Breast Reduction FAQ
Common breast reduction FAQ’s to provide information and guidance for your journey
Breast Reduction FAQ
Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce the size of the breasts due to pain and discomfort often associated with large, heavy breasts. A breast reduction will reshape the breasts so they are more proportionate to your body’s overall shape and size. In addition to relieving the pain and discomfort, a breast reduction procedure will create balance and enhance your body’s natural curves.
Candidates for breast reduction surgery are women with large breasts that cause discomfort and pain to the neck, shoulders, and back. Large breasts may appear visibly disproportionate and cause embarrassment. Women who wish to have their breast size reduced with breast reduction surgery should be in good physical health and have realistic goals.
If you are a teenager, Dr. Chen Lee may recommend that you wait until your breasts are fully developed before proceeding to breast reduction surgery. Waiting until breast maturation eliminates the unpredictable effects of adolescent growth and permits precise reduction of the breast to the final desired shape, symmetry, and size.
In a breast lift (mastopexy) procedure the skin is tightened but no breast tissue is removed. The breast volume and bra cup size remains the same. In contrast, a breast reduction is performed by surgically removing breast tissue. As a result, the breast will have a diminished volume of tissue and will fit into a smaller bra cup size. Dr. Chen Lee sends all of the excised breast tissue to the medical laboratory for pathological analysis.
Dr. Chen Lee sends all excised breast tissue for analysis by a medical specialist in the field of pathology. While not common, there is a possibility that an underlying abnormal condition in the breast will be revealed in the excised tissues that were not previously apparent. Examples of abnormal findings might include pre-cancerous or early cancer of the breast. When detected early, treatment will often yield improved outcomes.
This depends on your breast shape and general physique. Most women find that their bra size is reduced by one cup size following a breast reduction (ie. from C cup to B cup size breast).
The scars are located around the nipple, down to the breast fold, and under the breast along the breast fold. Dr. Chen Lee uses resorbable sutures that dissolve slowly yielding better scars. Typically, the scars become red in the early months following surgery and then slowly fade into a pale skin tone color.
Nipple sensation is often diminished or absent after a breast reduction.
While it might be possible in some instances to breastfeed, most women find that they are not able to generate sufficient breast milk to fully sustain their infant. To avoid this potential problem, many women postpone their desired breast reduction procedure until they have completed their family.
During your consultation before the procedure, Dr. Chen Lee will explain what you can expect during recovery from a breast reduction procedure. He will give you instructions on how to take care of yourself and when you can return to your daily activities.
The recovery time for breast reduction depends on your general health, the volume of breast reduced, and your social support at home after breast reduction. To aid in your recovery, it is important to have a good social network to assist in your daily chores and allow you plenty of rest. Most patients return to work within 4 weeks following their breast reduction procedure.
Following breast reduction surgery, many benefits are realized. Some of the greatest benefits experienced by women following breast reduction surgery are:
- Relief of pain in the neck, shoulders, and back caused by large breasts.
- A more balanced overall physical appearance with well-proportioned breasts.
- A more active lifestyle with a better ability to physically participate in high-intensity sporting activities.
- A better selection of clothing options.
Next Steps…
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