BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
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INDICATIONS: Breast reduction surgery is indicated in patients who have larger that their desired breast size. Medical Indications for insurance coverage include: neck and upper back pain, breast pain, dermatitis beneath the breasts, bra strap grooving in the shoulders, and need to take pain medication and antiflammatory medication for the associated symptoms.
Insurance companies generally mandate these criteria to be met, as well as required amount of tissue that has to be removed; in order for the procedure to be medically indicated. Some patients that do not meet their insurance company’s criteria may elect to have the surgery cosmetically. This means that insurance does not pay for the procedure, and payment is made by the patient. If this is the case, less tissue can be removed so as to create a breast size suitable to the patient”s request.
SURGERY: The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is required. The most common incision is the inverted T or anchor incision. The procedure can take 3-4 hours. Many patients elect to stay overnight at the surgery center or hospital. The breast is reshaped once tissue is removed. The size of the areolar is also reduced as indicated. Most sutures are absorbable, a few will need removed the following week. In patients with extremely large breasts, nipple grafting may be necessary.
POST OPERATIVE: Pain is generally moderate, with most patients feeling better the next day than they did prior to the surgery. Showering is genrally permitted 24-48 hours after surgery. Driving is permitted one week after surgery. Patients are encouraged to take 1-2 weeks off from work. Exercise is not permitted for 3-4 weeks after the surgery. Patients are fitted with comfortable surgical bras to wear for several weeks after the procedure.
RISKS: Risks and complications are discussed with the patient at the time of their consultation. The possibility of a free nipple graft is also discussed when indicated.
All of our procedures are performed using our proprietary Logical SequenceSM methodology.