When a woman’s breasts are very large, they can not only cause physical pain from neck and back strain, they can also cause emotional discomfort. Having large breasts can make it a challenge to find a good-fitting bra in a standard store and may force you to buy clothes that are too big in the waist in order to accommodate your chest. If you developed large breasts in middle or high school, you may also have been subject to relentless teasing from your peers.
Fortunately, if your breasts are weighing you down, you don’t have to put it up with the problem forever. Breast reduction surgery is a popular procedure that helps patients live more comfortable lives. Breast reduction not only reduces the size of your breasts, but it can also help to reposition them on the chest so that they are elevated and perky.
If you’re tired of struggling to find the right bra or want to ease the strain on your shoulders and back, breast reduction might be a good option for you. It’s not the right procedure for everyone, however. When you’re considering the surgery, asking the following questions will help you understand breast reduction better and allow you to make a decision about what’s right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
To be a good candidate for a breast reduction, you need to meet a few requirements. Most importantly, you need to have large breasts that are interfering with your life in some way. If your breasts cause you physical pain or emotional discomfort, if they make it difficult for you to exercise or do other physical activities, or if they make it challenging to find clothing that fits, you might be a candidate for surgery.
Your overall health also influences whether or not breast reduction is right for you. If you’re in good health and don’t have any unmanaged chronic conditions, you’re most likely a good candidate. Ideally, breast reduction candidates won’t smoke and should only drink alcohol in moderation.
What Can I Expect in Terms of Recovery Time and Scarring?
Like any other breast surgery, breast reduction does require the surgeon to make an incision in each breast. As those incisions heal, they will leave behind scars. Usually, the incisions are made around the areola, down the front and under the crease of the breasts. Scarring will only be visible when you aren’t wearing a top or bra. Over time, the scars should become smaller and fade somewhat. However, this is something to consider when thinking about getting breast reduction surgery.
The time needed to recover after breast reduction surgery can vary slightly from patient to patient. Usually, people take between a week and two weeks off from work. As you recover, it’s recommended that you wear a special bra to help support your breasts as they heal.
How Do You Choose a Size?
Choosing how small to make your breasts is a matter of personal preference, although your surgeon is likely to offer advice and guidance based on your lifestyle, height, and frame. The size of your breasts after the reduction can be difficult to quantify, as bra sizes aren’t consistent and there are other factors that influence how in proportion your breasts will look.
One way to get a sense of how small to go is to try on a minimizer bra or a compression bra (like a sports bra) before the surgery. A minimizing bra will give you an idea of how you’ll look with smaller breasts.
Will Insurance Pay for Breast Reduction?
Although health insurance doesn’t usually cover plastic surgeries, there is a chance that your policy will provide coverage for a breast reduction. To qualify for coverage, you need to demonstrate that your surgery is “medically necessary.”
If your breasts are causing you physical pain or other distress, and other measures, such as taking medication to ease back pain, choosing a different bra, or trying out physical therapy, haven’t helped, then your insurance might cover the surgery. It’s a good idea to discuss insurance options with your surgeon in advance. You might also want to call up your insurance company and find out what documentation they need to approve your surgery.
How Do I Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Reduction?
After you’ve decided whether or not breast reduction is right for you, the next thing to carefully consider is the surgeon you want to work with. Ideally, you should choose a plastic surgeon who’s board-certified and who has experience performing breast reductions.
Really take the time to get to know your surgeon before you decide to move forward and schedule your surgery. Ask them questions you have about the surgery and evaluate their bedside manner and tone when they respond. Talk to other patients if you can and ask them about their experience. You can also look at before and after pictures to get an idea of the type of results the surgeon is capable of producing.
Dr. Paul Vitenas has spent nearly the past 30 years helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. If you’re interested in learning more about breast reduction and your individual candidacy, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today!