Women can benefit from breast reduction for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Disproportionately large breasts can place strain on the back, shoulders and neck, causing chronic pain, skin irritations and mobility issues. Cosmetically, large breasts can draw unwanted attention to the breasts, make clothing fit awkwardly and simply look disproportionate with the rest of the body. Women unhappy with any of these cosmetic or physical issues may benefit from breast reduction surgery. For those considering breast reduction, there are some issues to consider, including timing, scarring, risks and insurance coverage.
Timing
The timing of your breast reduction surgery is important for several reasons. For instance, it is recommended that young women wait until their breasts have fully developed (approximately 20 years of age) to ensure optimal results. Many surgeons also recommend waiting until after all planned pregnancies because pregnancy can affect breast tissue and mar long-term results. And in some instances, breast reduction surgery can interfere with breastfeeding, though your plastic surgeon can take steps to reduce this risk. Putting off breast reduction surgery, however, is not practical for every patient. Women suffering great physical or emotional pain may decide with their surgeon to go ahead with surgery despite their age and future pregnancy plans. If you are considering this surgery, carefully discuss its timing with your surgeon to create the best surgical plan for your circumstances.
Incisions and Scarring
Though there are several techniques used for breast reduction, incisions and scarring are unavoidable no matter which technique is used. And though your surgeon can take steps to reduce and conceal their appearance, the scars are permanent and should be considered when weighing the benefits of the procedure. The most commonly used technique involves four incisions, leaving three scars---one around the areola, one vertical scar from the areola to the breast crease, and one concealed within the crease.
Recovery
Before undergoing breast reduction, make plans for your recovery. Breast reduction is major surgery requiring a recuperation period of several weeks. In preparation, you should arrange for someone to help you for the first two to three days after surgery. You should also prepare for a break from work as well as other physical activities, including bending, reaching and lifting heavy items for approximately two weeks.
Choosing a Surgeon
Elective surgeries such as breast reduction allow you the advantage of choosing your surgeon carefully. Though it may cost extra, it is beneficial to consult with more than one during your decision process. Surgeons should be willing to answer any questions you may have about your procedure, as well as show ample before-and-after pictures of their previous breast reduction patients. To help ensure proper plastic surgical training, double-check the board certifications of any doctor you are considering. Doctors can advertise themselves as "board-certified plastic surgeons" without board certification in plastic surgery or surgery at all. The American Board of Plastic Surgery requires five years of surgical and two years of plastic surgical training for all its board-certified plastic surgeons.
Health Insurance
For those undergoing breast reduction to alleviate physical pain, your procedure may be at least partially covered by your health insurance. Your surgeon will need to contact the insurance company to predetermine coverage. Most insurance companies require a minimum amount of tissue to be removed from each breast as well as proof that your breast size is causing chronic neck or back pain.
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