What is Breast Reduction?
Oversized breasts can cause many social and functional problems for women. If you suffer from very large breasts, it may create self-confidence issues and pain near the neck and back. At New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, Dr. Michelle Eagan helps women rebuild their confidence and enjoy a better quality of life with breast reduction surgery. To reshape the breasts to a regular size, this cosmetic surgery eliminates excess breast tissue and skin. It also reduces the size of the nipples and repositions them so they appear more proportionate with your new breast size. For a tighter and more youthful appearance, we can perform a breast lift with breast reduction surgery.
What are the benefits of Breast Reduction?
While a number of patients may want to grow the size of their breasts, for some, unnaturally large breasts have potential to negatively affect their day-to-day lives and confidence. A breast reduction surgery in New Orleans, LA at New Orleans Plastic Surgery provides a wide variety of advantages to renew your appearance and enhance your quality of life, such as:
- Reducing the volume and heaviness of the breasts
- Lifts and contours the breasts
- Reshapes the nipples
- Improves range of motion and movement
- Makes exercise and physical activities more enjoyable
- Relieves spinal pressure
- Opens up your clothing options
- Creates better body proportions
- Corrects posture
- Helps you obtain better sleep
- Helps with skin irritation
- Adds to your confidence and self-esteem
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Do I qualify for breast reduction?
If you have oversized breasts that hinder you from doing certain activities, breast reduction surgery can help you live more comfortably. This surgery is helpful for women who experience embarrassment or cannot live an active lifestyle because of heavy breasts. Additionally, this surgery can address uncomfortable symptoms caused by excess breast tissue, such as constant skin irritation or neck and back pain. Before undergoing this surgery, patients need to be close to their goal weight; otherwise, the results could change as your weight fluctuates. During your consultation, Dr. Eagan will listen to your needs and develop a tailored treatment plan.
How is Breast Reduction Performed?
At New Orleans Plastic Surgery, we perform breast reduction surgery as an outpatient procedure. To help keep you comfortable, Dr. Eagan will begin your procedure by administering anesthesia. The length of the surgery depends on several factors, including the incision technique and the amount of excess tissue, skin, and fat. The timing may also increase if we need to reposition and resize the areola and nipple or perform liposuction. Generally, patients need liposuction to remove excess fat and reduce breast size. At your consultation, we will address all of these factors and ensure you feel knowledgeable about your procedure. Potential scarring is also carefully discussed because it often occurs with this type of surgery. However, innovative techniques have allowed us to reduce the appearance of scars. Based on the intricacy of the size and overall reduction, Dr. Eagan may use an inverted-T or a straight line (vertical) incision. After making the incision, we excise the excess breast tissue and tighten the remaining skin.
What Can I Expect After Breast Reduction?
After surgery, we will take you back to our private recovery room so we can temporarily monitor you. Once you are ready for discharge, we will send you home to begin the healing process. To assist with swelling and bleeding, a small, tube-like device is placed near the incisions. Additionally, you will need to wear a medical sports bra, which increases blood circulation and promotes healing. In a month or so, the breasts will naturally settle into their position and your symptoms will subside. At New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, many of our patients say they feel lighter and more comfortable after their surgery. To maintain your results, you will need to try and stay at a healthy weight.
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Dr. Eagan has helped many women feel more confident and live a better quality of life with breast reduction surgery. During a consultation at New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, Dr. Eagan will discuss your treatment options and create a customized surgical plan. If you experience overly large breasts that prevent you from feeling confident or wearing certain clothing items, please call our practice in New Orleans, LA to learn more about breast reduction surgery.
Breast Reduction FAQ
How long is the recovery period after breast reduction surgery?
Most people can return to work and normal activities within a couple of weeks following surgery. Full recovery, including the fading of incision lines, can take several months.
Will my insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
Insurance coverage varies widely, and it often depends on whether the surgery is deemed medically necessary. It's best to check with your insurance provider.
Are the results of breast reduction permanent?
The results of breast reduction surgery are generally long-lasting. However, weight gain, pregnancy, and aging may still cause breast size and shape to change over time.
How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
During your consultation with Dr. Eagan, she will discuss the cost of your breast reduction surgery. When creating your treatment plan, she can easily calculate your costs, including facility fees, anesthesia, and more. Generally, breast reduction surgery leads to a significant improvement in a patient's life so our team will try to help you find low-interest financing. We will also help you work with your insurance provider to see if they will cover some of your expenses.
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 breast tissue and skin needs to be removed, your nipple-areola complex may need to be moved. Dr. Eagan will select a technique like the anchor incision so the nipple and areola are easy to move higher on the breast. It is also possible to perform an areolatome to reduce the size of the areolas. Your options will be discussed during your consultation before Dr. Eagan helps you decide on the best plan to meet your goals.
Can my breasts re-grow after surgery?
After reduction surgery, your breasts can get smaller or bigger with dramatic weight changes. This is why it's better to be at a healthy, stable weight before your surgery that's easy for you to maintain. In your consultation, Dr. Eagan will discuss the best ways to prepare for your reduction and what you should do after to help make sure your results last.