Breast Reduction
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Breast Reduction
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What is it? Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It will also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
What does it accomplish? The goal is to give you smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of your body. These smaller breasts can greatly reduce the back and neck pain women may experience and alleviate other medical problems such as skin irritation, skeletal deformities and even breathing problems.
What happens during the first consultation? During the first consultation, you will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Adams to discuss the procedure. He will discuss the surgery and together you will discuss your concerns and expectations from this surgery. Following your initial discussion, you will be asked to disrobe from waist up and cover up with a gown. Your breasts will be examined for any areas of concern and then measurements will be taken. These measurements are necessary for insurance approval and planning of the surgery. Following this exam, Dr. Adams will be able to discuss appropriate surgical care. At the end of the consultation, you will have photos taken by our professional photographers. These photos are for insurance and planning purposes. After your consultation, you will have the opportunity to review before and after care with the nurse. Your final visit will be with Dr. Adams' assistant to discuss insurance approval and scheduling of the surgery. How is it done? Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves and upside down T shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon moves the nipples into their new position. The skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.
In most case, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breast are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used to eliminate the vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars. What can I expect after surgery? After surgery you will have gauze dressing held in place by a surgical bra. You will also have a drain in each breast to drain off fluids and blood for the first 24-48 hours afterwards. You will spend one night in the hospital and be discharged the next morning if you are doing well. The first night allows close monitoring of drainage and allows you to have optimal pain control and a good nights rest! Recovery time: You will feel tired and sore for 1-3 days following your surgery. You will be expected to stay in the hospital overnight, and will need help at home for several weeks. You will have limited physical activity for about 6 weeks. No lifting over 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks. No aerobic workouts or activities that can increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute for three weeks. Your breasts need to be protected from stretching activities for at least six weeks to allow the incisions to heal. You will go home with pain medication and antibiotics. You may have drains that will require you to measure and record the fluid twice daily and reported to your surgeon and/or the nurse on your follow-up visit. You will be given information on what and when to report it during your recovery. A surgical bra will serve as the dressing with gauze on your incisions for 2-3 days. You may shower within 2-3 days, or after your drains are removed. You will be seen for follow-up sometime during the first week depending on status of drains. During this visit your post op care will be reinforced and changes made in your care if necessary. How many visits do I have after surgery? You will usually return to your physicians office 3-4 days following surgery for a check up and drain removal if necessary. Then you will return in 7-10 days for suture removal. You will return at approximately 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and one year following your surgery. Am I a good candidate? Your visit with your surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health, have no breast disease and have reasonable expectations then you will be a good candidate. You will be required to have a current mammogram before your surgery. What does the surgery cost? Breast reduction surgery is often covered by your insurance. The surgery will be pre approved by your insurance company. Once your insurance company approves the surgery you will be given a quote on your responsibility. How do I pay for surgery? If this an insurance surgery, you will be responsible for paying your deductible, co-pay and percentage you are responsible for before your surgery. Are there scars? Yes. Whenever surgery is performed on your body a scar will result. Your incisions are placed in areas to make your scars least noticeable. Your surgeon will discuss the placement of your incisions during your first visit. You will be able to view post op photographs on patients to see how the scars can heal. Does it hurt? It is not uncommon for you to have discomfort, however, you will have plenty of pain medications for your discomfort after surgery. Please tell us of all your drug allergies. Some pain medication may cause nausea, this should not be considered an allergy. All pain medication will cause drowsiness and therefore you should not drive and or operate equipment while on the medication. Will I be awake during surgery? Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia. You will be entirely asleep during your surgery, monitored by an anesthesiologist for the best possible care. Where is the surgery performed? The surgery will be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. You will stay overnight. Are medical photographs taken? Photographs are taken prior to surgery. This allows the surgeon the ability to plan your surgery as carefully as possible. What medications should I avoid? You should avoid or be off all diet or over the counter weight medications. The only homeopathic medications are those recommended by Dr. Adams. It is especially important to be off St. John's Wort and Ginseng, which can cause adverse effects during anesthesia. Please stop taking all aspirin-like products, Advil, and ibuprofen as these medications can cause bleeding problems. Please tell Dr. Adams what medications you are on ( prescription or non-prescription) to ensure the safety of any surgery.
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For further questions or to schedule a consultation call 214-965-9885 or email Dr. Adams. Dallas plastic surgeon offers plastic surgery procedures - forehead lift, browlift, breast augmentation using saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, cohesive gel breast implants, Gummy-bear breast implants, liposuction, rhinoplasty and more to Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston and surrounding areas.
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