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Breast Reduction What should I expect from the consultation? A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast reduction. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure. You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:
When examining your breasts, your plastic surgeon will consider there size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of the nipples. Measurements and photographs may be taken for your medical record. Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction to relieve medical symptoms: however, coverage may depend on a significant amount of breast tissue being removed. A letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Your surgeon's office staff will help you with insurance matters related to the procedure. If you are seeking a purely cosmetic change in your breast size, you pay for the procedure yourself. How is breast reduction performed?
The specific method chosen for your breast reduction will be determined by your anatomy, your surgeon's preferences and your desired results. The most common method uses a three-part incision. One part of the incision is made around the areola (nipple area). Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third part is a horizontal incision beneath the breast, which follows the natural curve of the breast crease. After the surgeon has removed the excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually larger than ideal, is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour, especially on the sides of the breasts. The nipples and areolas usually remain attached to their underlying tissue as they are moved the their higher position-much like a button being moved to a higher buttonhole--and this may allow for pre-preservation of sensation. This method may also preserve the ability to breast-feed, although it is not guaranteed. The type of incision used for your breast reduction may vary, depending on the size and shape of your breasts and desired amount of reduction. Women who seek a smaller reduction in size may be able to avoid the horizontal incision that runs underneath the breast. Other incisional techniques may be used in some instances. Women whose breasts contain a significant amount of fatty tissue may find that Liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size with only minimal scars. |
