If you are experiencing discomfort, frustration, or even depression due to your overly large or heavy breasts, you are not alone. Millions of women across the country struggle with these symptoms and seek relief through plastic surgery each year. The caring team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, understands the difficulties associated with having large breasts and is proud to offer breast reduction surgery as a life-changing solution. To determine whether a breast reduction in Long Island, NY may be right for you, read on for more information about the procedure, including what to expect both before and after surgery.
How do I know if I need a breast reduction?
While many women have fairly large breasts without any significant issues, others experience chronic and debilitating problems associated with the weight, size, and position of their overly large breasts. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that may mean breast reduction surgery could benefit you include:
- Muscle aches
- Pain in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Discomfort with exercise
- Trouble finding clothing that fits
- Recurrent skin irritation, infection, or rash
- Deep lines or indentations from bra straps
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or fingers
- Decreased nipple sensation
- Emotional stress or anxiety associated with your breasts
Fortunately, all of these concerns can typically be improved or even eliminated with breast reduction surgery. Furthermore, women who may not be experiencing severe symptoms but simply desire a smaller breast size can also be considered for a breast reduction in Long Island, NY.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will examine your breasts, discuss your concerns and symptoms, answer your questions at great length, and help determine if breast reduction surgery best fits your needs.
How does a breast reduction work?
During a breast reduction, the surgeon will make one or more incisions on the breast. The location and size of the incisions may depend on the patient’s anatomy as well as how much tissue needs to be removed. The surgeon will then carefully remove breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the overall size of the breast. In some cases, the nipple may be repositioned and/or the size of the areola may also be reduced. At the conclusion of the case, the remaining skin will be pulled together and secured with sutures, resulting in a smaller breast that typically sits at a higher, more appealing position.
How to prepare for breast reduction surgery
Knowing what to expect before surgery and preparing yourself physically and mentally is an important part of undergoing any procedure. Prior to your breast reduction, you will have a consultation and one or more preoperative appointments. You may also be required to undergo additional tests, including blood work, a mammogram, or a physical. Your surgeon will carefully go over preoperative instructions, including making recommendations about pausing certain medications and not smoking in the days and weeks leading up to surgery.
Patients should also plan ahead for their recovery period by arranging for someone to drive them to and from surgery and, if possible, help around the house for a few days after the procedure. This is particularly important for patients with young children, as lifting, driving, and other activities will be somewhat restricted.
What to expect after breast reduction surgery
The recovery after breast reduction surgery is typically well-tolerated and may last up to 3 – 4 weeks. Patients should expect some level of discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the first several days after surgery, but these symptoms can be relieved with medications, which will be prescribed or recommended by your doctor. You will also be given a medical-grade compression bra to wear in order to reduce swelling and promote proper healing. Most patients take 1 – 2 weeks off of work following breast reduction surgery, depending on the physical demands of their jobs. Exercise and other strenuous activities will likely be off limits for several weeks and should not be resumed until you have been cleared by your surgeon.
The majority of patients report an almost immediate improvement in their original symptoms following a breast reduction, though the final results may not be apparent for several months as the swelling continues to subside and the scars begin to fade.
Do I qualify for breast reduction surgery?
Most women who are in good health, at a stable weight, and do not smoke can be considered for breast reduction surgery to decrease the size and weight of their breasts. In fact, oftentimes the procedure can be covered with insurance. The professional team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery is committed to helping patients secure insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery whenever possible and will help guide you through each step of the process.
To find out more about how a breast reduction can help you finally feel more comfortable in your own skin and get dramatic, long-lasting relief from your painful symptoms, call Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev. We are also proud to offer online consultations for patients who prefer to complete their appointment from the privacy and comfort of their own home. Don’t suffer with pain or stress any longer; schedule your Long Island, NY breast reduction consultation today!
