Is breast enlargement painful? Learn about breast reduction surgery

Do you always feel that your breasts are disproportionately large for your body? Do you constantly suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain because of this? Perhaps this has become a big obstacle to your self-confidence. This condition can affect women as well as some men. But there is a good solution to this. That is breast reduction surgery. Let's talk about everything in simple and detailed terms today.

What is Breast Reduction?

Simply put, this is a surgery that reduces the size of your breasts. In medical terms, we call this `(Reduction Mammoplasty)`. A person with disproportionately large breasts can experience pain in the back, neck, or shoulders, as well as other physical discomfort. It is also a great deal of psychological stress.

During this procedure, your surgeon removes excess fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts, giving you a more comfortable, contoured pair of breasts.

What happens when you meet the doctor before the surgery?

After you decide to have this surgery, you will need to meet with your doctor. This consultation is very important. Here, the doctor will ask you the following questions:

• Your complete medical history: the medications you take, any allergies you have, whether you smoke, and details about any previous surgeries.
• Specific breast-related information: Pregnancy and breastfeeding, whether you have had a mammogram before, and whether you or anyone in your family has had breast problems, lumps, or a biopsy.
• Your mental and physical well-being: You need to be well prepared both physically and mentally to face this surgery.

It's very important that you be 100% honest with your doctor at this point. Talk openly about your medical history and why you're considering surgery. What physical discomforts have you experienced because of your large breasts? How has it affected you emotionally? Don't be afraid to talk about all of this.

The doctor will then measure your breasts and possibly take some pictures. They will discuss how much tissue needs to be removed to achieve the desired result. They will also explain how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect during the recovery period after the surgery.

How to prepare for surgery?

For the surgery to be successful, you need to be well prepared on your part.

General preparation

• Avoid smoking: Nicotine (tobacco products) is a major obstacle to wound healing. Therefore, smoking should be completely stopped a few weeks before and after surgery.
• Stop taking certain medications: Aspirin and some pain relievers (e.g., Motrin®, Aleve®) increase the risk of bleeding, so your doctor will advise you to stop taking these before surgery.
• Good nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet helps wounds heal faster.

Prepare the necessary things for your recovery at home.

Before going for surgery, prepare a place at home where you can relax with these things.

How is the surgery performed?

Depending on your condition, this surgery may be done on an outpatient basis, or you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. However, you will be given general anesthesia . This means that you will be asleep during the surgery.

The surgery usually takes about three to five hours. The surgeon makes a key-shaped incision around and below your nipple. The surgeon then removes excess skin, tissue, and fat, repositions the nipple, and closes the incisions. Sometimes drainage tubes may be inserted to drain any fluid that collects in the wound. Finally, the wound is stitched, covered with a dressing, and, if necessary, a special surgical bra is worn.

What are the possible complications and side effects after surgery?

It is normal to feel tired and sore in your breasts after surgery. Also, scars will remain along the incision lines. These scars are permanent, but they will fade to a great extent over time.

Another important thing to note is that, depending on the nature of the surgery, you may not be able to breastfeed your children in the future. There may also be a decrease or change in the sensation of your nipples. In some cases, this change may be permanent.

Rarely, complications such as wounds not healing properly can occur. In this case, a skin graft may be necessary.

Recovery time and follow-up

You will need to take at least a week off from work or school. Some people may need up to two weeks. Your doctor will tell you when to come back to remove your bandages and stitches. You will not be able to do anything like exercise or lift weights for about a month after surgery. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have during this time.

Is this surgery covered by insurance?

The good news is, in most cases, yes. Since the physical pain caused by breast enlargement is considered medically necessary, there is a high chance that insurance will cover it.

But you need to follow the exact procedure prescribed by your insurance company. Your doctor will have to take pictures of your breasts, measure your height and weight, and write a letter describing the physical symptoms caused by your large breasts. The insurance company will look at all of this and make a decision. So, talk to your insurance company ahead of time and find out exactly what expenses they will cover (lab tests, anesthesiologist fees, etc.). This will help you avoid problems later.

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