What is a Breast Reduction Surgery? And other Breast Reduction FAQs
Dr. Phillip Chang
Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
For countless women, the size of their breasts affects the quality of their life. Many women who are gifted with smaller sized breasts claim to be envious of their more well-endowed friends, but these well-meaning remarks often bring to light the fact that bigger doesn’t always mean better.
Having breasts that are extremely large can contribute to back pain, sleeping issues, and diving self-confidence – among other things. Thankfully, there is a solution for those that desire to improve the quality of their lives by taking charge of their chest size: Breast reduction. Read on to have all your questions about breast reductions answered, allowing you to start your journey to the breast size of your dreams with calm confidence.
What is a Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is fairly self-explanatory – it is the surgical process of removing excess amounts of fat and skin tissues that contribute to excess volume in the breast. Breast reduction reduces the size of the breast, improves and redefines the shape, and minimizes the areola and nipple areas as necessary. A breast reduction can even out asymmetrical breasts, and will result in more firm and shapely breasts. Generally, a breast reduction is done in conjunction with a breast lift.
How Long is Recovery from Breast Reduction?
What can you expect after your surgery is complete? The initial one to three days after your breast reduction will be the most uncomfortable, and you can expect to be taking prescription pain medication and be on bed rest. Within the first two weeks, swelling and levels of discomfort will subside, you will be able to return to work and normal levels of activity. Your doctor will inform you of side effects or signs of infection to watch for, and recommend a good compression bra to wear to support your chest as it heals.
How Long After a Breast Reduction will I Know My Size?
You will notice that you feel substantially smaller, lighter, and more self-assured even immediately after your surgery, and your results will only improve with time! It can take up to a month or so for your breasts to “settle” and get used to their new size and position. After swelling stops, your amazing results will be evident as you gradually heal!
While you should keep your expectations low for the first month following your breast reduction, you can expect your breasts to continue “settling” for the next two-six months. It may be a good idea to purchase one or two “in-between” bras to allow you to enjoy this time. Wait until six months after your surgery to invest in some seriously fabulous bras.
How to Get a Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance; however in certain cases, breast reductions may be covered by your healthcare provider. Your policy may cover your reduction if it is part of a mastectomy reconstruction procedure, or if your breast size is causing medical issues in other areas of the body.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost
The exact cost of your breast reduction will be dependent on whether or not your reduction is part of a series of surgeries you are choosing, among other things. Talk to your doctor to establish a specific price point for you and your situation.
Can You Breastfeed After a Breast Reduction?
Perhaps the most commonly asked question in relation to almost any type of breast augmentation surgery is this: is it possible to breastfeed following your surgery? For most patients, the answer is “yes.” However, most doctors recommend that you wait to have your breast reduction until you have finished having children. Pregnancy and nursing dramatically affect the size and shape of your breasts, and can cause the results of your breast reduction to be eradicated or irrelevant.
Ready to say goodbye to oversized breasts?
Don’t allow the size of your breasts to inhibit the way you function physically, socially, or emotionally any more! We invite you to simply come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the nurses on staff to explore whether you would make a good candidate. To find out more whether Aesthetica can help you, contact us online or at 703-729-5553 to arrange an appointment. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.
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