Breast Reduction Surgery - Health - Plastic Surgery

Reduction mammoplasty is the technical term for breast reduction surgery. The operation is done to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from disproportionately large breasts. Many women who have breast reduction surgery do so because of the physical discomfort their too-large breasts cause, such as back and shoulder pain. Some women have the surgery to make their breasts in better proportion to the rest of their body.

One happy side effect of breast reduction surgery is that their ability to participate in sports and other activities increases, and this causes their self esteem to go up as well. Breast reduction surgery is, however, a major surgical procedure, and it is vital that any woman considering it find a board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and top skills in performing this type of operation. Surgeons should be happy to present prospective patients with pictures of some of the work they have done.

Breast reduction surgery has all the usual risks that come along with major surgery, such as excess bleeding, infection, or problems related to general anesthesia. Some possible effects of the surgery may include visible scarring, loss of nipple sensation, and in some cases loss of the nipple and areola altogether. In some cases a new areola can be permanently tattooed on by a skilled medical tattoo artist. There is also the risk of some asymmetry, possibly pronounced enough to require further surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is done under general anesthesia in a hospital. Though the specifics will be tailored to the individual patient, one common technique is the creation of an anchor shaped incision that starts underneath the areola downward, and from one side to the other in the crease under the breast. Going in through this incision, excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed and the breast is made smaller. Normally the areola and nipple remain attached during surgery, but there are cases when they must be detached and reattached higher up, so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing result. One of the possible outcomes is the loss of sensation and inability to breastfeed. Each patient must weigh the pros and cons of having the surgery versus having the ability to breastfeed if she has not yet finished having children.

Sometimes breast reduction surgery is performed on girls who are still in their teens, but most surgeons recommend waiting until age 18 or older when the breasts should be fully developed. Some surgeons suggest waiting until they are through having children to have the surgery because it can interfere with the ability to breastfeed.

Unlike most forms of cosmetic surgery, breast reduction plastic surgery is sometimes covered in part or in full by health insurance plans. In some cases, the excessive weight of the breasts can cause other medical problems such as serious back problems, and the insurance company may pay if they believe the benefit of the breast reduction surgery may prevent other more serious problems later on. Anyone considering breast reduction surgery should consult not only with a board certified surgeon, but also with their insurance company to learn whether insurance will help with the costs.