Breast Reduction

Introduction:

The breast is an important part of a woman’s body image and self esteem. There are several options available to you to improve the breast ranging from breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. A breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size of the breasts, improve shape, and improve function.

Who is the best candidate for breast reduction?

The best candidate for breast reduction surgery is a woman whose breasts are excessively large in proportion to her body. Typically women will have symptoms related to their large breast size including neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, skin rashes, grooving of the shoulders from bra straps, and difficulty performing normal activities including exercise. Typically, the best candidate has been at a stable weight and is not planning on having a pregnancy in the future, as this can result in an increase in breast size after surgery with a return to symptoms and a less desirable result.

Will my insurance cover breast reduction surgery?

Some patient’s may have coverage for this type of surgery. Please contact Debbie and she will assist you in determining if this is a covered benefit under your insurance plan and if you qualify.

Choices in Breast Reduction:

Most surgeons, including Dr. Gonyon, perform the “inverted-T” or “anchor” shape scar for breast reduction surgery. This surgical technique has been demonstrated to provide consistent, reproducible, and safe results. Occasionally, a patient may be a candidate for a short scar or reduced scar technique.

Planning your surgery:

Once you have made a decision to have surgery, Dr. Gonyon’s office will provide you with the necessary information to plan for your surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. A mammogram may be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison. In general, if you are a female over the age of 40, you should have an annual screening mammogram.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications of your surgery. There may be a waiting period of several days to weeks from the time of your consent to the day of surgery.

In addition to explaining your surgical procedure, Dr. Gonyon will discuss anesthesia, the recovery process and your obligations as a patient. You will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Dr. Gonyon performs surgery at Harmony Ambulatory Surgery Center ( Fort Collins), North Colorado Surgery Center, Medical Center of the Rockies, and the soon to be open 25-34 Aesthetic Surgery Center (located at the I25 – 34 junction). You may choose to have surgery at any of these locations.

Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. For some surgeries, you may choose to have sedation with a local anesthetic.

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery:

You're likely to feel tired and have moderate pain for 5 to 7 days after surgery. You should be able to expect to return to work with light duty at 3 weeks and full duty at 4 to 6 weeks. You will have sutures that will be removed 10 days after surgery. You should wear only the bra that is provided to you for the first 3 weeks after surgery. Dr. Gonyon will discuss with you the changes in the size and shape that will occur after surgery as a result of swelling.

Resuming normal activities:

You should be able to return to light work within 2 weeks. Most women can resume regular non-impact exercise at 6 weeks. Full exercise can be resumed at 12 weeks. As you increase your activity, you may notice temporary increased swelling. This will usually subside over 2 to 3 months.

Your breasts will likely be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid direct physical contact. Once your breasts are no longer tender, you may resume regular breast physical contact, usually 6 weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. After approximately 6 months, your scars will begin to fade.

Routine mammograms should be continued after breast surgery for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammography technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier.

Your Results!

The vast majority of women are very satisfied with the results of a breast reduction. You will have regular scheduled visits with Dr. Gonyon to ensure that you have achieved a good result and your goals have been met.