Breast Reductionin Portland, Oregon
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- WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
- WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
- Benefits of a Breast Reduction
- Types of Breast Reduction Incisions
- THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
- What to Expect During the Consultation
- Preparing For Breast Reduction
- About the Breast Reduction Procedure
- Combination Procedures
- RESULTS AND RECOVERY
- BREAST REDUCTION IN PORTLAND, OR
WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Women who are living with breasts that are too large for their bodies can often experience negative side effects such as physical discomfort, self-consciousness, neck, back, and shoulder pain, rashes, and difficulty taking part in physical activities. Breast reduction can reduce the size of the breasts so that they are no longer a source of physical discomfort. Based on your size and symptoms, this procedure can be considered medically necessary and a covered benefit under your insurance. (Individual insurance policy benefits may vary).
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Women who are feeling emotional or physical discomfort sometimes look to a breast reduction to alleviate their pain and discomfort. You may be a candidate for breast reduction if:
- You feel that your breasts are too large for your frame
- You suffer from back and neck pain from large breasts
- You have recurrent skin conditions and bra strap grooving from overly large breasts
Ultimately, a consultation with Dr. Fichadia is needed to discuss if this procedure is right for you based on your medical history, current breast size, and general overall health.
Benefits of a Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can be beneficial for women who struggle with the physical and emotional discomfort of overly large breasts. This procedure alleviates back, neck, and shoulder pain and balances your overall proportions. Many women find that breast reduction improves their ability to engage in physical activities, enhances their clothing options, and boosts their self-confidence.
Types of Breast Reduction Incisions
The type of incision used during breast reduction surgery depends on the amount of tissue being removed and your cosmetic goals. Some of the most common techniques include:
Vertical (Lollipop) Incision
The vertical incision, or lollipop incision, involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This technique is ideal for women with moderate breast reduction needs and offers a good balance between scarring and reshaping.
Anchor Incision
The anchor incision, also known as the inverted-T incision, involves an incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. This technique is typically used for more substantial reductions and allows for significant reshaping and lifting of the breasts.
THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning a breast reduction patient can be taken home after waking up from the surgery.
The breast reduction procedure uses the same incision patterns as the breast lift procedure, including the donut incision, the lollipop incision, and the anchor incision. The incision pattern that is right for you is dependent on the amount of excess breast tissue and excess skin that needs to be removed, your individual anatomy, and your desired results.
After the correct incision pattern is made, the nipple will be repositioned, and breast tissue and excess fat will be removed, lifted, and shaped as necessary to shrink the size and weight of heavy breasts to a more manageable yet natural-looking size. Sutures will be layered within the breast tissue to create support for the newly reduced breasts. The external incisions will then be closed with dissolving sutures. Drains are not usually necessary.
What to Expect During the Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will carefully assess your medical history, breast anatomy, and overall health to determine the best technique for your breast reduction. Dr. Fichadia will explain the surgical options available and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, ensuring that you feel confident in your decision.
Preparing For Breast Reduction
Dr. Fichadia will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include guidelines on medications, pre-surgery fasting, and maintaining a healthy diet. You may also need to arrange for time off work and ensure you have a comfortable recovery space prepared at home. Following these guidelines will help you achieve the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery.
About the Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction procedures are performed under general anesthesia to help you maintain the utmost comfort. During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to create a smaller, more proportionate breast size. The remaining tissue is then reshaped, and the nipples may be repositioned.
Combination Procedures
Breast Lift
A breast lift can enhance the shape and position of the breasts, creating a more youthful and lifted appearance.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can complement breast reduction by addressing excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, resulting in a more balanced figure.
Liposuction
Liposuction can remove stubborn fat deposits in areas such as the underarms, back, or flanks, enhancing the overall results of your breast reduction and creating a more proportionate silhouette.
RESULTS AND RECOVERY
Results from breast reduction are immediately noticeable but will improve with time as swelling subsides and incisions heal. Surgical dressings may be placed that will be removed after a few days, and mild swelling and discomfort are to be expected. Patients are encouraged to sleep with pillows underneath their head and neck to keep their torso elevated when sleeping or lying down. Most patients can return to work that is not physically taxing within 2 weeks of healing.
BREAST REDUCTION IN PORTLAND, OR
If you are tired of living with too-large breasts, a breast reduction can help. Our office staff is experienced in working with your insurance company to determine if this is considered a medically necessary procedure. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fichadia to find out if you’re a good candidate for this plastic surgery procedure.