Breast Reduction
Before and After Photos
Videos
Large heavy breasts may cause a number of problems for the women that carry them day after day. The bra straps cut into
their shoulders, bras are uncomfortable and hard to find. After years of the added weight these women develop pains in the neck,
back and between the shoulder blades, rashes beneath the breast (intertrigo), discomfort at night, problems sleeping and breathing.
Disturbances in normal activities such as sports or running are ongoing problems for these women.
Are you interested in breast reduction?
Candidates for breast reduction are people with excessive breast size. These large heavy breasts may interfere in daily activities;
produce breathing difficulties, back, shoulder and neck pain, grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, a rash beneath or between
the breasts and poor posture.
A successful reduction may produce a smaller and more attractive breast. Improvement in health problems such as back pain
can be almost immediate with women noticing an improvement in the recovery room after the operation. The change in shape and ease of
movement may result in a very satisfying improvement in self image, and ability to participate in physical activities.
Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Our staff will assist
you in obtaining pre authorization.
Procedure Description
Breast reduction is an operation usually performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. It may be performed at the Plastic
Surgery Center in our fully accredited Operating Suite, at the Asheville Surgery Center on Sweeten Creek Road, or at the Mission Hospitals
in Asheville. Anesthesia will be provided by the anesthesiologists and CRNA’s of Asheville Anesthesia Inc. The procedure removes tissue
reshaping the breast, resizing the nipple areola complex and producing a breast that is smaller and a better shape.
After your operation
Incisions are covered with a clear plastic sheet that may collect a small amount of blood. These dressings are removed and tape applied
that will protect the incisions for the next several days. Initial discomfort responds well to ice and oral medications. Many are able
to use the ice and take very few pills. Surgery may reduce or eliminate the ability to breast feed. After the operation many women are
able to breast feed, some are not. The nipple may be moved on a pedicle or as a graft. If the nipple is moved as a graft the ducts are
divided and breast feeding later is not anticipated. Scars around the nipple and areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) are
concealed by virtue of the change in color at this location. Scars fade in the months following surgery. Sun exposure will produce tan
scars that will stay brown for a long time.
Note
The risks and benefits of this procedure are best discussed at a consultation. We will ask you what problems you are having with your
breasts and try to determine what size and shape you wish to be. Your medical history and physical examination will be performed,
photographs will be taken and marks and measurements made in an effort to describe the operation and let you know what you will look
like with a smaller breast. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Potential complications will be discussed and
recommendations made to give you the information you need to make a decision about breast reduction surgery.
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