Breast Reduction

Q: Can breast grow back after reduction?

Although rare, some patients experience breast growth after having breast reduction surgery, due to hormonal or weight changes as well as pregnancy.

Q: Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?

You should not drink alcoholic beverages for a week after breast reduction surgery, or as long as you are on pain medication.

Q: Does insurance pay for breast reduction?

There is no guarantee your insurance company will cover the costs of a breast reduction surgery—it depends if they consider the procedure medically necessary.

Q: Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?

With most surgical techniques, there is a small risk of losing nipple sensitivity after breast reduction. However many patients regain sensitivity to at least some degree within a few months after surgery.

Q: Does weight gain increase breast size?

When the body gains weight, it does so proportionally, storing excess fat throughout the body, including the breasts, which can increase their size.

Q: Do you lose weight after breast reduction?

Because breast reduction surgery removes fat and glandular tissue from the body, you will weigh a little less after surgery, but not a significant amount.

Q: Has anyone had a second breast reduction?

Yes, having a breast reduction twice, whether corrective or otherwise, is possible, however it increases some risks, including the loss of nipple sensitivity.

Q: How can I reduce my cup size?

Healthy diet and exercise can reduce the adipose tissue stored in the breasts and throughout the body, but if you are a healthy weight and want a more significant reduction, you may need breast reduction surgery.

Q: How do you know when you need a breast reduction?

If you are experiencing negative side effects like back pain and shoulder pain from the size of your breasts, you may be eligible for a breast reduction surgery.

Q: How dangerous is breast reduction surgery?

Like all invasive procedures, breast reduction surgery comes with risks, such as unpleasant scarring, bleeding, fluid accumulation, and infection. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, it is considered a safe and effective procedure.

Breast Reduction Surgery – Reduction Mammaplasty

Many patients feel that their breasts are too large, which causes them both physical and emotional discomfort. Excessively large breasts can be a source of self-consciousness as well as a cause of pain and difficulty performing certain physical activities. In these cases, breast reduction surgery is often the best option to achieve better-proportioned breasts and get relief from large breast symptoms.

What is a Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue to achieve an overall smaller breast. This both creates a more proportionate appearance that is more in-line with the patient’s body contour preference and alleviates discomfort and symptoms associated with excessively large breasts.

Some of these symptoms can include neck or back pain, chafing and rashes or sores, difficulty performing certain activities including some forms of exercise, and emotional distress. Patients who do not experience these symptoms can also choose breast reduction for cosmetic reasons.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery in Maryland is performed by first administering either IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Rosenberg will advise which is best for you. Next, incisions are made using one of several techniques, which include a circular pattern around the areola (periareolar), a keyhole-shaped pattern around the areola and down to the breast crease, or an anchor-shaped pattern which adds a horizontal incision along the breast crease to the keyhole incision technique. The ideal breast reduction surgery technique for you depends on your unique anatomy and goals for the procedure.

Once the incisions are made, fat and breast tissue are removed from the breasts to create a smaller size. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat. As necessary, the nipple and areola may be repositioned and/or re-sized to maintain a natural appearance. Finally, the incisions are closed using sutures.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Many patients who are troubled by overly large breasts are candidates for this surgery. If you have issues with self-image, physical pain, or other emotional and medical issues due to your large breasts, a breast reduction may be the right procedure for you. Good candidates are:

Generally healthy
Nonsmokers
Limited in physical activity due to large breasts
Experiencing neck, shoulder, or back pain
Experiencing skin irritation below the breast crease

What should I expect during a consultation for breast reduction?

During your breast reduction consultation, Dr. Rosenberg will ask you questions regarding your health history, lifestyle, and goals for the surgery. Be prepared to share information regarding your current medications, allergies, family history of breast cancer, or previous surgeries.

During the consultation, Dr. Rosenberg will also take any necessary measurements or photographs. Finally, you will have the chance to ask any questions you may have about breast reduction surgery or recovery, as well as how much breast reduction costs in Baltimore.

What Questions Should I Ask My Plastic Surgeon About Breast Reduction Surgery?

During your breast reduction consultation, you will have the chance to ask any questions you might have about the surgery or recovery period. Some examples of questions you may want to ask include:

What board certifications do you have?
What education, training, and experience do you have regarding breast reduction?
How much is a breast reduction in Maryland?
What techniques will be best for my breast reduction?
What can I expect from breast reduction recovery?
Where will my breast reduction surgery be performed?
After a breast reduction, what can I expect my breasts to look like over time?
How can I get a breast reduction covered by insurance?
Will my breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?

Recovering from a Breast Reduction

During recovery, most patients have dressings or bandages over incisions and may have small tubes to drain excess blood or fluid or support garments to minimize swelling.

Most patients will need to rest for one to two weeks after surgery before returning to normal activities like work or school. They should also refrain from strenuous activity, such as exercise, for about a month. Dr. Rosenberg will provide detailed instructions for recovery as well as prescriptions to help ease discomfort as you heal.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

While breast reduction surgery is generally safe, like all surgical procedures there are some risks. Some of these potential complications include scarring, infection, changes or loss in sensation (which may be temporary), bleeding, breast asymmetry, and anesthesia risks. Many of these risks can be avoided by carefully following Dr. Rosenberg’s instructions during your recovery period.

Schedule a Consultation

To find out more about breast reduction surgery and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenberg. Call the Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland at (410) 324-3071 or request your appointment online.

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