Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Overly-large breasts can cause a number of problems for women, including chronic pain in the neck, back, or shoulders. Breast reduction surgery is done to reduce the size of too-large breasts and reshape them so that they are more proportionate to the body.
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Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Women who have backaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, skin irritation, poor posture, numbness, grooves in their shoulders from bra straps, or difficulty breathing due to their large breasts can often benefit from breast reduction surgery. However, if you have a history of irregular mammograms, undiagnosed lumps or masses, severe obesity, or clotting disorders, this procedure may not be a good match for you. Overall, the best way to determine your candidacy is through a consultation with Dr. Cusimano.
Breast Reduction Before And After
During a breast reduction, one of three incisions is used. These potential breast reduction scars include the donut incision, the keyhole incision, or the anchor incision.
Donut Incision
Keyhole Incision
is created around the border of the areolas and vertically down to the breast crease.
Anchor Incision
Once the necessary tissue has been removed, incisions are closed up with sutures and if necessary, drains may be placed to collect excess fluid during recovery. Drains are not always necessary depending on the specific procedure steps.
Before & After
GALLERY
Recovery From Breast Reduction
Following your breast reduction procedure, you will have surgical dressings over your upper chest and be wearing a specialized surgical bra as well as any drains that may be necessary. Swelling and bruising are the most common side effects immediately after breast reduction surgery, and any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication.
If drains are placed, they are usually removed at your first follow-up appointment, which is within the first week after surgery. Swelling can last for 4-6 weeks before it begins to dissipate. Patients should refrain from excessive activity and exercise for about 6-8 weeks. It is important to follow Dr. Cusimano’s specific post-op instructions for best results.
Results of Breast Reduction
The obvious results of breast reduction are removing excess breast tissue while maintaining enough structure and skin to provide a natural-looking physique. The goal of this cosmetic surgery is sometimes to relieve medical symptoms that may be covered by insurance, but other patients choose breast reduction surgery simply to obtain a better-looking breast shape.
For these reasons, the specific results from your unique reduction mammaplasty will vary for almost every other patient. Dr. Cusimano encourages potential candidates for breast reductions to research before-and-after photos of people with similar physical characteristics and surgical results to see if the outcome the plastic surgeon achieved for that patient aligns with your expectations from surgery.
Breast Reduction FAQS
CAN BREAST GROW BACK AFTER REDUCTION?
In extremely rare cases, breast tissue may grow back after a breast reduction. This typically occurs after breast reduction patients become pregnant, take birth control pills, or gain weight.
DOES BREAST SIZE AFFECT WEIGHT?
Breast size does affect your weight, especially if the tissue is dense.
CAN YOU DRINK ALCOHOL AFTER BREAST REDUCTION?
You should avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours after your breast reduction surgery, or until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication.
DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR BREAST REDUCTION?
Insurance often covers breast reduction surgery. However, it is typical for your provider to require evidence that other nonsurgical therapies have not been successful in treating the problems related to your excessively large breasts.
DO YOU LOSE FEELING IN YOUR NIPPLES AFTER BREAST REDUCTION?
It is possible to lose sensation in your nipples after a breast reduction. This may be temporary or permanent.
CAN A BREAST REDUCTION BE COMBINED WITH A BREAST LIFT?
Breast reduction is routinely paired with a breast lift. This achieves both a smaller size and a more lifted position of the breasts.
DOES WEIGHT GAIN INCREASE BREAST SIZE?
Weight gain can increase breast size, but some patients may have genetically larger breasts regardless of their weight.
DO YOU LOSE WEIGHT AFTER BREAST REDUCTION?
A breast reduction may result in a few pounds of weight loss depending on the amount of tissue that is removed. Many patients also lose weight after the procedure as they find it easier to exercise.
HAS ANYONE HAD A SECOND BREAST REDUCTION?
Second breast reductions are possible depending on the technique used in the initial procedure.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY CUP SIZE?
Some women can reduce the size of their breasts by losing weight through diet and exercise, but others will require breast reduction surgery.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU NEED A BREAST REDUCTION?
Some signs that you would benefit from a breast reduction include back, neck, or shoulder pain, chafing, difficulty finding clothing that fits properly, or difficulty performing certain activities including exercise.
CAN I GET PREGNANT AFTER BREAST REDUCTION?
A breast reduction will not affect your ability to get pregnant, and should not affect your ability to breastfeed. Some patients choose to wait until they are no longer planning to have children, as the breasts will grow and change during pregnancy. However, this is not always necessary.