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Breast Reduction Lexington KY

Breast reduction surgery is typically a very successful procedure that women are happy with. Sore breasts, back, and neck pain caused by large breasts can have frustrating effects on daily life.

Not only can the surgery reduce the size and weight of heavy breasts, but Dr. Gerstle can help achieve the shape you would like as well. Because we are removing tissue rather than adding it in, it is relatively easy to create a shape where there used to be just volume. Most breast reductions are performed alone, but some patients can benefit from additional body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction at the same time. Book your appointment today at our Lexington, KY office

location, PLLC, request a consultation or call our office at (859) 279-2111.

Breast Reduction

 

Safety of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is typically a safe, successful surgery that almost all patients are relieved to have undergone. As with any surgical procedure, there are pros and cons. It’s important to know the risks, even if they are rare.

Allergies to any of the materials used in the surgery are possible—tape, glue, sutures, and even the local or general anesthesia used during the procedure. Hematoma and blood clots are also possible.

In terms of the outcome, patients occasionally find that they are dissatisfied with the shape of their new breasts, or they may feel that the two breasts are not as closely symmetrical as they’d hoped. The need for a revision surgery could arise, but a thorough exam and detailed consultation with Dr. Gerstle ensures that this will not be necessary.

In terms of breast functionality down the line, there is a chance that you may not be able to breastfeed, or you may lose partial or full sensation in the nipple. Unfavorable scarring or other damage to the tissues involved could also result, but again, we take every precaution to ensure that you are happy with the outcome and that it’s as safe as it possibly can be.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

There are several approaches that Dr. Gerstle can take to reduce breast size. He will discuss the best one with you when you meet in our office.

Sometimes, liposuction alone may be used in breast reduction surgery. This eliminates the need for multiple incisions per breast and is the simplest and most straightforward approach when warranted. If your excess size is due mostly to excess fatty tissue, you have good skin tone, and you are only looking for a minor to moderate change in size, liposuction may be used. In addition to causing the least amount of scarring, the liposuction procedure is less invasive and quicker than the other options.

A more complex case that requires removal of excess tissue, saggy and stretched skin, and breasts that require significant reshaping will require a more complex surgical technique.

A vertical or “lollipop” breast reduction is appropriate for women with a moderate amount of excess breast tissue to be removed. The incision pattern used with this technique allows the breast to be lifted and reshaped alongside of fat removal. Scarring with this technique is kept to a minimum and will appear beneath the nipple line only.

An inverted-T or “anchor” breast reduction is the choice of procedure when a great change in breast size and position is desired. This procedure requires three incisions, giving the surgeon greater access for tissue removal and reshaping. The nipple tissue may also be reshaped and resized, and even repositioned higher onto the smaller breast. As with the vertical procedure, some scarring will be visible on the breast, but all efforts are made to hide scarring in the breast crease beneath your new breast. There should not be any visible scarring in a bathing suit.

Breast Reduction Post Op

Most patients are able to go home just a few hours after the surgery is complete. Be sure to have someone available who can take you home. You will be given detailed instructions as to what type of bra to wear, pain medications to take, and how to care for any drains (if they are placed). Dr. Gerstle will schedule a follow up appointment with you within a week, but he is always readily available to his patients by phone and email.

Take several days to rest following the procedure. While breast reduction is a relatively minor surgery, your body will still need time to recover. Dr. Gerstle will give you prescription pain killers for the first few days in case they are necessary.

Once you’ve rested and your pain is manageable, you may be able to return to a desk job and light household activities. Walking is OK, but follow Dr. Gerstle’s guidelines regarding when you may begin to exercise again; it will take at least three to four weeks before you can do vigorous movement without disturbing the incisions. Avoid any heavy lifting, even picking up small children, until your incisions have healed.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

  • Decrease or eliminate back, neck and/or shoulder pain caused by excessively large breasts
  • Eliminate skin chafing and irritation from bras
  • Improve quality of life
  • Increased comfort of many athletic activities

The New You—Working With Dr. Gerstle

Breast reduction surgery is a fairly simple solution to what can be a lifelong problem. The surgery involves removing breast fat, glandular tissue, and sagging or excess skin in order to give you a more comfortable, manageable breast size. The size that is right for you is subjective, but Dr. Gerstle will be happy to provide guidance and input based on his decades of experience.

Dr. Gerstle will take the time to discuss your wishes and surgical options in a complimentary consultation. He will want to understand all of the factors involved with your decision to undergo breast reduction (also called reduction mammaplasty). Do you have frequent soreness, tenderness, or back pain? Do you have trouble picking up your kids or with exercise? Have you had any previous breast surgeries or other plastic surgery procedures? Do you plan to get pregnant or breastfeed in the future? Is there any family history of cancer or irregular mammograms? Have you experienced major weight fluctuations over the past five or ten years?

After taking a full medical history and listening to your concerns and goals, Dr. Gerstle will recommend a course of action that is best considering all factors involved. It may be necessary to take photos and/or measurements of your breasts for insurance purposes.

Breast Reduction FAQ

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Breast reduction is a procedure that is often covered by insurance. Our office does not accept insurance, all costs are out of pocket.

Is there a minimum age requirement for breast reduction surgery?

No, teenagers sometimes find it necessary to undergo a breast reduction. It’s important to keep in mind that your breasts could continue to grow if you haven’t reached adulthood, so it’s conceivable that you could require a future procedure.

Will weight loss and exercise be enough to reduce breast size?

Weight loss and exercise will typically help with reducing breast size, but often not enough to have a significant enough impact for you to feel free of the need to constantly make allowances for your breast size. If you lose too much weight in your breasts, you may find that your nipple position dips to very low on your breast, creating a self-confidence issue.

Will the surgery leave scars?

Yes, you will likely have some visible scars after a breast reduction. Dr. Gerstle is able to draw on his long experience with breast enhancement to create as little scarring as possible and to hide it when possible.

Is breast reduction surgery risky?

Breast reduction is generally considered to be a very safe surgical procedure, although it carries the risks inherent to any surgery. Most women are exceptionally happy with the results of their breast reduction, but there is a chance of issues such as uneven skin and loss of sensation. Dr. Gerstle will present all pros and cons of the surgery so that you can make an informed decision.

When can I return to my normal activities?

If you have a sedentary job, you will probably be able to return to work in about a week. You will be able to undertake light activities like shopping and housework after several days, but you will be asked to refrain from exercise for about a month and to build back slowly from there.

Will my breasts be exactly the same size?

They will be close! Remember that your breasts were not exactly the same before the surgery, so while they may not be exact, they should be as close as natural breasts. Dr. Gerstle is very experienced in performing breast reduction surgery and has many happy patients—many of whom return for multiple surgeries. For peace of mind, please ask to see our before and after photos.

Will my scars fade?

Yes, your scars will continue to fade over the year following your procedure.

When will I be able to see the final results of the procedure?

It can take up to a year for your breasts to completely settle into their new size and position, but after a month once the swelling has gone down completely, you will have a very clear idea of the results.

Breast Reduction Surgery Financing

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs that can be used by your entire family. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance. Special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards.

Pay for health and wellness care at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the nation. Once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again at any location that accepts CareCredit. For more information and to apply, please visit CareCredit.com.

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