Breast reduction is one of only a few procedures that can be both medically necessary and cosmetic. Whether you want to have the surgery to relieve pain and improve your quality of life, or you're just unhappy with the shape and size of your chest, there are a few things you should know about it. These are some frequently asked and important breast reduction questions, ranging from the impact it can have on breastfeeding to insurance coverage.

1. WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT WHEN SELECTING A BREAST REDUCTION SURGEON?

Choosing the right surgeon for a breast reduction or any procedure is not about a single factor. Instead, it is critical to find a provider who is both qualified and comfortable with you. In addition to researching board certification and specialization, it is critical that you can speak openly and freely with the surgeon. This includes the ability to express your desires openly without feeling awkward or as if the surgeon is dominating the experience.

However, it is not only about bedside manner. It is also critical to understand a prospective surgeon's technique and aesthetic. As poor scarring is a potential concern, request before and after photos of patients with similar breast sizes to you.

2. IS BREAST REDUCTION COVERED BY INSURANCE?

It is conditional. This is highly variable and is determined by a variety of factors. Insurance companies, it turns out, can be quite prescriptive, even attempting to dictate the specifics of the surgery. Even if the insurance company pre-approves the procedure, they then determine how many grams of tissue the surgeon must remove for the surgery to be covered, which frequently results in patients having breasts that are far smaller than they desire.

There is no doubt that excessively large breasts can cause medical issues such as neck and back pain, rashes in the breast folds, interference with daily activities, and so on, but a breast reduction procedure is also cosmetic and should be treated as such. While breast reductions are undoubtedly a medical issue, they are also an aesthetic procedure that should result in breasts that the patient finds attractive.

3. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Hematoma or blood clot, decreased nipple sensation, and wound healing issues are the most common risks associated with breast reductions. Although asymmetry between the breasts is not considered a risk because it is an inherent element when operating on two of the same body part, it is still an important point to discuss with patients.

4. SHOULD I WAIT TO HAVE A BREAST REDUCTION UNTIL AFTER I HAVE CHILDREN?

In an ideal world, yes. However, in both doctors' experience, patients as young as 18 frequently decide to have breast reductions to relieve neck, back, and shoulder pain. Many patients in their late teens and twenties who are years away from having children but are in agonizing physical pain as well as emotional and psychological distress as a result of their overly large breasts may consider reduction mammoplasty. While I certainly advise all patients about the inherent risk of decreased ability to breastfeed, in cases like these, a patient's quality of life and well-being must be taken into account.

If you can wait until after you've breastfed (assuming that's something you want to do!). Breastfeeding potential after breast reduction is determined by the number of milk ducts and milk producing glands that remain after surgery. Reduction techniques that keep the nipple attached, as well as those that preserve more of the glandular tissue from the nipple to the chest wall, have a much better chance of preserving breastfeeding potential.

The ability to breastfeed after a breast reduction is something that doctors cannot guarantee because every body is different. The longer the time elapsed since the operation, the more likely it is that lactation will be successful.

5. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS FOR BREAST REDUCTION LIKE?

The good news is that breast reduction is not the most difficult postoperative procedure. Patients are advised to wear a surgical or sports bra for six weeks after surgery and are not permitted to exercise or lift heavy weights. Swim or participate in strenuous physical activity.

6. WHAT TYPE OF SCARRING CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER A BREAST REDUCTION?

Scars are very visible, red, and raised in the immediate postoperative period. They do, however, flatten and lighten over a period of months. It can take up to a year to see how scars have healed completely, and most of the time, he says it's very minor. Most patients, even those with a history of hypertrophic scarring, heal well after a breast reduction, owing to the lack of tension on the tissue. The post-operative bra relieves pressure on the incisions. Scar cream can be used three to four weeks after surgery, as well as sunblock when going outside or to the beach. If the scarring eventually bothers you, it can be reduced with lasers and other treatments.

7. DO I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE A BREAST REDUCTION IF I AM OVERWEIGHT?

Patients are advised to be at an appropriate weight before surgery, as with all elective plastic surgery procedures. According to research, those with a higher BMI are at a higher risk of infection and wound breakdown. Needless to say, surgeons want to reduce patient risk.

It's also critical to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine after surgery. It is critical to maintain an active lifestyle in order to avoid future increases in breast volume.

8. WILL MY WEIGHT FLUCTUATION AFTER A BREAST REDUCTION AFFECT THE RESULTS?

This isn't common, but it can happen. Breast growth is generally unlikely after a breast reduction, owing to the removal of skin, fat, and breast tissue. When it does happen, it is usually due to hormonal changes like pregnancy and menopause, weight gain, or medication.

9. HOW DO I DETERMINE THE SIZE OF MY POST-REDUCTION BREASTS?

Determining the proper size necessitates an open and honest conversation between you and your breast surgeon. It is critical to strike a balance between the patient's goals and what is best for their body. If it is intended to relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain, the size should fit the individual's frame while also being small enough to be useful.

A word of advice? Don't get too hung up on a specific size. It is well known that bra sizing varies widely; different companies and brands have their own sizing rules, so there is no consistency in determining what a patient's size is before surgery. Furthermore, the majority of patients are wearing incorrect or poorly fitting bras, and they frequently state that their bra size is an inaccurate representation of their current breast volume.

According to her, there is no correlation between the amount of breast tissue removed and the resulting bra size because patients have different baselines, overall breast measurements, and tissue composition.

10. CAN I TALK TO PREVIOUS PATIENTS AND/OR SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS?

Absolutely! Due to privacy regulations and patients' wishes not to have their personal information shared, it can be difficult to speak directly to former patients. However, patient testimonials and before and after photos are invaluable in assisting patients in determining which plastic surgeon is the best fit for them and what their results might look like. So, don't be afraid to request the resources you require to make the best decision for yourself.

Call 9930998023 to book your consultation with Dr Siddharth Prakash.

Best Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai, Best Cosmetic Surgeon in India