By Dr. Anna Pavlov
For many women, large breasts are more than a cosmetic concern; they are a daily struggle. Breast-reduction surgery is a medically supported solution for women experiencing chronic pain, poor posture, skin irritation and emotional distress due to disproportionately large breasts. With an over 95% satisfaction rate, this life-changing procedure helps thousands of women each year to improve their physical health and quality of life.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE BENEFITS?
Patients who undergo breast-reduction surgery will see improvements in several areas, including:
- Neck, back and shoulder pain
- Shoulder grooving from bra straps
- Skin rashes and irritation underneath the breasts
- Posture
- Good quality sleep
- Finding clothes that fit properly
- Ability to exercise comfortably
WHO QUALIFIES, AND WHEN IS IT MEDICALLY NECESSARY?
For insurance to cover breast reduction, you must demonstrate that your breast size affects your quality of life. Most insurance companies will require the patient to complete a course of conservative treatment, which can include taking painkillers, wearing supportive bras and doing physical therapy. Insurance companies also will require a certain amount of weight to be removed from each breast, and this is calculated based on the patient’s height and weight. Your plastic surgeon will help guide you through the process of getting insurance approval. If your insurance does not approve your surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide you with a cosmetic surgery price quote.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE, AND WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?
The most important thing to know about breast-reduction surgery is that you are trading the size and shape of your breasts for scars. To reduce the breast size and lift the skin envelope, several cuts must be made: a circular cut around the areola to reduce its size, a vertical cut from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast and a horizontal cut on the underside of the breast, like where a bra underwire would be located.
Breast-reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia that takes about two to four hours. It is not very painful, and most patients take prescription pain medicine for 24-48 hours before switching to over-the-counter pain medication. Recovery time is four weeks, and activity restrictions apply during that period. These typically include no heavy lifting and no exercise. Final results take about three months.
HOW IS A CONSULTATION SCHEDULED?
You can search for a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/
Dr. Anna Pavlov is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Reach her at (228) 897-1400.