It isn't commonly discussed, but many women face serious health issues on account of large breasts. These issues range from extreme self-consciousness to skin irritation and breast-related muscular pain. Women considering addressing the issue with surgery should consider the risks and benefits involved, and are justifiably concerned as to what to expect after the procedure.
surgical implements
Insurance Coverage
To ensure that you don't have any nasty financial surprises after your procedure, make sure to thoroughly investigate the extent of your insurance coverage. Insurance sometimes covers the entire procedure, depending on the woman's applicable health factors. The specific terms of your policy will be clear about this, but make the extra effort to obtain information in writing. Make sure to arrange for a letter of predetermination prior to your surgery date, if required.
Risks
Major complications from breast reduction surgery are very uncommon. Even so, every surgery comes with inherent risks. Your surgeon will make sure that you understand these potential risks before you are operated upon. General risks with surgery include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Risks specific to the surgery include asymmetricality of the breasts, such as slight differences in breast size and nipple height. If this occurs, it can be adjusted down the road. Some patients experience a change in breast sensitivity. Patient adherence to the instructions of the operating surgeon helps to lessen the risks.
Post-Operative Expectations
You'll be moving around out of bed the day after the procedure, though you'll need to avoid any strenuous bending and moderate lifting. It's best to sleep on the back to keep pressure from the post-operative tissues. Your doctor will remove surgical drains, if they were placed, within a couple of days of the procedure. You'll be given a special bra to wear for a few weeks until the tissues have stopped swelling. Stitches will be taken out over the course of about three weeks.
The Following Months
It will take some time after the surgery for your breasts to settle in to their new shape. The incision marks will be pink-to-red after the stitches are removed, and they will generally remain so for a few months, slowly fading to fleshtone. It will take a while for the nerves in the area to knit themselves back together, so you can expect sensation changes for a few months after the surgery. Sometimes it's permanent, but it's usually temporary.
Scarring
The scars left by breast reduction incisions will be permanent. In some patients, they're more visible than in others. You can expect them to fade in time, and many women see excellent results from scar-reduction creams. The scarring is easy to conceal with clothing, and even low-cut blouses may be worn without the scarring showing. For most patients, the massive confidence boost precipitated by a successful breast reduction surgery more than compensates for the scarring.
Childbearing Considerations
If you plan on having a child after having the procedure, keep in mind that childbirth (and, if you choose to, breast-feeding) will greatly affect the size and shape of your breast tissue. These changes are unpredictable and may change the way that the breasts appear to the point that another surgical adjustment may be desired afterward. The natural process of breast-feeding may be prevented as the tissues in the breast are surgically shifted, so discuss this with your doctor if you feel that your quality of life may be affected.
