Breast reduction is a surgical approach that aims to reduce the volume of oversized breasts. This is commonly performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons. This procedure is performed on women who are troubled by large, sagging breasts that limit their activities and cause them physical and social discomfort.
Breast Reduction can Improve Your Health and Your Self-Esteem
Women who have disproportionately large breasts can experience both physical and emotional distress. Emotionally, women may experience self-esteem issues and feelings of self-consciousness which can be equally as distressing as the physical pain. Physical discomforts that can result from having breasts that are too large can include:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain.
- Skin rashes or chafing underneath their breasts.
- Indentions and pain on the skin of the shoulders and back from wearing a bra.
- Limited physical activity.
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly.
What to Expect During a Breast Reduction Consultation
If you are suffering from breasts that are too large and out of proportion to the rest of your body, Dr. Won can help you! During your consultation, she will go over all of your options with you, and she will help you determine the best way to accomplish your desired results, based on your individual needs.
During your appointment, your overall health will be evaluated, and a breast examination will be performed. Dr. Won will discuss the anesthetic technique, potential drawbacks, and expected results.
Dr. Won will review any medical issues, previous treatments or surgeries, and drug allergies with you. She will also ask about any family history of breast cancer and whether you have undergone biopsies or mammograms before.
What to Expect From Breast Reduction Surgery
Reduction mammaplasty, or breast reduction surgery, removes excess glandular tissue, skin, and breast fat to decrease the size and weight of the breasts. Liposuction may be used in addition to excision procedures, depending on what is best for each individual to reduce the breast size.
In this type of procedure, the nipple remains attached to its original nerve and blood supply, and the areola can be reduced in size. As the breast tissue is reduced, it is also reshaped for a pleasing appearance. For women who have very large and pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be transplanted to a higher position on the breast.
Women who have breast reduction surgery report feeling better physically and emotionally since they are able to perform everyday functions so much easier, and the social stigma is eliminated. For patients who have suffered for years due to enlarged breasts, a breast reduction can be life-changing.
Are you a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction candidates should be non-smokers who are in good physical health. It is important that candidates are at or near their ideal weight, as weight fluctuations can affect the results of cosmetic breast surgery.
Similarly, women who plan to have children are typically advised to postpone breast reduction surgery until their family is complete. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to change considerably, which could compromise breast reduction results.
Candidates should also have realistic expectations for the outcome of a breast reduction surgery. You will be able to view before and after photos of Dr. Won’s previous patients and ask her any questions you may have in order to understand what improvements are possible with this procedure.
Breast Reduction Recovery
The breast reduction surgery recovery period might range from two to six weeks. You may need to take two to three weeks off work and will need help with childcare and household tasks. After surgery, you shouldn’t stretch, work out hard, or perform heavy lifting for up to six weeks.
There may be some pain and discomfort following breast reduction surgery, although this varies from person to person; these can be addressed with painkillers as prescribed. The progress of your recovery will be evaluated during your post-operative appointment.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
The price of your reduction mammaplasty will depend on the complexity of achieving your desired outcome. The techniques required and the total surgery time will affect the overall cost. We have an insurance coordinator for those wishing to look into insurance coverage for procedures that qualify.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Won
To find out how a breast reduction in Seattle can help you achieve more proportionate breast contours that fit your lifestyle and personal aesthetic, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!
Your Breast Reduction will be performed at Eviva Surgery Center located in Shoreline