Top Questions of Breast Reduction Patients, Answered
When a patient seeks breast reduction surgery, she has most likely considered her own motivations, desired results, and lingering questions about the procedure itself and what it might offer to her. Breast reduction is, of course, a major surgical procedure that can reduce the size of the breasts to achieve improved proportions and body contour. With all of these benefits, there are still many things to consider, including your post-surgical pain and discomfort, your recovery period, your potential results after surgery, and your potential risks for complications during and after the procedure. If you’ve been hesitating to take that leap and book a breast reduction consultation, these common questions might still be on your mind.
How Do I Choose My Post-Surgical Cup Size?
If you’ve been a DD or larger for many years, it might be difficult to imagine what life will be like with a B or C cup size instead. Many prospective breast reduction patients put off surgery because they’re worried about committing to one cup size after breast surgery. The good news is that this is not something that is determined by personal preference, so you need not fear.
During the planning stages of a breast reduction, you will meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss your expected results, your personal health, and other factors that can contribute to your eligibility for surgery. Next, your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and evaluate the proportions of your body to determine what approximate size your breasts should be considering your frame and weight. Your plastic surgeon’s goal is to help you achieve better overall proportions to your body by reducing the size of your breasts accordingly. Focusing on size as a matter of proportions and not breast size allows your surgeon to alleviate your pain and discomfort caused by the added weight of your overly large breasts.
What Will Recovery Be Like After Breast Reduction Surgery?
The most prevalent side effect you will experience following breast reduction surgery is a soreness or tenderness around the surgical area. Swelling, redness, and bruising are also very common after-effects of surgery, all of which will subside on their own with time. Any pain or discomfort you experience can be managed with the help of your plastic surgeon, who will prescribe pain medication and recommend other helpful steps you can take. As you recover, you should notice small improvements each and every day. Talk with your plastic surgeon about specific things you should expect from your own surgery and recovery.
How Will Breast Reduction Surgery Affect My Nipples?
During most breast reduction procedures, the plastic surgeon must relocate the nipples and areolae to a more natural-looking position on the newly reshaped breasts. It is typical for prospective breast reduction patients to have many questions about this step in the process, especially concerning the potential damage that may be caused to the nerves of the nipples and the surrounding tissue. Typically, most of the feeling of the nipples can be preserved throughout the procedure.
If you are concerned about having the ability to breastfeed after your breast reduction surgery, you should take about this specifically with your plastic surgeon. While most breast surgeries are recommended to be performed only after you have finished having children, a breast reduction may be medically necessary or advised before your child-bearing years even begin. If your plastic surgeon is aware of your future plans, he may be able to take additional steps to preserve the nerves, tissue, and milk ducts.
How Do I Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Plastic surgery is a highly refined discipline that requires the utmost skill, training, and experience. With a procedure like breast reduction, your surgeon’s ability to create natural, realistic results is of critical importance. Choose your plastic surgeon wisely by asking questions about his training, board certification, patient satisfaction, and more.
Get your best results from breast reduction surgery when you consult with an expert. Dr. Ronald Lohner is an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon based in Philadelphia who offers customized procedures to his patients after a one-on-one consultation. He completed his undergraduate education at Dartmouth College and medical school at UMDNJ-Rutgers. Currently, Dr. Lohner is Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital and holds a faculty appointment at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. His peers have selected him as a Philadelphia-area Top Doctor for the last eight years. His office is located at [primary_address] in [primary_city], [primary_statefull], on the Main Line. Please call his office at [primary_phone] to schedule a consultation for your liposuction procedure.