Are the size of your breasts causing you physical or emotional pain? If you have started to think about the possibility of a breast reduction, here are 8 of the most important things to consider before opting for this cosmetic surgery procedure.
For many women, a breast reduction surgery is an excellent method of restoring their health, alleviating pain, or providing them with the confidence they are missing. However, not everybody is a strong candidate for the procedure. Here are some of the reasons why women choose to get a breast reduction:
- Your breasts are out of proportion with your body
- You experience significant pain caused by your breasts
- You are self-conscious about the size of your breasts
- It is difficult to perform some activities that you enjoy
- Your posture is adversely affected by your breasts
If any of the reasons above relate to you, a breast reduction might be the operation you need to start feeling great again. Before you decide if it is worthwhile, there are some other considerations you need to think about. Here are eight of them.
Get Your Breast Reduction Performed By Our Expert Kelowna Plastic Surgeon
If you have decided to get a breast reduction or are thinking about it and want to discuss it with an expert, the team at our Kelowna Plastic Surgery Clinic is here for you. Our resident plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Peterson, can meet with you for a consultation and discuss the details of breast reductions, breast enhancement, breast lifts, and a number of other cosmetic surgeries.
To learn more and book your appointment, call our clinic at 250-868-9799 today!
8 Things to Think About Before Your Breast Reduction
1. You Must Meet Certain Requirements
No matter what form of surgery, plastic or medical, you undergo, there will always be restrictions and criteria that must be met. For a breast reduction procedure, the requirements are a mix of general health requirements and breast reduction specifics. You could be a good candidate for this procedure if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are not a user of nicotine products
- Are currently not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Do not suffer from bleeding or clotting medical conditions
2. You Might Not Get The Exact Cup Size You Are Looking For
This has more to do with bra manufacturers than the actual breast reduction. Cup sizes tend to vary between manufacturer and bra type, meaning that talking in terms of cup size won’t make the procedure an exact science. What your plastic surgeon will likely do is talk about sizes in terms of grams of breast tissue, as it is more exact. It may be challenging to wrap your head around grams rather than cup sizes, but it is the tried and true method of ensuring an accurate breast reduction to your desired appearance.
3. You May Lose Some Sensitivity
Immediately after your surgery, you will likely have decreased sensation in your breasts. This is completely normal and is due to a mixture of anesthetic and your body's natural healing process. Over time, this will likely go away, and that full sensation will return. Unfortunately, this is not a guarantee. Some feeling, especially in the nipples, does not always return to normal. Be sure to speak to your plastic surgeon if a loss of sensation is one of your concerns.
4. It Could Impact Breastfeeding
The likelihood of this occurring will greatly depend on the extent of your surgery. For women who undergo a substantial reduction, it is more likely that your ability to breastfeed may be limited. This is because, as part of removing breast tissue, your plastic surgeon may need to remove some of the milk ducts and glands, resulting in a lower quantity of milk produced. If this is a concern, please be sure to bring this up with your plastic surgeon.
5. Be Prepared For a Lengthy Recovery Period
How much time you will spend recovering will depend on a variety of factors such as:
- Age
- Genetics
- Extent of reduction
- Diet
- How well you care for your body
The time it takes to return to your normal life is typically between 2-6 weeks after surgery. During this time, it is expected that you rest, avoid strenuous activities, and have somebody present to assist you with difficult tasks. While it may be uncomfortable for a short while following your surgery, once the pain subsides after a few days, you will most likely feel amazing.
6. You May Have Everlasting Scars
As with any surgery or procedure where incisions are made, there will be a chance that you will have permanent scars. Scarring is an incredibly fickle thing that depends on a variety of factors such as:
- Diet
- Genetics
- Size of incisions
- Surgeon skill
- Luck
Don’t let the fear of scarring impact your breast reduction decision. There are many scar revision techniques that can be used to minimize their impact. Check out our article on Scar Revision: What It Is and How To Tell If You're A Potential Candidate.
7. Talk to Your Insurance Company About Coverage
Most insurance policies will not cover voluntary cosmetic surgery. So if you are choosing to get a breast reduction for aesthetic reasons, your insurance policy will likely not cover it. However, if a breast reduction will improve your health and quality of life, it may qualify to be covered. Be sure to speak to your insurance company about your coverage before going under the knife.
8. Most Women Are Happy With Their Results, But This Isn't Guaranteed
A vast majority of breast reduction recipients will experience an improved quality of life, happiness, and physical well-being. However, not all women who get this procedure are entirely satisfied. Studies show that there is a correlation between women who are more well-informed and higher satisfaction rates. So be sure to take your time and gather as much information as you can before committing to a breast reduction.
Related Reading:
How to Know if a Breast Reduction Surgery is Right For You
4 Things To Consider Before Undergoing a Breast Reduction
To Learn More About Breast Reductions, Book Your Consultation With Our Plastic Surgeon
At Peterson Surgery, our plastic surgeon is happy to discuss and educate all individuals who are curious about a breast reduction. This procedure is highly personable and deserves to be explored in great detail before committing. To explore your options regarding breast reduction, book your initial consultation today by calling 250-868-9799 or fill in our online contact form.
FAQ’s
What medical symptoms are there for needing a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery can help solve a myriad of medical issues such as:
- Chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain
- Nerve pain, tingling, or shooting sensations
- Pain resulting from poor posture due to large breasts
- Inability to be active or exercise
- Difficulting sleeping or getting comfortable
These are only a few of the issues that a breast reduction can help with. Talk to your doctor about your specific problem.
How painful is a breast reduction?
A breast reduction is typically a relatively painless procedure. The anesthetic will make the operation itself completely painless, while prescription painkillers can easily mitigate any discomfort after the surgery.
How substantial are regular breast reductions?
Most breast reductions result in a size decrease of one to two cup sizes. However, breast reductions can be made for as little as half a cup size or up to nearly any size you desire. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your exact goals for your procedure.
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