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Breast Reduction Mammoplasty
Cost from $ 4,150
Cost with Financing $ 102 per month
The Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of large, pendulous breast. Reduction Mammoplasty will create smaller, more youthful and healthy appearing breasts.
Women frequently choose breast reduction because of severe back, neck and shoulder aches created by the large size of their breasts also the feeling that they are severely limited in what clothing they feel they can wear. The physical discomfort that is caused by very heavy, large breasts can limit participation in certain activities or exercise, In addition, breasts that are out of proportion to a women's body can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness.
Breast reduction can be performed at any age on a healthy woman, but it is usually recommended to wait until the breasts are fully developed. Some women decide to wait to have the surgery until their childbearing is over since childbirth and breastfeeding can cause unpredictable changes to the breasts and breast-feeding may not be possible after breast reduction surgery.
The Reduction / Mammoplasty Procedure
There are several different techniques and incisions that can be used to reduce the breasts. The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. This is the most common style being used in the US.
The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, skin and fat, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position to match the breasts new contours. The surgeon then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may sometimes be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.
New options for Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty
The latest advancements in Breast Reduction surgery today have made several important advancements you should be aware of. Formally Breast Reductions and most breast lifts were done with what had been called an inverted T or anchor scar. This placed an incision around the nipple-areola, one vertically downward from there and one in the fold. This operation enhanced the shape of the breast while reducing and/or lifting it. However, some patient's formed very visible scars following this operation that did not resolve over time. This left the patient with a better shape but with scars on her breast that were sometimes noticeable in bathing suits and lower cut tops.
In order to minimize large scars, new techniques have now been developed in the Europe and South America to limit the amount of scarring. In most cases the scar can be either limited to around the nipple-areola, or for larger breasts a short vertical scar going down from the areola. With this technique the incision under the breast has now been done away with. This is great news if you are thinking about a Breast Reduction
Better result with less scarring!
Very few surgeons in the United States have adopted or are even aware of this technique, but at SSI, we use exclusively South American trained Plastic Surgeons, We have been offering minimal scar Breast Reductions for several years now. We have had great results with patients who have been very happy that they have gone with this newer technique.
With breast surgery Our goal is to give each patient the most attractive looking breast with as little scarring as possible.
FAQ: Breast Reduction
1. Who is a candidate for Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty ?(top)
The best candidates for breast reduction are women:
- Is at least 18 years of age or older
- Educated to fully understand the procedure
- Whose activities are hindered due to large breasts
- Has physical discomfort due to large breasts
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Not intending to breast feed in the future
- In good physical and psychological health
- Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
- Realistic in their expectations from surgery
-The above is only a partial list that your surgeon will consider in deciding whether this procedure is right for you.
2. What are some of the most common benefits of breast reduction/ Mammoplasty?(top)
Breast reduction is very successful at reducing the weight of very heavy breasts, making it easier to enjoy an active lifestyle and a wider range of cloths which flatter you. Women find that this surgery often relieves chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. The Main benefit of the Reduction is functional, but you also get a breast lift, which will enhance your appearance and improve your body shape.
3. Do I need any special tests or X-rays for Breast Reduction Mammoplasty?(top)
If you are in good health and you want a local anesthetic, you may not need any special tests or X-rays. If you suffer from a serious illness, such as diabetes, your surgeon may order tests or suggest you see your treating physician. If you are going to have a general anesthetic, the anesthesiologist may order special tests to prepare for the anesthetic. Most plastic surgeons take photographs before and after surgery. If you are over 35 you should have a mammogram.
4. How much pain is there for Breast Reduction /Mammoplasty ?(top)
Although the surgical incision for this surgery is quite large, it is placed in areas of the breast that are not too sensitive. In addition, due to the fact that the nerves to the breast skin have been stretched out by the weight of the breasts over a long time, the skin is less sensitive. Thus, the pain after surgery is usually easily managed with oral pain medications. Initially, there is discomfort in walking, getting out of bed, and any activity that causes the breasts to move. You will probably be sore for the first few days after surgery.
5. When can I get back to normal??(top)
Although you may be up and about the next day, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should absolutely avoid lifting or pushing anything over 10 pounds for three weeks. Most women return to work in about two weeks. Avoid sex for a week or more, sexual arousal will cause your incisions to swell, and absolutely avoid anything but very gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.
6. Are there any risks involved in Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty?(top)
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to anesthesia. Some patients can develop small sores around their nipples after surgery. These can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following the instructions SSI and Your Surgeon provide you before and after surgery.
The procedure leaves noticeable, permanent scars, although your bra or bathing suit can cover them. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. A lot more!! You should stop smoking at least one month before your surgery date!!).
Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery will remove many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Very rarely, some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Very rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die; the nipple and areola will then need to be rebuilt using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.
7. What is the long-term outcome for Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty like for most people?(top)
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction has probably the most immediate dramatic results. Your physical discomfort is gone, your shape is better proportioned, and clothes fit better. Most women are very happy with the results. A typical thing we hear a lot is “I should have done this years ago”. Your surgeon will make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible, but the scarring from this surgery is permanent. These scars remain pink or brown for several years. For some women, the scars can become wider; but for others, they fade and become less noticeable. (Poor healing and wider scars are much more common in smokers.) Fortunately, the scars are in areas that are not seen unless you are topless, and will be hidden by bathing suits. Breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
8. Can I combine Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty with other procedures?(top)
Absolutely, it is quite common to add a tummy tuck or other procedure. A major trend in the last few years is for patients to have more than one operation at the same time. This reduces your cost greatly and you only have to go through one period of recovery. This does not normally increase the normal risks of surgery.
9. How should I prepare for surgery?(top)
Your Surgeon will require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You will also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, not smoking, and avoiding certain medications that affect your bleeding during surgery, like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. .
10. What happens after Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty surgery?(top)
After your surgery, you'll be wrapped in a special surgical bra over gauze dressings. You will probably feel some pain for the first day especially when you move around. We highly recommend a good stack of DVD's and rest. Your surgeon will prescribe light pain medication . There will be swelling and your doctor may prescribe a pharmaceutical grade Arnica montana for the relief of this. There may be some bruising but Arnica montana will help alleviate some of this.
You should be wearing your bra 24 hours a day for the first 3 weeks. After the 21 day period, the bra should be worn at least during the day time for several months. The surgical tape that is over the suture lines should not be removed as your surgeon will remove them in approximately 10-15 days.
You may sponge bath for the first 3 days after surgery as you must not get the bandage wet. You can remove the bra after 8 days but only to put on a fresh one. Replace the bra quickly after washing. After 14 days a normal shower may be taken. Be sure to replace the bra immediately after showering or bathing.
11. What bra size will you be following Breast Reduction/ Mammoplasty surgery?(top)
Your breasts will be examined and measured; factors like skin tone, your individual body type and your desired outcome are all factors you and your surgeon will discuss what proportion will be ideal as well as what is possible surgically. Your surgeon will also discuss the size and position of the areola and nipple that are “lifted” during the surgery. Your surgeon will photograph your breasts for reference before and after surgery. Be very clear and honest about your hopes and expectations from your surgery. Your surgeon’s goal is to provide you with great results that you’ll be happy with.
12. Is breast reduction permanent?(top)
Yes, Breast Reduction is permanent. Although the remaining fat cells will swell and enlarge if you over eat and gain a lot of weight. Breast tissue will still swell and be tender to the touch when affected by natural or synthetic hormones. If you are taking hormone supplements it is possible to gain small amounts of breast tissue back.
13. What is Arnica montana, I have heard that it reduces swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?(top)
Also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort
Plant family: Asteraceae
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Parts used: Roots and flowers
Habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures.
Warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed. Arnica montana has been used in Europe for centuries to treat swelling, soreness and bruising. This product is often misunderstood when confused with ingesting the arnica plant in its raw form. When properly prepared, Arnica may significantly decrease healing time or the appearance of such. There are many formulations from different companies although many sub-lingual (under the tongue) brands can be considered mild and not strong enough for more traumatic planned traumas such as plastic surgery. There is a stronger formulation that many plastic surgeons recommend for their patients. Many patients do use weaker formulations available and standard health food stores. Ask your surgeon before using anything new! .
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