Are you considering breast reduction surgery?

annapolis breast reduction

Too many women know the discomfort, inconvenience and emotional stress of having breasts that are too large for their frame. Bra straps dig into shoulders, necks and backs hurt, and flattering clothes can be difficult to find. In addition to being painful, overly large breasts can make a body seem asymmetrical and out of balance. Does this sound familiar? Is your discomfort affecting your self-image and self-confidence, in addition to your health? Our board-certified surgeons perform breast reductions, to positively impact any physical and emotional stress you may be experiencing.

What is a breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty?

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and skin from one or both breasts. It’s alleviates the pain and discomfort that often accompanies large breasts, while also providing breasts that are in proportion with your body.

Dr. Buhrer talks about breast reduction options.

Dr. Buhrer Explains Breast Reduction Procedures

Hi I’m Dr. Paul Buhrer I’m one of the two board certified plastic surgeons here at Plastic Surgery Specialists in Annapolis Maryland. Talking today about breast reductions. Breast reductions are probably one of the most common procedures we do here in the office. Again most people think cosmetic surgery immediately think breast augmentations, but indeed we probably do three to four times as many breast reductions as we do augments. People come in complaining obviously of the neck back and shoulder pain secondary to the weight they’re carrying around on their chest. The relief that patients get from breast reductions is almost immediate after surgery. Patients tell us literally on day one that they can feel the difference in their neck and back and shoulder pain the
procedures done here in our fully accredited ambulatory surgical center facility. It takes about an hour and a half, two hours to do. Patients recover in our recovery room here and then are discharged home. We see them back the following day and then on a weekly basis afterwards for a couple of weeks and then they’re off and running again. If your interested in this procedure feel free to give us a call. Many insurance companies do cover breast reductions so that’s an option to consider as well.

The Breast Reduction Consultation

During a consultation, you’ll meet with one of our board-certified surgeons. In a relaxed, comfortable environment, you’ll discuss:

  • Your goals: why do you want the surgery and what outcome are you hoping for?
  • Your medical history. You’ll talk about things like:
    • Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs and/or herbal supplements?
    • Do you smoke?
    • Have you had any previous surgeries?
  • Your breasts. The doctor will examine, measure and evaluate your breasts. This includes determining how much breast tissue needs to be removed. You may also talk about scheduling a mammogram.
  • Your options. You’ll discuss the different types of breast reduction options, as well as any risks and possible complications.

Be sure to bring your questions. You’ll have plenty of time to ask them. We recommend writing down questions as you think of them, so you won’t forget them. When you leave your consultation, you and your surgeon will have developed the treatment plan that’s right for your needs.

Recovery from Surgery

The results of the operation are immediately visible, though the woman may be surprised that her breasts still seem larger than she would like. This is simply post-operative swelling and disappears over time. Before the client goes home, she’s given specific instructions on how to care for the incisions and the drain.

After a few months, the breasts will settle into their new contours. The great majority of our patients are thrilled with not just the new look of their breasts but happy to be free of discomfort and anxiety.

All patients recover from breast reduction differently. Your surgeon will discuss what recovery will most likely look like for you during the consultation and throughout the surgical process.

An Explanation of the Breast Reduction Procedure

Our breast reduction procedures are performed in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art, ambulatory surgery center in Annapolis. There, your board-certified surgeon will meet with you prior to the procedure to mark your breasts. In the operating room you’ll be given general anesthesia. Our staff will take care of you every step of the way.Your surgeon will remove the excess tissue and lift and reshape your breasts while repositioning the nipples. The sutures used to close the incisions under your skin are dissolvable, so they will not need to be removed.

Once the surgery is completed, you’ll be monitored in the recovery room until you’re ready to go home.

Recovery and Results of a Breast Reduction

You can go home the same day, after you’ve rested a bit. Before you leave, you’ll be given specific instructions for caring for the incisions. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication and some topical creams. You’ll want to use them as prescribed to alleviate any discomfort and help with healing. Make sure to arrange ahead of time for someone to take you home and stay overnight, since you may be groggy from the anesthesia.

You’ll follow up with your surgeon within a few days of your procedure. He’ll remove your bandages and make sure you’re healing correctly. He’ll also let you know when and if he wants to see you again. After a few months, your breasts will settle into their new positions, and any scarring will be easily hidden by a bra or bikini top.

Are there any risks associated with a breast reduction?

The risks associated with a breast lift are low and include many of the same risks you find with other types of surgery, like infection, bleeding, incisions that are slow to heal and problems with anesthesia.  Most patients recover quickly, happy with their reduction in neck and back pain and their decision to do this for themselves.

Do you think you’re a candidate for breast reduction? The only way to know for sure is to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, to get the information you need to decide of a breast reduction is right for you.

Annapolis Breast Reduction FAQs

Annapolis women interested in breast reduction for medical or cosmetic reasons are sure to have many questions regarding the initial consultation, procedure and recovery time. Below are a few answers to frequently asked questions for women considering a breast reduction in Maryland.

I’ve been thinking about getting a breast reduction – can you tell me about this procedure and if it’s covered by insurance?

To reduce breast size, your surgeon will remove excess tissue, fat and skin on the sides and bottom of the breast while lifting and shaping the breast. After surgery you will go home with a light dressing and a support bra. Sutures are usually invisible under the skin and will dissolve after healing is complete. A support bra is worn for a few weeks. Post op, breast reduction patients are very happy due to the relief of pre-opt symptoms and often wish they had done it many years earlier.

What’s really great is that breast reduction surgery is frequently covered by many insurance plans. Plastic Surgery Specialists will assist you with insurance paperwork to make the process smooth.

How can having large breasts affect my overall health?

If you are a woman with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life-enhancing option. Having this procedure will give you far more than just smaller, firmer breasts. You’ll also get significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom with exercise and physical activity, and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles. In fact, of all the procedures plastic surgeons perform, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction.

At what age can I have a breast reduction in Maryland?

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but our plastic surgeons recommend waiting until breast development has stopped.

What can I expect from my first consultation?

Your initial consultation is the first step in considering breast reduction. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure. When examining your breasts, your plastic surgeon will consider their size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of the nipples. Measurements and photographs may be taken for your medical records.

What type of recovery should I expect?

In the day following your procedure, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for only short periods of time. Most of the discomfort you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon. Every person heals at a different rate, but you can expect to move around more comfortably within the first week following surgery. Most women can even return to non-strenuous work after the first week following a breast reduction in Annapolis. After two to three weeks, you may return to most of your normal activities, including mild exercise.

Can I still breastfeed after a breast reduction?

Breastfeeding following a breast reduction procedure should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon. You may still be able to breast feed to a limited degree depending on the type of procedure you are receiving.

Will I have a different feeling/sensation with my breasts after surgery?

Normal breast sensation should return over time. Without the excessive weight of large breasts, you can enjoy a more active lifestyle, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

Will there be scars from this procedure?

Incision lines will be permanently visible, but they will fade over time and are easily concealed by clothing, even most swimsuits and tops with low-cut necklines. Patients find that the positives from a breast reduction are well worth the trade off for scars that improve with time.

Will insurance cover a breast reduction?

Some insurance companies will pay for this surgery to relieve medical symptoms such as back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts, irritation beneath the breasts, indentations in your shoulders caused by tight bra straps, or one breast that is much larger than the other. Coverage may depend on a significant amount of breast tissue being removed, as well.

How should I go about contacting my insurance company?

Prior to surgery, a ‘letter of predetermination’ may be required by your insurance company. Our office staff will help you with insurance matters related to this procedure.