Breast Reduction in Ventura County
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain, skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. Unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction, technically known as Reduction Mammaplasty, results in smaller, lighter, and more perky breasts. The areola is also often reduced in size. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, yet it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.
The Breast reduction does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they’ll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The Breast reduction may also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may be impaired, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)
Planning your Breast Reduction in Ventura County
In your initial consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with your plastic surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion.
Your plastic surgeon in Ventura County will examine and measure your breasts, and will photograph them for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure-such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. The new position of the nipple and areola will also be discussed, they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.
Your plastic surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. Most insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it’s medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your policy, and your plastic surgeon will write a predetermination letter as required.
Preparing For Your Breast Reduction in Ventura County
Your plastic surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for your breast reduction in Ventura County, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking cessation, and avoiding certain medications.
Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a few days as needed.
Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed
Breast reduction surgery may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite. If you are admitted to the hospital, your stay will be a short one. The surgery itself usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases.
Type of Anesthesia
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia.
The Surgery
Click here to view a 3D animated video of this procedure.
After Your Surgery
After your Breast Reduction, you’ll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.
You may experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Your New Look
Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you’ll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you’ll be pleased with the results.