This has to be one of our most satisfying operations. Patients who have struggled with neck, back, and shoulder pain due to breast enlargement are thrilled not only with their pain relief, but with the smaller and more shapely breast that has resulted. The deep shoulder grooves from heavy bras resolve, and patients just look smaller as well.
The above symptoms, with the addition of some headaches, are the typical presentation of someone with excessive breast size. Patients often find that elevating the breasts or lying down help with the symptoms. Deep bra strap grooves and the presence of rashes under the breasts are often associated as well. Patients often have to seek help at specialty bra shops as clothing stores won’t have garments large enough.
This is quite variable from company to company. Generally, if you have neck, back, and shoulder pain due to breast enlargement, and you have rashes or deep grooves, you are a likely a candidate. Usually a referral from a primary care physician or chiropractor to us is required, so it's good to have that lined up ahead of time. The insurance company often requires a certain amount of breast tissue be removed, and we will help you with this estimate. We then send a letter requesting authorization from the insurance company.
This is an outpatient procedure with a general anesthetic. Markings are performed before surgery to get the precise pattern we want. Incisions are made around the areolar, and from the areola to the fold under the breast. Usually there is an incision under the breast as well if you have a lot of extra skin. Be wary of surgeons who advertise breast reduction with small incisions, because frequently those breasts end up drooping again soon. We are comfortable with all the techniques, and will educate you about your best option.
Healing problems, mostly small ones, can occur after breast reduction. Infections and bleeding are uncommon but not impossible. Changes in nipple sensation are usually temporary, but can be permanent. Very rarely a nipple can be lost to a blood supply problem. The breasts may not be the exact same size, or the nipples in the exact same location. Scars might be permanently visible or get thick. For the most part, the patients who have this procedure are so happy with the way they feel that they have remarkably few complaints.
