Breast Reduction Surgery: Alleviating Symptoms and Enhancing Quality of Life
By Dr. Dean Weber
Discover the benefits, techniques, and candidacy for breast reduction surgery with insights from Dr. Dean Weber, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Northland Plastic Surgery.
Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure designed to help women alleviate symptoms caused by overly large breasts. Dr. Dean Weber, a renowned plastic surgeon at Northland Plastic Surgery, shares his expertise on the subject, discussing the ideal candidates, various techniques, and the outcomes of this life-changing surgery.
Symptoms and Candidacy
Many women with large breasts experience a range of physical discomforts, including upper back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and rashes underneath the breasts. These symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, making everyday activities challenging and uncomfortable. Breast reduction surgery aims to make the breasts smaller, thereby alleviating these symptoms and improving overall well-being.
According to Dr. Weber, the best candidate for this surgery is a woman who has completed her pubertal breast growth and is experiencing the mentioned symptoms. Additionally, the best candidate should be close to her ideal body weight and a non-smoker. Smoking is a significant risk factor for any surgery, and patients are advised to quit smoking several weeks before and after the procedure to minimize complications and ensure optimal healing.
Surgical Techniques
There are various techniques used in breast reduction surgery, and the choice of technique depends on the patient’s preoperative appearance and the surgeon’s assessment. While the skin excision is generally the same across techniques, the primary difference lies in where the breast tissue is removed from.
Dr. Weber explains that the resulting scar after breast reduction typically has an anchor or lollipop appearance. The scar runs around the outside border of the areola, at the color difference, and continues underneath the breast, where it is less visible due to its location at the junction between the breast and the upper abdomen. A vertical scar connects the bottom part of the areola to the point where the breast and chest join, completing the anchor or lollipop shape.
Insurance Coverage and Cosmetic Considerations
A significant advantage of this procedure is that most cases are covered by insurance. However, patients must undergo a pre-authorization process to ensure that their insurance provider agrees to pay for the procedure. In some instances, women may not meet the insurance criteria or prefer not to have as much breast tissue removed as required by the insurance company. In such cases, the surgery would be considered cosmetic and would be an out-of-pocket expense for the patient.
Male Breast Reduction
This procedure is not limited to women; men can also benefit from this procedure. In men, the condition is called gynecomastia, which refers to the presence of breast tissue. The technique for a male is slightly different and often less extensive in terms of scarring. Liposuction is frequently used in conjunction with male breast surgery. Dr. Weber notes that gynecomastia surgery is probably the most common cosmetic procedure performed on men, although it is typically not covered by insurance.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
When considering breast reduction surgery, there are several factors to keep in mind. Dr. Weber strongly advises patients who smoke to discontinue the habit well in advance of the surgery. Additionally, some women may benefit from physical therapy before the procedure to help alleviate existing symptoms and prepare the body for the surgical process.
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Weber recommends that anyone considering breast reduction surgery seek an evaluation from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and maintains the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery is a transformative procedure that can significantly improve the lives of women and men who struggle with the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts. By alleviating symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain, breast reduction surgery enables patients to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
At Northland Plastic Surgery, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons, including Dr. Dean Weber, is dedicated to providing exceptional care and personalized treatment plans for each patient. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled surgeons to discuss your options and take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident life.
Call to Action
Don’t let the discomfort and limitations of large breasts hold you back any longer. Contact Northland Plastic Surgery today to schedule your breast reduction consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Our experienced team is committed to helping you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. Take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident you by calling (218) 724-7363 or visiting our website at northlandplasticsurgery.com to book your appointment now.