Breast Reduction- Frequently Asked Questions

Breast Reduction- Frequently Asked Questions

Breast reduction is a commonly performed procedure on women to reduce the size and weight of heavy breasts. Breast reduction surgery results in aesthetically pleasing breasts which are in proportion with the size of your body.

Breast reduction involves the removal of excess skin, fat and tissue from the breast; thus making them look youthful, perky and proportional to your body. It also lifts the saggy breasts and brings them to where the breasts should be!

While most patients undergo the procedure for its physical benefits to get rid of the pain in the neck, shoulder, and back, there are many cosmetic benefits of breast reduction as well.

• The breasts are lifted giving them a youthful and perky appearance
• Your body looks more proportional
• Stretched areolas and large nipples are reduced during the surgery making breasts attractive
• Swimsuits and fitted clothes look better boosting your self-body image and self-esteem.

Here is the list of Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction surgery.

1.       What is the right age to undergo breast reduction?

There is no “right” age to undergo a breast reduction. You should be more than 18 years and should understand the procedure well. If you are planning to breastfeed in future, it is best to wait till you are done with it. You are a good candidate for breast reduction if you are physically healthy, emotionally stable and have realistic expectations from the procedure.

2.       How long does the surgery take? Is it very painful?

The surgery takes anywhere between 2-3 hours depending on how extensive the procedure is to be done. Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during the operation.

It is normal to feel moderate to severe pain during the initial recovery period viz 48-72 hours, but that can be controlled with pain medications.

3.       How long does the recovery after breast reduction take?

It is normal to have some swelling and bruising for a few weeks after the surgery. You would be advised to wear a medical bra over the dressings for the first week. The stitches are removed after a week to ten days and you would be advised to wear the medical or sports bra for several weeks after the surgery.

Sedentary work can be resumed in about ten to fourteen days while strenuous activities and weight lifting need to wait for 6-8 weeks.

Contact with the breast should be gentle for four to six weeks. It is normal to have some pain in breasts for few months during menstruation.

4.       Where are the scars? Are they permanent?

The scars from breast reduction are permanent. They may appear lumpy and red for few weeks before they look like thin and faded lines.

Techniques of Performing Breast Reduction

There are various techniques to perform breast reduction and each technique results in different incisions and scars.  However, the incisions are made in the crease of the breast and below the areola and you can thus wear low cut tops and swimwear without revealing that you underwent the knife.

Different techniques and thus incisions 

5.       Should I get Breast lift also with the Breast reduction?

Breast reduction results in reducing the size, improving the shape and lifting the breasts. All in all, the goal of breast reduction is to give you youthful and perky breasts and thus breast uplift is a definite result of the procedure. You need not separately ask for or “pay” for breast lift when you are choosing breast reduction.

So essentially, when you choose breast reduction, you get a breast lift. But when you choose breast lift, you may or may not get a breast reduction.

6.       Which is the best technique for surgery?

There is no “Best” technique for breast reduction. The technique chosen depends on the surgeon’s expertise and experience in that particular technique, your body shape, and expectations.

This can be discussed with the surgeon during face to face discussion and you and the surgeon can decide the best technique for your surgery.

Techniques for Breast Reduction

Anchor Shaped Technique

Circular Technique

Keyhole Technique

7.       When will I be able to see the results?

 Because breast tissue is significantly disturbed during the surgery, the swelling may take up to six months to a year in few cases to fully subside. The final results of the breast reduction surgery are thus visible after the swelling completely subsides.

8.       Are the results of breast reduction permanent?

Breast reduction will result in youthful, perky breasts that last for many years. However, there would be some effect of aging and gravity on it.

In spite of this, women who undergo breast reduction are more likely to have lesser sagging of breasts during old age.

9.       Would I be able to breastfeed the baby after breast reduction surgery?

Plastic surgeons have mixed opinion on this. Some surgeons say that you can definitely feed your baby after the surgery while some say that you won’t be able to do that. However, there would surely be some degree of compromise on your ability to breastfeed.

If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, talk to your surgeon before the procedure. He would choose the appropriate technique and would leave the mammary ducts undisturbed as much as possible for lactation.

Though this would be a trade-off for excellent results, you would get rid of the pain in your neck, shoulder, and back and would be able to enjoy a more proportionate body and at the same time breastfeed your child.

10.   Will my health insurance pay for breast reduction?

This depends on your plan. Most insurance companies do cover breast reduction if you have medical problems such as neck pain, back, and shoulder pain because of excessively heavy breasts. However, if you need breast reduction only for aesthetic reasons, insurance does not cover it, because cosmetic surgeries are usually not covered by insurance.

Breast Reduction in India

If you are planning to undergo breast reduction and do not afford the surgery in your country, India is the best option for plastic surgery abroad. Not only the cost of plastic surgery in India is affordable, but medical services are also good.

IndiCure is the largest and most renowned name for providing cosmetic surgery in India. Having served hundreds of happy clients from over 30 countries, we understand your requirements well. IndiCure has on its panel few of the best plastic surgery hospitals in India, where you can expect personalized care and attention. 

Write to us at info@indicure.com or call us at +91 932-003-6777