what is Breast Reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery by Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Shenaq, can you help if your breasts are causing you pain and discomfort, unwanted attention, and don’t fit correctly in your clothes. Also known as reduction mammaplasty, a breast reduction effectively reduces the breast size and weight, helping you enjoy a more active and comfortable lifestyle. It also relieves some of the symptoms related to the size of the breasts like physical activity limitations, and posture problems. We also know that women with very large, pendulous breasts tend to have neck and shoulder pain. Dr. Shenaq reshapes the breast, following your natural contours, removing fatty tissue and excess skin. The breasts are then pulled tighter, making them smaller, lifted, and firmer. We perform breast reduction surgeries to remove as much or as little as you want to get your best curves possible.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
While some patients may look for ways to increase the shape of their breasts, for others, overly large breasts have the potential to negatively affect their everyday habits and self-image. A breast reduction surgery at our office in Houston, TX yields a number of benefits to renew your look and enhance your quality of life, including:
- Minimizing the volume and heaviness of the breasts
- Raises and contours the breasts
- Resizes the nipples
- Improves range of motion and activity
- Makes exercise and physical activities simpler
- Removes neck and back pain
- Opens up your wardrobe choices
- Enhances body ratios
- Improves posture
- Helps you obtain more rest
- Helps with skin chafing
- Improves confidence and self-esteem
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Who is a candidate for BREAST REDUCTION?
Do you often feel your breasts are too large or heavy? There are many factors that could lead to a particular patient being considered an ideal candidate. For example, breast reduction surgery is often appropriate for patients that experience:
- Disproportionate breasts compared to their body
- Painfully heavy breasts
- Bra strap grooves in the shoulders
- Limitations on activity
- Slumped posture
What to Expect during BREAST REDUCTION
During a reduction mammaplasty, the surgeon will skillfully remove excess skin and tissue before re-contouring the breasts. The surgeon can choose to implement these incision patterns:
- Incision around the circumference of the areola
- Vertical incision from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast line
- Horizontal incision on the breast line
Liposuction may also be used to safely remove excess tissue in the breast and will minimize scarring as it requires a much smaller incision. It also reduces the risk of losing nipple sensation and discoloration of the areola due to poor blood flow during surgery. The surgeon will discuss the difference between the techniques and help you determine which is best for your needs and goals.
BREAST REDUCTION Considerations
After breast reduction surgery, you may feel immediately lighter, due to the amount of tissue removed. After the surgery, you should wear a compression bra to support the healing process for the first couple of weeks. You will also be given post-operative care instructions and you can pre-schedule your follow-up appointments to help you stay on track during your recovery process. You will need to rest for at least 7-10 days before returning to work. Regular physical activities can be resumed within 6-8 weeks. In some patients, it may take a year for nipple sensitivity to return to normal.
Breast Reduction FAQ
Will my nipples be moved with a breast reduction?
Usually, the nipples and areola will be moved up to a higher position on the breast during the surgery. If a large amount of tissue and skin is being removed, your nipple-areola are may be cut out and moved. Dr. Shenaq will choose an incision technique — so the nipple and areola are easy to move higher. It's also possible to perform an areolatome to reduce the size of the areolas. Your options will be explained in your consultation before Dr. Shenaq helps you choose the best plan to meet your goals.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Reduction surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed. Although some women can still breastfeed after a reduction, others cannot. It's difficult to predict whether your surgery will interfere with breastfeeding. This is why Dr. Shenaq recommends that patients be finished with breastfeeding before considering breast reduction surgery.
Can my breasts re-grow after surgery?
After reduction surgery, your breasts can get bigger or smaller with dramatic weight changes. This is why it is helpful to be at a healthy weight before your surgery that you can easily maintain. During your consultation, Dr. Shenaq will discuss the best ways to prepare for your reduction and what you should do after your procedure to ensure you are happy with your results.
How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
The cost of your breast reduction surgery will be discussed with Dr. Shenaq during your consultation. When he has created your personal treatment plan, it is easier to estimate your costs, including facility fees, anesthesia, and more. Reduction surgery usually leads to a dramatic improvement in a patient's life, which is why our team will help you find low-interest medical financing to make your treatment easy to afford. We will also help you talk to your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers some of your expenses.
Will my insurance cover breast reduction?
In some cases, your health insurance may pay part of the cost of breast reduction surgery at Plastic Surgery of Houston if it is considered medically necessary. If you are considering using your insurance, tell Dr. Shenaq so he can help you with your insurance claim. You should contact your provider to find out if your specific policy might pay for the surgery and the information they need. Your insurance might need measurements like your weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
The duration of a breast reduction surgery at Plastic Surgery of Houston can vary based on several factors, including the extent of reduction, your anatomy, and the surgical technique employed. On average, a breast reduction procedure typically takes around 2 – 4 hours. During your consult with Dr. Shenaq, he can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances and goals.
Freedom From Pain and discomfort
Imagine living with lighter, more proportionate breasts that allow you to be comfortable in your clothes. Relieve your neck, shoulders, and back of the aching from carrying around extra weight. Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation to learn more about breast reduction surgery.
