Health

Everything You Should Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

If your breast size affects your self-esteem or gets in the way of engaging in your favorite sport because they are large and heavy, you may benefit from breast reduction surgery. At Advanced Plastic Surgery Center, the specialists focus on adjusting your breasts to a comfortable size you can flaunt around without feeling embarrassed.

An overview of breast reduction surgery

Reduction mammaplasty, often known as breast reduction surgery, is the procedure that removes breast tissue, skin, and fat to reduce the size of your breasts. While many may think large breasts are attractive, disproportionately large breasts can result in pain in your neck, shoulders, or back. Breast size can also affect your sense of well-being and self-confidence. During breast reduction surgery, your doctor removes excess breast tissue and skin to give you a breast size that is comfortable and ideal for you. You may be eligible for breast reduction surgery if you were assigned male at birth (AMAB) or female at birth (AFAB). Individuals who were AMAB with gynecomastia may benefit from breast reduction.

What to expect during a breast reduction initial visit

During the consultation, your doctor will discuss your goals and expectations, review your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. You may need to inform your provider if you have any allergies, have had prior surgeries, are taking prescription medications, or have a smoking history. The team ensures you are in good mental and physical shape before clearing you for breast reduction surgery. Your honesty counts a lot during this consultation. That includes the reason you are seeking a breast reduction procedure. You should be ready to discuss emotional issues you have experienced due to your breast size. Afterward, the team may take photos and measure your breasts to determine the amount of breast tissue to remove. They may also instruct you on how to prepare for the procedure.

Preparation tips for breast reduction surgery

Adherence to your doctor’s instructions on the vitamins you need before and after breast reduction surgery is crucial. Your provider may advise against smoking as it may interfere with your healing. You may also need to stop taking specific medications like anti-inflammatories and aspirin to reduce your risk of bruising.

Complications and side effects associated with breast reduction surgery

After treatment, you may experience mild breast pain and fatigue. You may also notice scars along the incision, but they fade over time. Additionally, breastfeeding may be out of the question depending on the extent of the surgery. During the first few weeks of recovery, you may need to avoid lifting heavy objects to reduce your risk of bleeding at the incision sites. You may also notice changes in your nipple sensation or sometimes loss of nipple sensation. These side effects improve over time but don’t hesitate to inform your provider if they worsen. Also, tell your surgeon if you experience detachment or release of any sutures, fever, enlargement on one breast with pressure and pain, or unusual discharge from the incision site.

Call the practice or schedule an appointment online to learn more about breast reduction surgery.

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Lisa Schiller