Reduction mammaplasty, or breast reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure in which the breast tissue, skin and nipples are made smaller. While this procedure is mainly associated with females, according to Bermant Plastic Surgery, the procedure also can be performed on males. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states that the results of the breast reduction will usually stay the same for many years, as long as you don't gain or lose substantial amounts of weight; however, it also states that the breasts are subject to the normal effects of gravity.
Health Considerations
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the ideal candidate for surgery is a healthy person who doesn't smoke and has realistic expectations for the surgery. Some other criteria include physical limitations and/or back and neck pain caused primarily by the breasts and skin irritation under the breasts. Additionally, women may experience indentations in the shoulder from the bra strap.
Cost Considerations
The Mayo Clinic states that the cost of a breast reduction ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. While some of this cost may be covered by health insurance plans, advanced planning is required as you usually must show that the breast reduction will significantly decrease the medical complications caused by the size of your breasts. If your insurance company won't cover the cost of the surgery, saving money or applying for medical care credit is necessary.
Surgery
Before your surgery, you will usually have a mammogram to check for breast cancer. If you smoke, you will have to stop smoking before the surgery because of the effect nicotine has on the blood flow to the nipples. Immediately before the surgery, the surgeon will use a marker to mark the skin for the incisions. You will be placed under anesthesia for the two- to three-hour surgery. Once you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make incisions around your areola. Then, she will begin removing tissue and repositioning your areola. Once she is satisfied that your now smaller breasts look natural, she will close the incisions she made by layering sutures, using surgical adhesives and tape. You should be left with incisions only on the under sides of your breasts.
Immediately After Surgery
After the surgery, be prepared to care for dressings around breasts. In most cases, there will be drainage tubes under your arms to prevent fluid accumulation in the breasts and surrounding tissues. Sometimes a hospital stay is required, though the surgery may also be an outpatient procedure. In either case, you should make arrangements for someone to drive you home and help you for the first few days after the surgery. You will be given antibiotics to help prevent infection. You must take these as directed, even if you don't notice signs of infection.
Long-term Recovery
For the first two to three weeks after your surgery, you will have to avoid putting a lot of strain on your breasts. You won't be able to lift, bend or strain during this time. In most cases, you will be able to return to a week or two after your surgery; however, if you have a physically demanding job, your surgeon may increase the amount of time you must take off from work. Until all your stitches are removed and your breasts are healed, you should sleep on your back to keep the pressure off your breasts. If this proves difficult, use body pillows on both sides of you to keep you on your back.
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