Are Your Breasts Too Large?
Many women struggle with the size of their breasts. Large breasts can be especially hard to deal with as women experience aging and the aftereffects of breastfeeding. Even after medical help, some women experience back pain and pressure, shoulder pains, neck discomfort, and headaches from carrying the weight of their breasts. Luckily, with modern cosmetic surgery from Doctor Garrett Wirth of Wirth Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, women can get breast reduction surgery to solve many, if not all, of the problems that are associated with macromastia (large breasts).
What Can You Expect from a Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery — reduction mammoplasty in official medical circles — is a surgical option that reduces the size of your breast by removing some of the breast tissue. Depending on the combination of symptoms, type of insurance, and volume of breasts, this may be a covered procedure or a cosmetic surgery.
The ideal candidate for breast reduction is a woman with overly large breasts who experiences physical discomfort, pain, and restricted activity on a daily basis. Some women even experience emotional and psychological stress from large breasts, possibly related to the constant discomfort. Relatively any healthy woman who is seeking a smaller breast size can benefit from breast reduction surgery, although not all will qualify for this to be covered by insurance due to the general lack of medical necessity. If you are interested in breast reduction, it is important to have an initial consultation with Dr. Wirth to decide if breast reduction is a good option for you. Make sure to discuss the benefits, indications, risks, and other details.
Breast Reduction Procedure Details
The time required for breast reduction varies based on how much of the breast tissue you want to remove, the degree of ptosis or drooping, and the quality of the breast tissue and skin. You will most likely be advised to be under general anesthesia for the time of the procedure. Dr. Wirth will make an incision around the areola, and the remaining incisions may be shaped like an inverted T along the breast and breast crease. After incisions have been made, Doctor Wirth will remove the proper amount of underlying breast tissue. Once the desired size has been reached, then Dr. Wirth will reposition your nipples and all incisions will be sutured. There are multiple incision and scar patterns that can be used — such as “lollipop”, “short scar”, “anchor”, etc. — and Dr. Wirth will work with you and your anatomy to get you the best results possible with the least amount of scars necessary.
After a Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a same-day outpatient surgery, but you can stay overnight for an additional cost, if so desired. You will experience some discomfort, swelling, and possibly irritation at incision sites after surgery. You will need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to reduce swelling and support the newly reshaped breasts. It is also important that you follow all post-operation instructions.
After a few weeks, your swelling and irritation will decrease and your breasts will return to normal skin tone and color and settle into their final positions. This is when you will be able to see the final results of the operation and your breast reduction will be complete. After surgery, you should meet with Dr. Wirth to decide if you need any further treatment after healing as well as to protect the surgery to get your best long-term results.
Some side effects that you may experience due to a breast reduction surgery are:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Changes in breast and nipple sensitivity
- Breast asymmetry — all breasts are asymmetric, but a goal of this surgery is to achieve more symmetry
- Need for revision surgery
- Changes in ability to breastfeed
You should consider these when making your decision whether or not to have a breast reduction surgery. Dr. Wirth will be very clear and honest in his assessment for you, and will work with you to establish the ideal plan of care based on your unique needs and objectives.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?
When you are looking into breast reduction surgery, it is important that you consider all of these factors we have discusses. Some other decisions may also be needed based on your anatomy and goals. Make sure that you are fully aware of what might happen after surgery and the likelihood that you will get results you desire.
Also, make sure you meet with a few surgeons to make sure you find the one that fits best with your goals. This is where Dr. Wirth excels in working with patients to understand your goals and to help you decide if the surgical options and expectations are in concert. Consult Dr. Garrett Wirth at (949) 238-6713 today to see if breast reduction surgery is the right option for you.
To get your evaluation, schedule your consultation now with Dr. Garrett Wirth at (949) 238-6713, or fill out a complimentary case consultation form here.
Breast Reduction