Breast Reduction Pittsburgh
While many surgeries focus on increasing the size and volume of one’s breasts, there are in fact surgeries aimed towards reducing the size of one’s breast. For those women whose breasts are so large so that they cause neck, shoulder, or back pain or lower their self-esteem may be eligible for breast reduction surgery, in which excessive breast tissue is removed from the breast and the surrounding skin is tightened. Today’s post is dedicated to discussing who is an eligible candidate for breast reconstruction surgery and how we at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology can help.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is a procedure in which part of the breasts are removed. Typically, those women who experience neck, shoulder, and back pain due to their large breasts, find that their breasts inhibit their movement, or whose breasts negatively affect their self-esteem may elect to undergo breast reconstruction surgery (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, WebMD).
Breast reduction surgeries are typically performed using one of two techniques: the anchor/keyhole incision technique and the vertical/lollipop incision technique. The anchor/keyhole incision technique is best for those with very large, pendulous breasts and involves making incisions around the areola, along the breast crease, and down the breast. Conversely, the vertical/lollipop incision technique is better for those with moderately-sized breasts and who wish to minimize scarring, as the lollipop incision technique requires fewer incisions than the anchor incision technique. When using the lollipop incision method, Dr. Brian V. Heil will make incisions around the areola and down towards the breast crease, making a shape that resembles a lollipop or tennis racquet. After the incisions are made, excess tissue is removed and the skin is tightened. The incisions will then be closed with stitches and tape that can reduce scarring. Afterwards, Dr. Heil will fit your with a support bra that can support your newly-reduced breasts. If you are interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we suggest watching this video or calling us at 724-264-3608.
How do I Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, it is important that you refrain from smoking and excessive drinking for several weeks in advance and avoid taking certain medications that could thin the blood or encourage bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some anti-inflammatory medications It is also strongly suggested that you have a mammogram exam shortly before and after your surgery, so as to ensure that there are no drastic changes in the breast. Patients should also undergo a physical checkup and any pertinent lab tests shortly before the surgery so as to ensure that you are physically fit to undergo surgery. Some women may be asked to lose weight before surgery, which may help to reduce the size of your breasts (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Mayo Clinic, Prevention.com). Dr. Brian V. Heil will make sure to discuss any other pre-surgery measures and answer any and all questions that you may have regarding breast reduction.
Who Should Undergo Breast Reduction?
Women who are in generally good health and whose breast size negatively impacts their physical or mental well-being are all potential candidates for breast reduction surgery. Specifically, if you find that you have chronic back, neck or shoulder pain, a rash or irritation beneath your breasts, pain when wearing a bra or indentations in your skin from wearing a bra, limited mobility, and a poor sense of self-esteem due to your breasts, then you are likely a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Additionally, women who undergo breast reconstruction should be at a healthy weight (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Mayo Clinic).
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of breast reduction surgery will vary from patient to patient and according the number of visits required and the type of breast reduction surgery selected. We at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology wish to accommodate each patient’s financial situation and offer financing options for those who prefer to pay over several months. If you are interested in learning more about financing, we suggest reading our financing page or calling us at 724-264-3608.
What Happens After the Surgery? Are There Any Side Effects?
Most women who undergo breast reduction surgery are very happy with the results and seldom face any unusual or chronic adverse affects. However, no surgery is completely risk-free. After surgery, you breasts will be swaddled in bandages and a small tube may be placed beneath each arm so as to drain excess fluids. Dr. Brian V. Heil will also fit you with a support bra that can help the breasts to heal. Women are generally recommended to take at least a week off from work to recover, as your breasts will feel very swollen and sensitive for these first few days. However, you should refrain from most strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least two to four weeks after undergoing surgery. We also recommend that you do not lift your arms above your shoulders for the first few days after surgery (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, WebMD).
With this surgical procedure, women face the risk of having an adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood clotting, scarring or skin discoloration, poor wound healing, a heightened risk for infection, irregularities in breast shape, and imperfect breast symmetry. In certain cases, women may also experience fat tissue necrosis, deep vein thrombosis, complications with one’s pulmonary or cardiac system, and damage to the blood vessels, lungs, muscles, and nerves. Some women may also experience some difficulty with breast feeding and experience a hardening of the breast or excessive fluid accumulation. Patients should also take note that pregnancy or drastic weight loss/gain after undergoing breast reduction surgery may affect the size and shape of the breasts. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Prevention). In the hands of our expert team at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, however, the risk of these complications is greatly reduced.
Why Should I Pick Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology?
We at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology believe in providing the highest level of care possible to our patients. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of numerous professional medical societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Heil has also authored or co-authored numerous abstracts, papers, and presentations regarding plastic surgery during his career. Since opening Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in 2001, Dr. Heil and his team at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology have successfully treated thousands of patients.
Bottom Line
Patients whose breasts cause them either physical or mental pain are all potential canidates to undergo breast reduction surgery. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil or would like to know more about our services, we suggest calling us at 724-264-3608 or sending us an email.
