Do you feel that your large breasts affect your daily life? Do you have back and neck pain, or shoulder pain and headaches? Do you wear baggy clothes to hide your overabundance of breasts? Large breasts are not just a fact of life for some woman. They can negatively affect a woman’s self-esteem, health, and overall quality of life. A breast reduction is more than removing excess tissue and fat. The breast itself is sculpted into a smaller, perkier shape. The techniques and incision patterns used are essentially the same as those used in a breast lift. Results of a breast reduction are seen and felt immediately. Most patients heal well after breast reduction, but normal, visible scars on the breast are a tradeoff for better proportion between your breast and body and for an improved physical and emotional quality of life. As one of Dr. Mariotti’s patient’s puts it “The scars don’t bother me at all. I just wished I had done this 20 years ago!”
How long does the surgery last?
A breast reduction will typically take 2 1/2 hours. General anesthesia is used and you are typically discharged from the surgery center the following morning.
After the surgery…
After the procedure, you go home light dressings that covers the incisions. You are able to shower the next morning.
Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Insurance coverage is sometimes available for breast reduction surgery. Many factors determine your eligibility, including the specific terms of your insurance policy and the amount of breast tissue to be removed. In today’s world, insurance companies are placing stricter criteria for coverage and a letter of predetermination is usually required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Many carriers require the documenation of conservative treatment such as supportive bras, physical therapy, and anti-infammatory medications prior to approval. Dr. Mariotti and his staff will discuss these matters with you.
What will the scars look like?
Breast reduction scars can be unpredictable. Although Dr. Mariotti utilizes every tool and technique to minimize the noticability of the scars, every patient heals differently. Some patients heal with fine white scars, while others make thicker scars. The best predictor of yoru scar outcome is other scars that your may have.
When can I resume my normal activities?
After breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but such feelings are normal.
What else is often performed at the same time?
Depending on each patient’s breast size and shape, liposuction can be performed on the outer aspects of the breast and under the armpits to reduce the bulge in this area that commonly accompanies large breasts. |
