Breast augmentation continues to reign as the most frequently performed cosmetic breast surgery across the country year after year, but you may be surprised to learn just how common another procedure is. Hundreds of thousands of women undergo surgical breast reduction each year, often with life-changing results. The talented team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, can help you get relief from the painful and frustrating symptoms associated with overly large or heavy breasts through breast reduction in Long Island, NY.
With the profound impact that pregnancy and breastfeeding can make on a woman’s body, many patients wonder if breast reduction surgery is more appropriate before or after having children. Use this helpful information from our board-certified doctors to understand more about the relationship between pregnancy and breast reduction, including when it may be best to undergo the procedure.
Do I need breast reduction surgery?
Women pursue breast reduction for a variety of physical and psychological reasons, though, most commonly, the underlying concern is having overly large or heavy breasts that prevent them from living a normal, active, comfortable lifestyle. Signs and symptoms that mean you may need breast reduction include:
- Disproportionately large or heavy breasts
- Persistent shoulder and neck pain
- Poor posture
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Difficulty finding clothing and bras that fit properly
- Painful indentions or lines from bra straps
- Discomfort with physical activity or exercise
- Low self-esteem associated with large or heavy breasts
What is breast reduction surgery like?
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of breast tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts to produce a more natural-looking and manageable breast size, shape, and weight. During Long Island, NY breast reduction surgery at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, which is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and typically takes about 2 – 3 hours, your surgeon carefully makes a series of incisions on the breast in order to access the underlying tissue and structures. The precise location and appearance of the incisions will depend on how much tissue needs to be removed and other factors, but Drs. Romanelli and Layliev understand the importance of keeping visible scarring to a minimum and take great care to use incisions that will reduce the amount of scarring as much as possible. In most cases, either an inverted “T” incision or an incision around the areola and vertically down the center of the breast will be used. For some patients, nipple repositioning or correction will also need to be performed.
Once the appropriate amounts of breast tissue, skin, and fat have been removed, the surgeon will ensure that the breasts are as symmetrical as possible before closing the incisions at the conclusion of the case.
When should I get a breast reduction?
Choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery is a personal decision and, ultimately, up to the patient. However, there are some important things to consider when deciding the right time for breast reduction. Patients considering breast reduction surgery should be:
- In good health
- Nonsmokers
- Maintain a healthy and stable weight
- Not pregnant
- Not breastfeeding
- Have fully developed breasts
Is it better to get breast reduction before or after pregnancy?
In the majority of cases, Drs. Romanelli and Layliev strongly encourage patients to wait until they are done having children and breastfeeding before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter the size, shape, position, and other attributes of the breasts, meaning the results of a previous breast reduction will very likely be compromised by a future pregnancy. In fact, many patients who get pregnant after breast reduction surgery, ultimately, require a repeat breast reduction, breast revision, breast lift, or other procedure to restore their original results. Furthermore, breast reduction may negatively impact a mother’s ability to breastfeed in the future in some cases.
That said, our caring surgeons certainly understand that some patients may be many years away from considering pregnancy and want to achieve relief, comfort, and confidence through breast reduction surgery in the meantime. During your initial consultation, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will evaluate your case, thoroughly discuss your concerns, symptoms, and goals, and help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate time to undergo breast reduction surgery.
Does insurance cover breast reduction?
Oftentimes, patients undergoing breast reduction surgery can receive partial or full insurance coverage for the procedure. The highly knowledgeable and experienced team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery will help guide you through the process of submitting documentation and applying to receive coverage for your breast reduction surgery.
Look and feel better than ever with breast reduction surgery in Long Island, NY
Don’t spend another day suffering with the physical and emotional pain of having overly large and heavy breasts. Call the friendly and compassionate team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY to schedule your one-on-one consultation with either of our board-certified Long Island plastic surgeons, Dr. James Romanelli or Dr. John Layliev. We look forward to helping you finally achieve the body you’ve always dreamed of through life-changing breast reduction surgery.
