BREAST REDUCTION

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Very large breasts can cause discomfort and medical problems including severe neck and back pain and rashes under the breasts. Very large breasts can also interfere with comfort during exercise, causing the woman to be less active. A surgeon can reduce the size of the breasts using liposuction or the more traditional breast reduction surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure

During the most common breast reduction surgery, tissue is removed from the right and left sides of each breast after the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The nipple remains attached but is repositioned. Often, two plastic surgeons will operate as a team in order to prevent the patient from being under anesthesia unnecessarily. Drains are sometimes used, but they are usually removed the day after breast reduction surgery. The chest is wrapped with gauze. The breast will take 6-8 months to fully mold to its new shape. Activity and heavy lifting are prohibited for 4-6 weeks after breast reduction surgery.

Risks Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery

Some of the risks related to breast reduction surgery are:

• uneven breasts
• thickening of the scar
• keloids (scar tumors)
• loss of the nipple and areola
• sensation disturbances
• swelling
• bleeding and bruising
• infection

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction

Many insurance companies will cover breast reduction surgery, but it must be authorized by the insurance company. Pictures are usually sent to the insurance company along with a note from the doctor explaining the medical necessity of the procedure.