Breast Reduction

Question: breast reduction? For those who have undergone breast reduction surgery, can you please tell me what kind of scars you are left with. even I m planning to

Answer: Why breast reduction? Is this the only fat problem you have? If it were my breasts I would not consider it nor an increase? There are other ways to decrease the size of boobs.

Question: Breast reduction? I'm 19 and want a breast reduction more than anything. How much would that cost, what are the drawbacks and negative points, and is there any way to get the insurance company to pay for it?

Answer: I can sympathize with you. A reduction cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 5000-10000 depending on location. The drawbacks would be the recovery time, and sometimes women cannot breast feed after surgery. Insurance will cover the procedure if the size of the breast is the cause of other health or medical problems. Hope this helps.

Question: Breast Reduction? I am planning on getting a Breast Reduction and i went to see the Plastic Surgeon, does anyone know how long it usually takes the insurance company to tell you if they are approved it or not?

Answer: Four weeks. After two weeks, call to ensure they have the documentation. Two weeks later, call to see if there is a decision. Please see at least THREE plastic surgeons before you choose. I ended up going with my second surgeon that I had a consult with. Also check out this site, it helped me out a LOT with my reduction. http://www.breasthealthonline.com Regarding battlecry's answer below, check out http://www.bfar.org if you haven't already. There are plenty of women who can breastfeed after reduction. When they operate and take tissue out, they take out mostly fatty tissue and not much of the dense breast tissue that assists with breast milk. Also, find a surgeon who will NOT remove the nipple (called a Free Nipple Graft), as this will better your chances of breastfeeding in the future.

Question: Can a breast reduction and a breast lift be done at the same time? I am going to the plastic surgeon for a consultation for breast reduction surgery. I have heard several woman say that now they have small flat breasts now. Can I get mine lifted during the breast reduction surgery to avoid having two surgeries?

Answer: Yes you can have a breast lift with the reduction. 99% of reductions have breast lifts included! I had mine reduced and lifted Feb 2006 (38J to 38C) and it was covered by insurance 100%. http://www.breasthealthonline.com

Question: How long after breast reduction surgery will I know my final bra size? I had breast reduction surgery a month ago and just went shopping for a couple of new bras. I was a 44F and was hoping to go down to a small D/large C ideally. I ended up buying a 40DD which is still so much larger than I wanted. I guess I just wanted to know from those who have had the surgery how long it took for their swelling to go down and when their breasts finally "settled" into their final size/shape. Thank you.

Answer: previous to surgery i was a 32F. i asked to be a C cup and my surgeon promised me a C cup. at my final post op appointment at 9 months, I was still measuring a D cup. i was upset, but still happy with the results. then, 2 months ago i went to get measured again (i lost 7 lbs from exercising) and I was measured by victoria's secret as a C cup. 2 dreams were answered. to buy from victoria's secret and be a C cup. i would say, it will take at least 8 months for all the swelling to go down.

Question: How long after a breast reduction does swelling go down? I had a breast reduction a little over a week ago and am still fitting into some of my old bras. I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this surgery.

Answer: it will take 3-5 months for you to know what your true size will be.

Question: How long after a Breast Reduction can I walk around and travel? I am getting a breast reduction tomorrow and I have a banquet to go to this Saturday. I was wondering if anyone who has had it done, will I be able to go?

Answer: it's up to how you feel. i had my surgery on a monday and didn't go out anywhere until sunday night to a play that i already had tickets for (with the expection of getting my hair washed a few days before since i couldn't do it myself). you will still have a bandage on but can still wear regular clothes.

Question: How long should you wait to conceive after breast reduction? I am in the process of preparing for a breast reduction and I was wondering if anyone knows how long you should wait after a breast reduction to get pregnant? My husband and I already have a 2.5 yr old and we are planning to ttc in the near future. He's in the military so the soonest opportunity we would have would be December and then not again until August/September 2008. I haven't had a chance to speak with my surgeon about this concern yet, so I was hoping someone here has experienced this. Assuming things go as planned, we would conceive appr. 8-10 weeks post-op. Is that too soon? Because I've had back problems for several years now which are exacerbated when I am pregnant. Also, I had problems after the birth of my son do to excess milk production (too much glandular tissue). I almost lost my left breast due to mastitis. The question at hand is not whether I should have a reduction or not. I'm having it. I just want to know if it's okay to ttc in December, or should I wait until next year. We wanted our children born close together but due to deployment with the military and a miscarriage, it hasn't happened so far. If I get pregnant in December, our son will be 3 by the time the next baby is born. If we wait until next year to ttc, he will be 4. Anyway, my point is, is it too physically early to ttc 8-10 weeks post-reduction?

Answer: You should talk to your plastic surgeon about this. It could be anywhere from 3 months post op till one year post op depending on if you have any complications with your surgery and recovery. I personally would wait until your incisions are closed and you are back to 100% health before ttc. For me that was about four months post op. And, unlike what some have said, with a breast reduction, they try to take out as much fatty tissue as they can. USUALLY your breasts go back to the same size after you are done breastfeeding, though that is not ALWAYS the case. And, if you have extreme back pain, it would be good to get it done NOW. Just make sure your plastic surgeon does NOT do a Free Nipple Graft, as that lessens the chance of you being able to breastfeed after a reduction. http://www.bfar.org

Question: What is the liposuction part of the breast reduction? Im getting a breast reduction on one breast in a few weeks and they told my mom that it was a breast reduction and liposuction.. Does anyone have an idea what the lipos for? Maybe the fat where your armpit meets the breast because i have it pretty bad.

Answer: I would imagine that is how they remove the fat from the breast. I am saying imagine because I don't know for certain.

Question: What is the average size for breast reduction? I am a 32DDD, and really want a breast reduction because well i HATE my boobs. At 105 lbs and 5'2 I am not overweight nor tall, so I'm just wondering what the average cup size is for a breast reduction?

Answer: Honestly as most guys would say nothing is wrong with that. But im sure that you are in pain do to the weight of your breast. If i were you i would go down to a D or a big C cup, reason why is because if you change so much it will leave excess skin that could cause problems. I hope this helps, and don't for get you always want a lil cleavage to make your man happy. I would do what ever makes you the happiest. (Go get a doctors opinion for the precise size of reduction)

Question: How noticeable are scars from a breast reduction? I am considering a breast reduction but am really concerned about the scars. I know that I will be scarred for a while as I heal, but how apparent are the scars long term? Thanks!

Answer: i had a breast reduction in oct 08. my scars are already fading. my friend who had the same surgery last year by the same doctor has scars that are barely visible. you have to look super closely to even see that they are there. however, i look at the scar as a very small price to pay for all the benefits that a breast reduction bring. i am VERY happy with my decision to do it.

Question: How do i get a breast reduction to reduce my bust size by two cups on the nhs? I live in england and i am 17 years old, i want to get a breast reduction when i am 18 next year, how do i go abut applying to get a reduction for free?

Answer: You need to go to your GP first who will then send you off to a specialist for assessment. To be eligible for a breast reduction it has to be seen it is needed for medical purposes - e.g. that you are affected physically by your enlarged breasts, such as breasts causing (or likely to cause later in life) poor posture, and back problems. Breast reductions can also be carried out if they cause you problems psychologically (e.g. self-esteem greatly affected by unwanted attention/comments your enlarged breasts bring). Please note - there is a long waiting list for breast reduction surgery - approx 3 years in some parts of the country, so don't get your hopes up about getting the reduction next year - it is very unlikely.

Question: How do i go about getting a breast reduction, Im scared the scars will look really ugly? I am 5'0, 20 years old, im about 130 lbs and I wear size 36F..maybe FF im not sure. What if the breast reduction surgery leaves horrible scars or my nipples arent alligned? It will be too late to fix it!

Answer: You should have the surgery done by a board certified plastic surgeon. A lot of doctors do the procedure, but are not qualified to do it. Don't just go to a general surgeon. The scars are usually under the breast or hidden in the areola area, so they won't be noticeable and the plastic surgeon is trained to do almost invisible scars. If they know what they are doing, your nipples will be fine. There's a good chance it will be covered by insurance. When I worked in insurance, if they removed a pound from each, it was covered.

Question: How much is a breast reduction in the UK? I want a breast reduction because I'm a 32F and I'm still growing. I'm 17 years old and I hate it because everyone stares, it's near impossible to find bras and they hurt my back.

Answer: Don't do it!!!

Question: What are the pros and cons to a breast reduction? I am considering a breast reduction. I want to know all the possiblities. Also what is the recovering time? What time frame would I need to be off work?

Answer: Pros: smaller bras, no back pain, no shoulder pain, can buy bras in stores and NOT special order them, a $50 bra is only if you get a really fancy one and not a granny bra, no back pain Cons: NONE! I had it Feb 2006 and don't regret it one bit! You should take off at least two weeks, more if you are in a physically active job as you do not want to move your arms too much. FULL recovery can take up to a year, do NOT put your scars into the sun until they turn white, or they will turn permanently red!

Question: What are the risks of a breast reduction? And what is the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift?

Answer: In a reduction they reduce the size of your breasts, and usually do a lift at the same time In a lift, they work with the muscles to physically LIFT the breasts from their current position - usually without reduction there are many risks - of course any time you are put under there is a risk - infection is a huge risk - there is the risk of not being able to breast feed - and a botched plastic surgery procedure can lead to several complications i have considered it myself as I have large breasts - but i have decided to wait until i'm all done having children - cause they will only get worse, and it is very important to me to breast feed (16 weeks pregnant!) Be sure the DR you are going through is GOOD at what he does - ask to see previous pictures, patient testimonials - and maybe try to find somewhere you can research the DR and his past procedures to see any issues

Question: How long is the total healing time after breast reduction surgery? I am considering breast reduction surgery. I want to know what to expect and what complications others have experienced.

Answer: I was out of work for two weeks, and then slowly worked my way back up into full activities after a month. I was able to shower 24 hours after surgery BUT some PS's want you to wait a few days... different PS's have different methods. I just put my back to the shower head and let the water run over my incisions and steri strips. Telfa pads from CVS/Rite Aid. They are nonstick pads that you can put over your incisions if they are still leaking. I loved them! My incisions took at least two months to fully close (so no baths or swimming until the incisions are 10000% closed or else you'll get a nasty infection!). My swelling went down after a few months (though it can take up to a year to get your final size). My sensation came back after three months (but can take over a year to regain sensation). Scars take about a year to fade, so unless they are white do not put them into the sun or they will turn permanently red. Use Mederma and ScarGuard and they will be barely noticeable (like mine!). Also take some "arnica montana" I bought it on amazon's website. It helped me out a lot with my bruising and swelling. You have to sleep on your back for a while, at least until the incisions close. Its a pain in the butt, but I bought a wedge pillow and it helped out TONS. I experienced a few split stitches (it looks like a piece of rice). You don't pull them, you clip them and they eventually dissolve or fall out. Your incisions MAY scab over. DO NOT pull the scabs. If they don't come off easy, clip the part of the scab that is free and let the part still connected to your breast come off on its own. I had a little bit part of a scab on, I pulled it off, the next day I had this nasty open spot that I had to treat with solutions. It took a month or two to heal. So do not pull scabs off! LISTEN to your doctor. ANY questions you have, ask the PS first. I've found that different PS's have different methods. Like when to shower, when to travel, when to do normal activities, how to treat open spots, etc. I have tons of more information for you, but those are the basics. This site helped me out tons before and after my surgery.

Question: How long is the process to get a breast reduction if in the military? I am in the military (AF) and I was wondering about how long the process takes to get a breast reduction. For instance, how many consultations will I need with my PCM in order to get referred to a plastic surgeon? Will I have to go speak with a psychatrist first?

Answer: It depends on what size breasts you have and also if you have documented problems caused by your breasts. Such as, back and neck pain, rashes, shoulder indentation, headaches and many other things. I am a 38DDD and my PCM told me her could get me approved (my husband is active duty Marine). However, when he was on recruiting duty we were seen at a civilian doctor and I asked for a reduction and TriCare said I was not large enough! But, when we got stationed at Cherry Point my doc said he could get me approved no problem because he got another woman who was smaller than me approved. I think as long as your doc is actually on base it is easier for approval. Stupid, but true. Good luck. p.s. A breast reduction is a MEDICAL procedure not cosmetic!! And the men and women who serve this country deserve the BEST medical treatment out there. They are fighting for your freedom! Civilians are not paying for our insurance! The military members work hard and put their lives on the line so shame on you for saying such terrible things!

Question: What are the cons of breast reduction surgery? I'm 18 and I currently wear a 40DDD.My back is in pain because of it and I hate that I can't wear certain tops, but what are the cons of breast reduction?I really would like to know.

Answer: Think of your boyfriend here! I also am going for this surgery in six months time, Yes you do need drain tubes, but think of the wonderful results, less back pain, and shoulder pain, neck as well. It will hurt, for some time, but in the long run, it will be the best thing for you. Take care, and don't worry, long term affects far outway the discomfort from the actual surgery. Take care. Pros.. no more back pain (if you have experienced this due to the weight of your breasts), fitting into tops/shirts of your interest. Cons... All I can think of is the recovery process. No- using the drains is actually involved in outdated techniques for breast reduction. There are many new technique now which use minimal incisions and therefore minimal scarring, for example an older technique is the anchor method with a scar running around and down from the nipple and under the breast, the most popular technique now is the Le Jour incision which involves scarring only around the nipple and directly down (there is no scar underneath the breasts). I suppost the pros would be that you have smaller breasts but that is also a con (if you are like me I am a bit sad about losing breast size), you will no longer have back, neck, shoulder etc pain. You will be able to wear great clothes without looking fat and a wierd shape and the list of pros goes on and on. Good luck !!!

Question: How much does breast reduction surgery cost? I was wondering if anyone could quote a price for breast reduction surgery in Australia. I am 5'1 and a 32E and they give me the worst back ache. Thanks.

Answer: Not much if you get it covered by insurance. Insurance covered mine 100% ($8,000 USD) and I only had to pay a $75 copay for the overnight hospital stay.