Breast Reduction Overview - Frequently Asked Questions - Photos (Before & After) Large, heavy breasts can be a significant burden causing symptoms such as back, neck and shoulder pain, deep shoulder grooves caused by the bra strap, self-consciousness, and difficulty finding clothing that fits. Breast reduction surgery can help to alleviate many of these symptoms while at the same time providing a significant cosmetic benefit. Procedure Overview Back to Top The goal of breast reduction is to reduce the weight of the breasts. This is achieved by the removal of fat and glandular tissue with removal of excess skin as necessary to provide lighter, shapelier, more proportionate breasts. Several techniques have been developed to accomplish this goal including "classic" techniques, "short scar" techniques and liposuction. The major difference between the classic and short scar techniques is the length and orientation of the scars. The major advantage of the classic techniques is versatility and consistency of results at the expense of slightly longer scars. A recent survey of Plastic Surgeons across the United States revealed that the majority preferred the "classic" techniques for most patients. Dr. Yates has vast experience and training in all of these techniques. Frequently Asked Questions Back to Top What should I expect from my consultation? The initial consultation can be anxiety producing to many patients. Knowing what to expect can hopefully alleviate many of those feelings. First you will meet with Dr. Yates for a personal consultation at which time you will express your goals and expectadtions. Your breasts will be examined and photographs may be taken for your medical record and for preoperative planning. During the exam, Dr Yates will assess the size and shape of your breasts as well as note and discuss any asymmetries that may be present. The technique to be used including incision sites, estimate of volume of resection, and eventual locations of scars will be discussed. You should expect to leave the consultation with a thorough understanding of the procedure, risks involved with the procedure and expectations regarding recovery from the procedure. Will insurance pay for breast reduction surgery? Oftentimes insurance will cover breast reduction surgery. Every insurance company has different requirements but generally these include an attempt at conservative therapy and a minimal volume of breast tissue planned for removal. How is the procedure performed? It depends on which technique is used, which is individualized to the patient. Liposuction alone can be used if the nipple position has minimal droop, there is minimal skin excess, and the breast tissue is not too dense. Few patients are ideal candidates. A small canula is placed through very small incisions and the tissue is removed through suction. For most patients a degree of skin removal is required to tighten and reshape the breast. The nipple remains attached to a portion of breast tissue which is moved to a higher position on the breast. Much of the breast tissue is removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped. It is important that the blood supply to the nipple be maintained during the operation. For this reason Dr. Yates does not perform this procedure on smokers, in whom blood supply is diminished. Smokers must be completely nicotine and cigarette free for six weeks prior to the operation. The tissue removed from each breast is weighed and sent to the pathologist for examination. The incisions are closed and a dressing is applied. Where is the procedure performed? Breast reduction is performed in the operating room either at the hospital or an outpatient surgical center. Generally patients stay overnight and are discharged the following morning although occasionally patients may be discharged the evening of their surgery. What should I expect from the recovery period? After discharge you will be given antibiotics to prevent infection and medications for pain and nausea. There will be discomfort for the first few days after the procedure. Generally drains are not placed and do not require removal. Your activity will be limited for six weeks. You may return to desk work as soon as you feel able, usually 2-5 days. You may resume moderate lifting at 3 weeks and may return to the gym at 6 weeks. You will be given a supportive bra which will be used for 6 weeks. You may want to get a spare bra or two, a sports bra (no underwire) that opens to the front is ideal. Is it possible to breast feed after the procedure? Breast reduction surgery removes a significant amount of the glandular tissue involved in lactation which can impair breast feeding. The technique Dr. Yates generally uses maintains a significant amount of glandular tissue and many, but not all, patients are successful at breast feeding. What risks are associated with the procedure? As with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications. As a perfectionist, Dr Yates takes every precaution to prevent these. Rest assured, these risks are rare and unlikely but if they are encountered, Dr. Yates will be there to get you through it and take the appropriate steps to correct it. These risks will be thoroughly discussed at the time of your consultation but generally include; bleeding, scarring, infection, asymmetry, loss of nipple sensation, inability to breast feed, tissue loss and unhappiness with cosmetic result or size.