Bust Out from Limitations

Do your breasts give you back and neck pain? Do you get those unsightly grooves on your shoulders from your bra strap? Or perhaps you feel like your breasts get in the way of doing the activities you want to do?  If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction, and the expert physicians at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery of Illinois are here to help.

What is a Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction (or reduction mammaplasty) is where excess fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed to achieve a breast size in proportion with the body. It also helps relieve any discomfort like back or neck pain and self image issues that are common with overly large breasts. In addition to making breasts a more comfortable size, a breast reduction reshapes the breasts – making them firmer – and lifts them to a more youthful position. Some men can also benefit from a breast reduction through gynecomastia.

Breast Reduction Techniques Available

While there are different techniques available, the technique that is right for you depends on the current size and shape of your breast, as well as a few other factors such as scarring and if there is a need for future breastfeeding. The four most common breast reduction techniques available.

• Inverted T-shape: an inverted T- or anchor-shaped incision pattern
• Vertical Incision: a keyhole- or racquet-shaped pattern that extends around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
• Free Nipple Graft: removes the nipple and areola and replaces it higher on the breast after excess tissue is removed
• Liposuction:  a stand-alone procedure for some or in combination with other techniques

Expected Results from a Breast Reduction

Results from a breast reduction are immediate, although you will have some bruising and swelling while you heal. Any surgical drains and bandages are removed a day or two after surgery, and external sutures are removed within one to two weeks. Your physician may ask you to wear a compression garment and avoid any excessive activities or heavy lifting for about a month. While scarring will occur, incisions are typically made where they will be as inconspicuous as possible and should be easily concealed behind low-cut tops and bathing suits.

Before Scheduling Your Consultation:

1. Will need a copy of front and back of your insurance card.
2. Will need documentation from your insurance company on their requirements on their preferred method of predetermination submission.  This will require you, the patient, to call your insurance company and obtain either a fax number, email, and/or mailing address.
3. Letter from you, the patient, stating your chief complaint and/or daily symptoms and/or how this negatively impacts your daily living.
4. Documentation of history with office notes from your primary care physician and/or OB/GYN of treatment that were unsuccessful in reducing your symptoms.
5. Copy of mammogram within the past year.
6. Documentation of history with office notes from chiropractor, therapies, and/or treatment received that were unsuccessful in reducing your symptoms.
7. Your BMI needs to be 32 or less.
8. No nicotine use for a minimum of 6 weeks (patients will be tested).

 

Once all documentation is complete, please call our office at (309) 495-0077 to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons to see if breast reduction is right for you.