Breast Reduction Questions

Below is a list of some frequently asked breast reduction questions, but please feel free to call our office if you need additional information, 916.929.1833. We are always pleased to assist you.

Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?
When can I expect to return to work and resume my normal daily activities?
When can I shower after breast reduction surgery?
Will my insurance cover the breast reduction procedure?
How long with the results of breast reduction surgery last?
Will there be scarring?
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
What are the major risks and complications of breast reduction surgery?

		Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?
		Women with large, disproportionate breasts who experience pain, discomfort, and embarrassment due to their breast size may be good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Ideal candidates for a breast reduction are women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Although the procedure is generally recommended for mature women with fully developed breasts, breast reduction surgery can be performed on younger women if their breasts are causing serious pain and physical discomfort.


		When can I expect to return to work and resume my normal daily activities?
		After breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks, depending on your job. Many patients can resume most of their normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, within a few weeks as well. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but these feelings are normal. Because sexual arousal could cause incisions to swell and create the possibility of delayed healing, sexual activity should be avoided for at least one week after breast reduction surgery.


		When can I shower after breast reduction surgery?
		Many patients are concerned that limited mobility after surgery may prevent them from showering for several days. Dr. Green actually recommends that patients shower as soon as possible after surgery to help them feel refreshed and able to move up and about.


		Will my insurance cover the breast reduction procedure?
		Breast reductions may be covered by medical insurance if the purpose of the breast reduction surgery is to alleviate physical discomfort and pain caused by oversized breasts. Many factors determine your eligibility, including the specific terms of your insurance policy and the amount of breast tissue to be removed.


		How long with the results of breast reduction surgery last?
		After breast reduction surgery, breasts will remain smaller than they would be if the procedure had never been performed. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your breast size should remain fairly constant. However, the effects of aging and gravity may cause breasts to sag over time. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift in Sacramento to restore their more youthful contour.


		Will there be scarring?
		The various techniques for breast reductions produce different types of possible scarring. Traditional breast reduction surgery will produce anchor-like scars that extend around the nipple, down the middle of the breast, and under the breast. Vertical incision breast reduction surgery creates shorter scars which also circle the nipple and extend vertically down the breast, but do not continue under the breast. Scar-less breast reduction surgery typically only leaves minor, inconspicuous scars that are usually under the breast crease. Avoiding breast reduction surgery because of possible scarring is ill-advised, since the benefits of a breast reduction usually outweigh the appearance of scars. Scars from breast reductions also tend to fade over time and can usually be hidden under bras, bathing suits, or a low cut top.


		Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
		There is a chance that breastfeeding may not be possible after breast reduction. The level of risk depends on the surgical technique used for the procedure. Traditional breast reduction surgery has the highest risk of affecting the ability to breastfeed. During this type of breast reduction, many of the milk ducts are removed, making it more difficult to breastfeed in the future. Vertical incision breast reduction surgery has a lower risk than traditional incisions since a portion of the nipple will remain connected to the milk ducts. Scar-less breast reduction surgery has practically no risk of affecting breastfeeding because this breast reduction technique leaves the glandular and connective tissue largely untouched.


		What are the major risks and complications of breast reduction surgery?
		Breast reduction surgery may have potential complications that are possible for all surgeries, including bleeding, infection, hematoma, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and scarring. Potential risks that are specific to breast reduction surgery include asymmetrical breasts, altered or loss of nipple and areola sensitivity, and the inability to breastfeed.

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