Breast reduction is a life-changing surgery and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it has one of the highest satisfaction rates.
Patients with overly large breasts are no strangers to feelings of heaviness, decreased mobility and back, neck and shoulder pain. Psychologically, large breasts can also lead to a negative body image and lower self-esteem in women of all ages.
Breast reduction surgery can reduce both the size and the weight of the breasts, ensuring patients feel more comfortable and confident.
To ensure you have a positive experience, however, we look at what it’s really like to undergo a breast reduction.
Your Expectations vs. the Reality of Breast Reduction Surgery
Expectation: The scarring is going to be severe
Reality:
Scarring is an inevitable part of any cosmetic surgery procedure but this doesn’t mean that it will be severe. One of your surgeon’s main objectives is to keep scarring to a minimum. By choosing the right surgeon for your procedure, your scarring won’t be as visible as you’re imagining it to be. Over and above this, breast reduction patients are more than happy to live with some minor scarring in exchange for a better quality of life. There are also steps that you can take to reduce scarring after your procedure, which your surgeon will take you through during your consultation. Keep in mind that breast reduction scars can take up to 1.5 years to fade though.
Expectation: My insurance won’t cover my procedure
Reality:
Breast reduction surgery is covered by Medicare in most instances because large breasts can cause both physical and psychological issues. For example, if you’re living with constant back and shoulder pain, eventually your spine and posture are going to be affected.
Expectation: I won’t be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction
Reality:
According to Dr Anh plastic surgery in Perth, your ability to breastfeed after giving birth will most likely not be affected by your surgery. What many women don’t realise is that sometimes you won’t be able to breastfeed naturally regardless of whether you have surgery or not. Women who do have larger breasts are unable to breastfeed because the baby is unable to latch onto the nipple, so breast reduction surgery can actually increase your chances of being able to breastfeed.
Expectation: I’m going to lose sensation in my nipples
Reality:
Did you know that having larger breasts already increases your risk of losing nipple sensation? This is because the sensory nerves are stretched over time. There are very few reported cases of breast reduction patients losing nipple sensation because surgeons work around the nerve that’s responsible for nipple sensation.
Expectation: I won’t be able to exercise after a breast reduction
Reality:
This is not true in the least. You’ll be able to exercise far more than you ever could with larger breasts. Surgery will allow you to engage in the activities you’ve always wanted to and prevent unwanted stares in the gym. While you will need to take it easy during the first two weeks after your surgery, you can slowly start picking up the pace after about three weeks.
The majority of breast reduction patients are very happy with their results after surgery and if you feel that this is a procedure you could benefit from, take the time to find a reputable surgeon that specialises in this delicate procedure.
Image credit: shutterstock.com