Breast Reduction in Michigan
Reduction mammoplasty is the surgical correction of a large breast. Women with large (hypertrophic) breasts often experience pain to the neck, back and shoulders, bra strap indentations and even rashes under the folds seek correction because of these symptoms. In addition, women are often self-conscious about their size and after surgery, patients not only have a change in the quality of life but also a dramatic change in self-esteem.
Candidates For Mammoplasty Surgery
In general, the best candidates are women who are relatively close to their ideal body weight and are in good physical health. Concerns with excess weight can increase certain risks, but can also affect final size if a patient loses weight after surgery. Smoking, of course, or even a recent history of smoking, can significantly increase risk factors – especially wound problems and healing.
Sagging
Mammoplasty surgery not only deals with the size but also corrects the position and drooping.
Incisions Used
There are various approaches to reducing the excess tissue and repositioning the breast to a more appropriate level on the chest. Although the traditional approach involves an extended scar pattern called the “wise” or “keyhole” pattern, Dr. Rodriguez uses a short scar (lollipop) method (please read the article on the SPAIR technique ), which reduces scarring significantly as compared to the older, more traditional approaches and also allows shaping so patients can have a fuller, more enhanced look! This surgical procedure also addresses the common concern of the large and irregular areola (dark skin around the nipple). In time, many patients have scars that blend and fade beautifully.
Sensation after Surgery
This can be affected by many factors but if the nipple and areola are left attached, patients generally do not loose sensation. In addition, since the central component is preserved – including the milk ducts, women are usually able to breast feed after mammoplasty.
Type Of Anesthesia Used
A mammoplasty is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about 3 – 4 hours and is performed as an outpatient so you can go home the same day, although overnight stays are available.
After Surgery
Most patients in my practice feel that this procedure was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Patients wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all.
Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year. This allows Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. Rodriguez to not only address any concerns that a patient may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.
Insurance Coverage
In most circumstances, this procedure is a covered benefit but this can vary according to each patient’s plan. In some cases, a letter of pre-certification may be required to determine medical necessity.
Other Procedures of Interest
Breast Lift Surgery
Breast Augmentation
