Breast reduction is not as widely talked about as breast augmentation or breast lift surgery, but it’s equally beneficial for the right patient. If you have overly large breasts that impact your lifestyle and health, a breast reduction procedure can be life-changing. Women with uncomfortably large breasts who have the procedure achieve notable physical and emotional relief.
If you are contemplating breast reduction, you will have several questions regarding the procedure. Here are our answers to some of your pressing breast reduction questions.
How Does Breast Reduction Procedure Work?
During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will remove breast fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin from the breasts to reduce the size and create a lifting effect. They can also reduce the size of the areola to be in proportion to your new, smaller breasts. You don’t need to have a separate breast lift procedure, as this is part of most breast reductions.
The procedure can take up to 2 to 3 hours and is performed while you are under general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will advise you to wear a compression garment or sports bra for a few weeks after the procedure.
How Painful Is Breast Reduction?
You should expect some discomfort after the procedure as your breast tissue will be swollen and bruised. You may also temporarily lose sensation in your breast skin and nipples. Most women can handle post-op discomfort well with the help of pain medication. In addition to breast discomfort and numbness, you may feel a loss of energy or that fluid is moving in your breasts.
These are all normal symptoms and should subside in a few weeks. Make sure to give yourself plenty of rest while your body is healing from your breast reduction.
How Long Is Breast Reduction Recovery?
After your procedure, you will need to refrain from strenuous activities for at least 7 days. Incorporate gentle movement into your daily routine during the first week to boost healing and promote blood circulation. You should be able to return to work about a week after the procedure. You can continue to wear compression garments for extra support for as long as you feel comfortable.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you may be a good candidate if you are:
- Physically healthy
- A non-smoker
- Realistic about what the procedure can and cannot accomplish
- Limiting your physical activities due to breast discomfort and self-consciousness
- Experiencing back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
You can also choose to combine your breast reduction with a body sculpting procedure such as liposuction or a tummy tuck to contour your body and enhance your breast reduction results.
Will My Breasts Grow Back After a Reduction?
Your breasts will not grow back after a reduction, but they may fluctuate in size during recovery. Additionally, if you gain weight after the procedure, fat cells in the breast may expand, making breasts larger. However, the fat cells removed from your breasts during the procedure are permanently eliminated.
Getting a breast reduction for your large breasts can significantly change your quality of life. If you are ready to change your body for the better, request a consultation or call us at (850) 219-2000 to schedule an appointment.
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