BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?

Any woman in good health who feels that her breasts are too large for her body is a good candidate for a breast reduction.

2. Where are the incisions made, and are there any visible breast reduction scars?

The incisions are either made around the nipple and down the inferior part of the breast, or around the nipple, down the breast, and under the breast in an “anchor” pattern. There will always be visible scars following surgery.

3. Are the results from breast reduction surgery permanent?

Yes, your results are permanent unless you go through a major weight gain or become pregnant.

4. Can breast reduction correct breast asymmetry?

In some cases a breast reduction can correct symmetry, but this depends upon a patient’s individual anatomy.

5. What are the risks involved with breast reduction surgery?

The risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, inability to breastfeed, nipple loss, and a loss of or change in nipple sensation.

6. Are there different types of breast reduction procedures?

The type of breast reduction is determined by how the blood supply to the nipple is maintained. In some cases this comes from the inner part of the breast, and in other cases it comes from the lower or superior part.

7. How long does it take to get back to my normal activities after breast reduction surgery?

Most patients are able to return to normal activities within several days following surgery. Exercise and sexual activity should be limited for 2 weeks following surgery.

8. How is the recovery after breast reduction surgery?

Most patients note only soreness of the breast following surgery, and many are off pain medication within two days. Light activity is permitted the same day of surgery, but heavy lifting and exercise are restricted for two weeks following surgery.

9. Will my surgery be covered by health insurance?

This depends on your insurance company. Most insurance companies will cover breast reduction if the patient can demonstrate some level of physical impairment secondary to the weight of her breasts.

10. What is the appropriate age for breast reduction surgery? Is 17 too young?

Ideally a patient should hold on a breast reduction until her breasts have stopped growing. However, in some young women, their breasts are so large that an early reduction may be necessary to reduce discomfort and self-consciousness.