What Is A Breast Reduction?
(Mammoplasty)
Women with large breasts often experience chronic neck, back and shoulder pain and other physical discomforts due to the weight of their breasts. In addition to physical difficulties, many of these women also endure emotional distress, challenges in exercising comfortably, and problems finding clothes that fit well. Luckily, breast reduction is a solution.
Dr. Papanicolaou offers his patients an effective solution to these issues. Breast reduction surgery permanently relieves physical and emotional discomfort associated with large breasts. By removing excess skin and breast tissue, Dr. Papanicolaou is able to artfully reshape the breasts to be smaller, lighter, and more proportionate to the patient’s frame.
What are the benefits of a Breast Reduction?
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Physical relief for shoulder, neck and back pain
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Exercise in comfort
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Relief of straps digging into shoulders
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Ease of clothes shopping in standard stores
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Achieve a more attractive breast size and shape
Who are good candidates for breast reduction?
Generally, breast augmentation candidates are:
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Over the age of 18
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In good overall health
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Realistic about their expectations for the outcome of the procedure
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Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
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Free of cancerous and precancerous breast tissue
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Non smoker
Keep in mind that if you plan to have more children, pregnancy and nursing can “undo” the results of a breast reduction. For that reason, we advise women to wait until they have finished having children before having a breast reduction procedure.
Recovery after breast reduction:
Following your breast reduction procedure, you will wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over the gauze dressings. You may have a small tube in each breast to drain blood and fluid for the first day or two. Your breasts will be bruised and uncomfortable for a couple of days, especially if you move around or cough. We will give you pain medications for discomfort. You’ll come back into the office within the first few days for your first postoperative visit at which time you’ll be examined to be sure everything is going as it should. Sutures are removed in one to three weeks. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. We will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. But you’ll have much less stamina for several weeks and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns.
Is breast reduction covered by insurance?
Because there is sometimes a medical need for breast reduction (in cases involving chronic back and neck pain), the procedure may be covered by insurance. However, each policy varies. Patients need to get the necessary exams and referrals and discuss their coverage with the insurance company to ensure that they will not need to pay for the procedure entirely out of pocket. Financing is typically available for patients who are not covered.
We would love to talk with you about your own personalized treatment in our boutique style environment in Lake Mary. With your own private consultation, Dr. Papanicolau will be able to recommend the right treatment plans for your unique goals and concerns. With our office in Lake Mary, men and women in Florida can achieve the most natural and elegant results. Call 407-478-3151 to schedule your consultation.