Submitted by Twin City Plastic Surgery
Sometimes, it’s just hard to live in your own skin. No matter how much a woman loves and appreciates her body, there are times when changes are needed to care for her overall health.
Large breasts can impact a woman’s health and happiness. Many women who have larger breasts also have back and neck pain or possible issues with posture as the weight of their breasts are greater than what their bodies are designed to support. Other women with large breasts describe skin irritation or uncomfortable marks and indentations in their shoulders or sides from bra straps. These women also may have more discomfort when playing sports or other activities as the movement of their breasts or simply having their breasts “in the way” can cause challenges.
Large breasts can also create issues with personal appearance. While our bodies are unique, sometimes having breasts that are especially large can make it difficult to find clothing that fits properly. Body proportion can also appear off when the top part of a woman’s body is distinctively larger than the bottom. This can be an especially sensitive topic for younger women as larger breasts sometimes create unexpected and unwelcome attention.
More and more women who find themselves frustrated by their large breasts are opting for a medical procedure called Reduction Mammaplasty — more commonly known as breast reduction surgery.
The scoop on the surgery
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, breast reduction procedures change the size, weight, firmness, and shape of the breast by surgically removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to create a breast in proportion with a woman’s body.
Most surgeries are same-day, meaning the patient checks into the surgical facility or hospital in the morning and, assuming all goes as planned, is released later that day. The surgery begins with anesthesia being administered. After the patient is “out,” the surgeon makes an incision around the nipple. Then, the surgeon can access the underlying breast tissue to remove what is needed, and lift and shape what remains, sometimes also using liposuction to remove excess fat (your surgeon will recommend the procedure and process that is best for your personal health and body).
Many times, reducing the fat or glandular tissue in the breast leaves too much skin on the surface. So, an incision is made in the skin starting at the bottom of the nipple to the base of the breast where it connects with the body. If necessary, additional skin can be removed. Then, the incisions around the nipple and below the breast are brought together with sutures and medical adhesives. The patient’s body is supported with medical wraps and bandages. Occasionally, a patient may also have a medical drain attached for a period of time to catch any excess fluid.
Most importantly, over time the swelling and incisions will diminish and patients will have the breasts they envisioned for the rest of their life.
Covering the cost
After consulting with a plastic surgeon, patients should explore insurance coverage and any related costs prior to the procedures being performed. Insurance companies vary regarding whether or not breast reduction surgeries are covered by their plans. Many companies look whether or not the surgery will relieve another medical condition, or may consider the amount of tissue to be removed.
In addition to surgeon fees, typical costs for a breast reduction procedure include hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescription for medications, post-surgery garments, and medical tests.
With this surgery, women will also need time away from their normal roles within the home, with the family, and from their jobs if they work outside the home. Women will need assistance with household tasks, children, and need time away from work. Women who are employed should check with their employers’ human resources department or time-off provider to determine how any time for the medical procedure and recovery will be potentially covered by their benefits.
While there are costs and considerations for any type of medical procedure, for women exploring breast reduction, the benefits greatly outweigh any costs! Breast reduction surgery can free women from pain, discomfort, or inconvenience. It can liberate women trapped by their own body who are ready to start experiencing life more fully.
Board certified plastic surgeons Laura C. Randolph, Chad Tattini, and Paige Holt, along with their professional and compassionate staff, comprise Twin City Plastic Surgery. Their Bloomington office is located at 2502 East Empire Street, Suite C, which is one mile east of Veterans Parkway, turning on to Audie Murphy Drive. More information on their practice, surgical options, breast reconstruction, and their consultation services is available by calling their office at 309-662-6772 or visiting online at www.twincityplasticsurgery.com.