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A breast reduction, in contrast to a mastopexy procedure, is typically performed for relief of physical or medical problems that are caused by the weight of one’s excessively large breasts. Back and neck pain, breathing problems, and skin rashes are some of the medical conditions that are frequently associated with large breasts. Many women who need this plastic surgery procedure feel an extreme sense of self consciousness secondary to the large size of their breasts. Reduction mammoplasty, usually referred to as breast reduction surgery, is designed to alleviate these issues. The procedure involves the removal of fat, skin, and breast tissue from the breasts thereby creating a lighter, smaller, and firmer structure. Also, if the size of the areola is excessive, this may be corrected during the procedure.
Depending on the size of a woman’s breasts, the desired post-operative size and the technique used, a breast reduction procedure may take anywhere from two to five hours. Reduction mammoplasty is performed in office-based ambulatory facilities or in a hospital setting. There are some insurance companies that require a minimum volume of tissue to be removed to cover the surgery. This should be pre-determined by your cosmetic surgeon and a letter of pre-determination sent to your insurance carrier along with photographs of your condition to demonstrate the necessity for reduction mammoplasty. There are various techniques available to alleviate the problem which will likely be discussed with you when you meet your plastic surgeon. The most often performed technique involves an inverted T-shaped incision similar to the most common incision used in breast lift surgery. There are several new techniques that are available, but most of these techniques don’t apply to many patients.
If your breasts are pendulous and excessively large it may require removal of the nipple areola complex and replacement of these structures as free grafts. Your cosmetic surgeon will let you know if this is the best technique for your situation and should apprise you of the benefits and risks of this specific technique. In the majority of situations however, the nipple areola complex is left attached to the blood supply and underlying skin. Your cosmetic surgeon should also explain the possible changes in sensation to the nipple areola complex that can occur with reduction mammoplasty. Lipoplasty can be added to the surgery for removal of fat primarily at the outer portions of the breast.
After the surgery has been performed, you may have surgical drains which will typically remain in place for around 24 hours. The use of these drains is a matter of your cosmetic surgeon’s preferences and what he or she has found throughout the procedure. Your breasts will likely be bandaged in an elastic wrap or in a surgical bra. These dressings are usually changed a few days after the surgery and when the stitches are ready to begin being removed. This will take place roughly one week after the surgery.
Tags: breast reduction, breast surgery, new york, New York City, reduction mammoplasty
Posted in Beauty · February 12th, 2010 · Comments (0)
Reconstruction of a breast that has been surgically removed due to breast cancer or other disease process is one of the most rewarding procedures available. It is possible to create a breast that resembles the appearance of a natural breast. It can be performed at the same time as removal of the breast (immediate reconstruction) or at a later stage (delayed reconstruction). Fortunately, when a patient has immediate reconstruction, she is spared the distress of seeing herself with significant asymmetry or absence of a breast.
Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is not a simple procedure. It often requires several operations to complete a fully reconstructed breast. There are several options to consider as you and your surgeon explore the best choice for you.
New medical techniques and devices have made it possible to reconstruct a breast which resembles the shape and appearance of the opposite natural breast. The surgical options will depend on a number of factors which include: the size and shape of the opposite breast, the desire to use your own tissue (autogenous) versus tissue expansion with an implant, your body size, the availability of your own tissue, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Your cosmetic surgeon will be glad to review all of the options in depth in addition to the associated risks and benefits of each option. After examining you and understanding your expectations, she will be able to assist you in determining the option that is best suited for you.
Another problem that women may face with their breasts is if they are “over-sized.” Overly large breasts can cause some women to have both health and emotional problems. In addition to self image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort.
The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts is as important an issue to many women as the physical discomfort and pain.
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this cosmetic surgery procedure removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Breast reduction is a good option for you if: You are physically healthy; you have realistic expectations; you don’t smoke; you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large; your breasts limit your physical activity; you experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts; you have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts; you have skin irritation beneath the breast crease; your breasts hang low and have stretched skin; your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported; and you have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin.
Tags: breast reduction, breast surgery, California, Plastic surgery, reduction mammoplasty
Posted in Beauty · February 10th, 2010 · Comments (0)