Reduction Mammaplasty

For some women, big breasts can cause big problems. Just the weight of them can cause pain in a woman’s back, neck, and shoulders. Because the breasts hang so low, skin underneath them becomes irritated. Tight bra straps can cause indentations in your shoulders. The pain can turn into long term medical issues if something is not done to correct it. Breast reduction surgery could ease your pain and get rid of those feelings of self-consciousness you have about your appearance. Thousands of women undergo this procedure each year. They were candidates for the surgery because they had one or more of the following conditions:

• pain in the back, neck or shoulders
• heavy sagging breasts with very low nipples and areolas
• breasts that are too big compared to your body frame
• skin irritation beneath the breasts
• shoulder indentations caused by your bra straps
• restricted physical activity because of the size and weight of your breasts
• if you’re self-conscious about the size of your breasts
• if one breast is larger than the other
  

This procedure is usually put off until breast development is completed. If you plan on breast- feeding in the future, discuss this with Dr. Krummen.

If the procedure is done to relieve your medical problems, some insurance companies will pay for it. Coverage depends on your insurance plan’s medical policy. Your insurance company will need to be contacted to determine coverage prior to surgery. Dr. Krummen’s staff can assist you with insurance matters.

The Consultation

The consultation is your first chance to talk to Dr. Krummen about the breast reduction procedure. Before arriving for this appointment, know what kind of outcome you expect from this surgery. Your goals will be an important part of your evaluation. If necessary, write down your questions so you will have all your concerns addressed during this meeting. The size and shape of your breasts and the quality of your skin will be taken into consideration before Dr. Krummen decides which surgical option will work best for you. She will also explain the risks and likely results of the procedure. Since both your physical and emotional health have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your surgery, it’s important to be honest with Dr. Krummen about your health history. Every person is different and your operation will be individualized to your specific needs.

The Surgery

The method of surgery done most often uses three incisions. One is made around the nipple area. The second is made from the bottom of the areola (pigmented skin around the nipple) to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision is made along the natural curve underneath the breast. Excess tissue, skin and fat are removed through these incisions. Then, Dr. Krummen will reposition the nipple and areola higher on the breast. The areola is also made smaller. To finish the procedure, skin that was higher on the breast is brought down and sutured together to reshape the breast (Fig. 1,2,3).

After surgery, gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with a surgical bra. There will be some bruising, swelling and some discomfort. This will all diminish in the weeks following surgery. In a few months, your breasts will settle into a more natural shape. You incision lines will not go away, but after a few months they will fade a bit. The biggest bonus is that your neck, back and shoulder pain will be gone. The surgery will make a dramatic change in your physical appearance and self image as well. Your body will be more proportioned, clothes will fit better and you can take part in physical activities that you may have previously avoided.