What to expect from a breast reduction? The before-and-after questions answered.

As a life-changing procedure for many women, breast-reduction surgery consistently ranks high in patient satisfaction studies. Needless to say, it has an impact on the everyday life of any woman who is struggling with neck, shoulder, back and breast pain or suffering from bra strap grooving. It will also allow for a breast size proportionate to the body, leading to a higher self-esteem and the ability to participate in high-impact physical activity.

Like any other major procedure, it is important to gather information on the required steps to take and the expectations. As a matter of fact, we rounded up the most common questions we hear from patients in regards to this surgery.

What exactly is a breast reduction, and what are the first steps?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure during which the surgeon will remove excess skin, fat, and gland from the breasts to reduce their size.

Before getting the surgery, you will be required to come into our office for a pre-operative consultation, during which time we will go over your detailed medical history. You should be in good physical shape in order to undergo this procedure. During this consultation, you should also expect to discuss any emotional issue you’ve had to deal with in the past. In short, it is important for your surgeon to know you and get a better understanding of your unique situation.

What happens in surgery?
Several techniques exist, and part of your pre-operative consultation will be dedicated to the surgeon explaining which one is better suited to your situation; depending on your breast size, shape, and the expected results.

Usually, after making incisions on each breast, the surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The next step will then consist of reshaping the breasts and giving them a beautiful and natural look. Once again, each procedure is unique and will be thoroughly explained to you by your surgeon.

What to expect during recovery?
The procedure itself should take somewhere between 1.5-2 hours, depending on the amount of work needed. We usually recommend taking a week off from work so that you can rest and focus on your recovery. You should also refrain from any physical effort for around 4 weeks following surgery.

What to expect after recovery?
Once your recovery is over and you don’t feel any discomfort, you will then learn one last important lesson: be patient with your body! Your breasts will need time to adjust to this major transformation – you may feel initially that they look swollen and asymmetrical, but within a year, you will see the amazing results and learn to love your new life.

CONCLUSION
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, it’s normal to have many questions, and the first step is definitely to do some research, discuss with people who have had the procedure in the past and find the right surgeon for the operation. We encourage you to do as much research as you feel the need to, as the journey you are embarking on is an important one.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions concerning this procedure – it does not commit you to anything.