Is a breast reduction worth it?

“Breast reduction patients are often some of the most satisfied plastic surgery patients,” said Nathan Narasimhan, MD, a plastic surgeon at Banner Health in Colorado. “They often see a significant improvement in, sometimes debilitating, symptoms, which has a very positive impact on their sense of well-being.

Why shouldn't you get a breast reduction?

Risks of the actual procedure include decreased sensation or loss of sensation in the nipple, infection, poor wound healing, asymmetry and the death of fat tissue in the breast. A scary, but very rare, complication is death of the skin on the nipple, which results in subsequent removal of the nipple.

What is the best age to get a breast reduction?

Breast reduction is common among mature women 50-60 years old due to hormone changes and possible weight gain from menopause. A thorough evaluation is critical at any age to assess a patient's health, skin condition, emotional maturity and goals.

Is it worth it to have a breast reduction?

A number of studies have found that women who have breast reduction surgery commonly feel a boost in their self-esteem, body image and physical health afterward. “It has one of the highest satisfaction rates of all the procedures we do,” Dr. Bernard says.

What are the disadvantages of breast reduction?

Worth It - Is Breast Reduction worth it? - Dr Craig Rubinstein

Do boobs look weird after breast reduction?

Your new breasts may feel firmer and look rounder. Breast reduction may change the normal feeling in your breast. But in time, some feeling may return. Keep in mind that it may take time to get used to your new breasts.

Will I look fat after breast reduction?

The simple answer here is that there is no correlation between breast reduction surgery and weight gain. Breast reduction directly impacts a woman's overall proportions and it can appear as though women have gained weight following surgery. With larger breasts, a woman's torso and hips actually appear smaller.

How painful is a breast reduction?

Is the breast reduction procedure painful? Anesthesia will be given during the procedure, but you should expect to feel sore for two to three days after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication, and your surgeon may advise placing wrapped ice packs gently over sore areas to help with pain and swelling.

How much weight do you lose with a breast reduction?

It largely depends on the size of your breasts and the frame. On average, a total of two to eight pounds is removed from the breasts during a breast reduction surgery.

How much do DDD breast weigh?

DDD cups usually weigh around 5-6 pounds, which is roughly 2.5-3 pounds for each breast.

What BMI do you need for breast reduction?

Body mass index (BMI).

Some insurance companies will deny breast reduction surgery unless the BMI is <30, others <35, while others need to see documentation that the patient has attempted to lose weight in the past through diet, exercise or weight loss surgery. This is because breast size may decrease with weight loss.

How do you convince your doctor you need a breast reduction?

You need to directly and openly discuss the problems that your breast size is causing you, and the option of breast reduction. You need to initiate the discussion. There could be a medical, psychological or even a personal opinion regarding the physician not recommending that you see a plastic surgeon.

Is a breast reduction a major surgery?

Some people seek breast reduction for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. Your doctor may also recommend it if large breasts are causing discomfort, back problems, or other health problems. Breast reduction surgery is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications.

Should you lose weight before breast reduction?

Being at or near your ideal weight is crucial before undergoing breast reduction. Losing weight will give you a better chance of loving your results and make matching your ideal bust size to your new body shape easier.

What are the pros of a breast reduction?

Successful breast reduction surgery can relieve pain in your upper back, neck and shoulders. It might also increase your ability to participate in physical activities and promote a more positive self-image.

How long does breast reduction last?

In general, the surgery takes about three to four hours. Removing excess breast volume (fat and glandular tissue), creating an aesthetic contour and closing the wound to minimize scarring can take additional time in some patients.

Why is my stomach bigger after breast reduction?

During your recovery, your activity level will be significantly reduced. This decrease in movement can lead to fluid retention, increasing your swelling and bloating symptoms. Without being able to engage in the physical activity you usually would, you may even recognise a small weight gain.

Why is my stomach so big after breast reduction?

Swelling reaches its peak at about day 3-5 after surgery; after that it diminishes over time. You will also note that swelling will “move” to the ribcage, abdomen, hips, and even legs–this is normal (gravity). “Final” healing and lymphatic swelling resolution takes 6-12 months.

When can I go braless after reduction?

Generally, you should wait at least six weeks before you switch to regular bras again. Don't underestimate your compression bra. It's not sexy, but it works to keep your breasts in place as you heal, helping speed the recovery process as well as ensure your results are the most natural-looking they can be.

Is a breast reduction worse than implants?

Breast reduction is well-known to provide an improvement in physical symptoms. However, measurements show that this procedure is less effective in restoring upper-pole fullness. Breast implants effectively augment the upper pole.

Why do breast look flat after reduction?

The breast shape will not look quite right for several weeks because of the breast lift that is done as part of the reduction procedure. It leaves the breast looking a little flat on the bottom and a little wide and these changes resolve in a few weeks.

How can I shrink my breasts naturally?

Exercise

Regular exercise can help shed chest fat and strengthen the muscles underneath the breasts to reduce their size. Because the breasts contain a portion of fat, focusing on cardio and high-intensity exercises can help shed weight faster and target problem areas.

How can I get insurance to cover my female breast reduction?

In most cases, insurers require the surgeon write a letter describing the patient's symptoms and physical findings, estimating the breast weight to be removed, and requesting coverage. This should be done prior to scheduling surgery because the insurer may not be obligated to pay if surgery was not preauthorized.

How Much Does breast size affect weight?

A 2012 study published in the American Journal of Human Biology determined that women with larger breasts tend to weigh more, have a higher body mass index and more body fat than women with smaller breasts. Shape magazine notes, though, that it takes losing about 20 percent of your weight to drop an entire cup size.

How much is a breast reduction without insurance?

How much does breast reduction cost? The average cost of breast reduction (aesthetic patients only) is $5,913, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.