Breast reduction is a common procedure, but it is also one of the most complicated and difficult to understand. This is especially true when it comes to post-operative recovery and what to expect after this type of surgery.
In this article, we will take a look at breast reduction before and after babies. We will discuss what breast reduction is and who can undergo the procedure. We will also give you tips on how to prepare for your procedure and provide some suggestions for what you should do after the surgery.
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty or mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your breasts by removing tissue from your breasts or reshaping them so they are smaller than before. It is also known as reduction mammaplasty because this type of surgery removes fat tissue from beneath your breasts while reshaping them into smaller sizes than they were originally.
There are several different ways that doctors can perform this kind of surgery on women with large breasts including: liposuction (removing fat), mastopexy (repositioning nipple), augmentation (adding volume), lift (lifting skin), revision (correcting previous
Will Pregnancy Ruin My Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is one of the most highly rated plastic surgery procedures for patient satisfaction. Not only can breast reduction improve the balance and proportions of your figure, but the health benefits of the procedure can improve you posture, comfort, and ability to lead an active lifestyle.
But what is the impact of potential future pregnancies on your breast reduction results? Will pregnancy ruin your breast reduction?
It is hard to predict what effect pregnancy can have on breast surgery results, because every patient and body are so different. Some women have the type of skin that rebounds quickly from pregnancy, so the changes are minimal. Some women experience considerable changes to the size and dynamics of their breasts during pregnancy, and live with significant, permanent changes.
Generally speaking, if you have had breast reduction surgery, it is likely that there will be some changes to your surgical results, which may require revision after childbirth to restore your original outcome.
Pregnancy’s Impact on Breast Reduction Results
Unique factors, such as heredity and your skin’s natural elasticity, can affect breast sagging after pregnancy. While the specific impact of pregnancy on your breast reduction results cannot be predicted, many women remain completely satisfied with their surgical results after childbirth. For patients who experience unwanted effects that they would like to address, breast lift surgery may be a recommended option.
It is generally recommended that you postpone breast reduction surgery until you are finished having children. While that is the preferred choice, it is not the only choice. During your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Bogue, he will answer all of your questions and explain all of the potential risks and benefits of your procedure.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?
A significant amount of glandular tissue may be preserved during breast reduction surgery, leaving milk glands intact and functional. Most women who undergo breast reduction are able to breastfeed after their procedures. However, there is a risk that your ability to breastfeed could be affected following surgery. Be sure to discuss this topic and other concerns you may have during your initial consultation with Dr. Bogue.
Should I Have A Breast Reduction Before Or After Pregnancy?
Breast augmentation continues to reign as the most frequently performed cosmetic breast surgery across the country year after year, but you may be surprised to learn just how common another procedure is. Hundreds of thousands of women undergo surgical breast reduction each year, often with life-changing results. The talented team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, can help you get relief from the painful and frustrating symptoms associated with overly large or heavy breasts through breast reduction in Long Island, NY.
With the profound impact that pregnancy and breastfeeding can make on a woman’s body, many patients wonder if breast reduction surgery is more appropriate before or after having children. Use this helpful information from our board-certified doctors to understand more about the relationship between pregnancy and breast reduction, including when it may be best to undergo the procedure.
Do I need breast reduction surgery?
Women pursue breast reduction for a variety of physical and psychological reasons, though, most commonly, the underlying concern is having overly large or heavy breasts that prevent them from living a normal, active, comfortable lifestyle. Signs and symptoms that mean you may need breast reduction include:
- Disproportionately large or heavy breasts
- Persistent shoulder and neck pain
- Poor posture
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Difficulty finding clothing and bras that fit properly
- Painful indentions or lines from bra straps
- Discomfort with physical activity or exercise
- Low self-esteem associated with large or heavy breasts
What is breast reduction surgery like?
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of breast tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts to produce a more natural-looking and manageable breast size, shape, and weight. During Long Island, NY breast reduction surgery at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, which is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and typically takes about 2 – 3 hours, your surgeon carefully makes a series of incisions on the breast in order to access the underlying tissue and structures. The precise location and appearance of the incisions will depend on how much tissue needs to be removed and other factors, but Drs. Romanelli and Layliev understand the importance of keeping visible scarring to a minimum and take great care to use incisions that will reduce the amount of scarring as much as possible. In most cases, either an inverted “T” incision or an incision around the areola and vertically down the center of the breast will be used. For some patients, nipple repositioning or correction will also need to be performed.
Once the appropriate amounts of breast tissue, skin, and fat have been removed, the surgeon will ensure that the breasts are as symmetrical as possible before closing the incisions at the conclusion of the case.
When should I get a breast reduction?
Choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery is a personal decision and, ultimately, up to the patient. However, there are some important things to consider when deciding the right time for breast reduction. Patients considering breast reduction surgery should be:
- In good health
- Nonsmokers
- Maintain a healthy and stable weight
- Not pregnant
- Not breastfeeding
- Have fully developed breasts
Is it better to get breast reduction before or after pregnancy?
In the majority of cases, Drs. Romanelli and Layliev strongly encourage patients to wait until they are done having children and breastfeeding before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter the size, shape, position, and other attributes of the breasts, meaning the results of a previous breast reduction will very likely be compromised by a future pregnancy. In fact, many patients who get pregnant after breast reduction surgery, ultimately, require a repeat breast reduction, breast revision, breast lift, or other procedure to restore their original results. Furthermore, breast reduction may negatively impact a mother’s ability to breastfeed in the future in some cases.
That said, our caring surgeons certainly understand that some patients may be many years away from considering pregnancy and want to achieve relief, comfort, and confidence through breast reduction surgery in the meantime. During your initial consultation, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will evaluate your case, thoroughly discuss your concerns, symptoms, and goals, and help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate time to undergo breast reduction surgery.
Does insurance cover breast reduction?
Oftentimes, patients undergoing breast reduction surgery can receive partial or full insurance coverage for the procedure. The highly knowledgeable and experienced team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery will help guide you through the process of submitting documentation and applying to receive coverage for your breast reduction surgery.