five hours. After a couple of weeks, bruising and swelling will begin to subside and sensation will gradually improve. After five to seven days you may return to work with restricted physical activity. Over time, breasts will contour to a more natural shape, scars will fade and the patient will feel relief from previous symptoms of the overly large breasts.

In most cases provided adequate tissue is to be removed, breast reduction surgery is covered by insurance. At times, however, it will not. Whether your procedure will be covered by insurance or considered cosmetic will be determined prior to surgery by sending a pre-determination letter to your insurance carrier.

The physicians and staff at Plastic & Hand Surgery Associates / The Face & Body Center are available to discuss any questions you may have by calling 866-939-4999 or 939-9999 in the Jackson Metro Area.