About Breast Reduction Surgery
Excessively large breasts can cause physical and social setbacks for women. In addition, extremely large breasts can create insecurity issues and embarrassment, as well as joint pain. Scott Sessions, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Mesa, CA who has helped countless women regain their confidence and enjoy the lives they want through cosmetic breast reductions. This plastic surgery at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre reduces excess breast tissue and skin to recontour the breasts to a smaller and more manageable size. It also reconstructs the size of the areolas and nipples and repositions them so they appear normal with the new breast size. In most cases, a breast lift is performed to provide a tighter and healthier appearance.
Ideal Candidates
If you suffer from heavy and overly large breasts that interfere with daily life, a surgical breast reduction may be a good option to rid yourself of your discomfort. This surgery is ideal for women who, because of the heaviness of their breasts, deal with frustration and worry or are not able to lead an active life. If you also have ongoing skin issues and/or back pain, this surgery can greatly diminish these conditions. It is important that patients are at a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of a breast reduction.
Reviews
Surgical Technique
Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure and is performed with general anesthesia. The timeframe for the surgery is dependent upon many factors, including the incision type, the overall surgical technique, and the amount of tissue removal needed. The nipple and areola repositioning is another factor. The reduction is usually performed through incisions on your breasts and the surgical removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques. If your breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone could be used. Depending on the difficulty of the reduction, either an anchor or a vertical incision will be made. The breast tissue will be removed, and the surrounding tissue and skin will be pulled tight and lifted.
At the time of your initial consultation, all of these factors will be addressed with Dr. Sessions. The potential for scarring will also be carefully discussed as some scarring is unavoidable. However, modern methods have led to a significant decrease in overall scarring.
What to Expect
After surgery, our patients are observed closely in our quiet recovery room and then sent home to heal. A thin tube for draining will most likely be placed near the surgical site to assist with bleeding and other fluid drainage. You will need to wear a medical sports bra for several days, which will increase blood flow to the breasts during the initial healing period. Within about a month, your breasts will naturally fall into position, and the post-op effects will dissipate. Most of our patients at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre remark that they feel weightless or lighter and more confident. After breast reduction surgery, you can buy the clothes you so desire and feel excited about your new appearance. Remember, it is still important to stay at a healthy weight so the results are not compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
The cost of your breast reduction surgery will be discussed with Dr. Sessions during your consultation. Once he has developed your treatment plan, it will be easier to estimate your costs. Breast reduction surgery often causes a significant improvement in a patient's life so our team will help you find low-interest financing to make your treatment affordable. We can also help you work with your insurance company to see if they will cover some of your costs.
Will my insurance cover breast reduction?
In some cases, your health insurance may cover part of the cost of breast reduction surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. If you are considering using your insurance, tell Dr. Sessions so he can help with your claim. You should talk to your insurance company to find out if your policy may cover the surgery and what they need to approve it. Your insurance will most likely decide based on measurements, like your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area.
Will my nipples be moved?
In most cases, the nipples and areola will be shifted up to a higher position on the breast during the surgery. If a large amount of tissue and skin are being removed, your nipple-areola complex may need to be moved. Dr. Sessions will choose a technique, like the anchor incision, so the nipple and areola can be moved higher on the breast. It is also possible to reduce the size of the areola with an areolatome. All of these options will be discussed during your consultation before Dr. Sessions helps you decide on the best plan to achieve your goals.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed. While some women may still be able to breastfeed after a reduction, some cannot. It is difficult to predict whether your surgery will cause you problems with breastfeeding. For this reason, Dr. Sessions recommends that patients be done having children before having breast reduction surgery or be willing to not breastfeed.
Can my breasts regrow after surgery?
After reduction surgery, your breasts can get bigger or smaller with significant weight changes. This is why it's helpful to be at a healthy, stable weight before your surgery that's easy for you to maintain. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions will talk to you about the best ways to prepare for your surgery and what you should do after to ensure you are happy with your results.
Smaller Breasts, Larger Life
Dr. Sessions has helped countless women reclaim their health for a fuller life with breast reduction surgery. During your first visit at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre, Dr. Sessions will talk through all of the options to reach your desired outcome and develop a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. There is no need to continue living with the discomfort or lack of confidence that can sometimes accompany oversized breasts. We welcome you to call our practice in La Mesa, CA to discover more about this exceptional breast reduction procedure.