For many patients, breast reduction surgery isn’t simply a procedure that reduces the size of the breasts; it is a life-altering event that helps women escape the pain, soreness and physical limitations caused by overly-large breasts. If you suffer from shoulder tension, back pain, unwanted attention or other negative consequence of oversized breasts, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brenda Schiesel can help.
Schedule your free breast consultation today by calling 918-518-5144. Dr. Schiesel helps women from across Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks and nearby areas.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, also referred to as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical breast procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts. In a breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the skin is tightened, and the nipple and areola are repositioned.
What Are The Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The benefits of breast reduction surgery are wide-ranging. If you are frustrated with the daily struggles that naturally accompany the burden of oversized breasts, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits after breast reduction:
- More bra choices
- More clothing options
- Reduced pain from bras straps that dig into your shoulders
- Ability to lay on your stomach more easily
- Improved posture and better health
- Ability to exercise more comfortably
The ability to exercise comfortably and properly is an essential step toward a healthy lifestyle. With the better posture, increased mobility and diminished pain that women gain with breast reduction, many patients find that their overall health improves, which leads to an improvement of their overall quality of life.
Is Breast Reduction Right for Me?
Large, heavy breasts can affect your self-esteem, cause pain and keep you from partaking in a variety of activities you might otherwise enjoy. You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Are at or near your ideal weight
- Do not smoke, or are willing to quit before the procedure and for the duration of recovery
- Have reasonable expectations
- Are prepared to closely follow Dr. Schiesel’s pre and postoperative instructions
We invite you to visit our breast reduction before-and-after images to see the elegant, natural-looking results Dr. Schiesel has provided for previous patients.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Yes, a Breast Reduction can be covered by your health insurance under certain circumstances. However, here at South Tulsa Plastic Surgery, we do not accept any health insurance.
What Is the Recovery and Aftercare for a Breast Reduction?
Following breast reduction surgery, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are to be expected. Keeping incisions dry and clean, wearing a supportive compression bra, and using all prescribed medications will help with these issues. Discomfort is generally short-lived, with most women feeling able to return to non-demanding jobs after seven to fourteen days.
It may take six to eight weeks for your body to heal sufficiently for you to resume demanding tasks. During your follow-up visits, we will evaluate your progress, listen to your experiences, and help you determine when it is safe to resume certain activities.
It is important to remember that every woman is different. At South Tulsa Plastic Surgery, we take the time to understand individual needs and experiences, enabling us to personalize pre and postoperative directions that can assist with comfort and work to reduce risks.
Will I Have Any Scars After My Breast Reduction?
You will have scars after breast reduction surgery. Just how visible those scars are will be dependent on your adherence to pre and postoperative instructions.
Certain medications, herbs, and supplements will increase your risk of visible scars. So too will nicotine, regardless of its source of delivery. We will work directly with you and provide individual instructions to help reduce your specific risks.
Can I Combine My Breast Reduction With Other Procedures?
Breast reduction can be combined with other breast and body procedures to produce more dramatic results. This is neither necessary nor attractive to every woman, but can be of great benefit to patients who wish to address multiple issues during a single procedure. Combining procedures can help reduce risks, speed recovery, and enhance your final results.
Is Breast Reduction Painful?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will not feel any discomfort during your procedure.
Soreness and pain are possible following breast reduction. We will provide you with instructions and, when necessary, medications to address these discomforts and help ensure the most positive experience.
We will work with you throughout your entire recovery period to help make sure you are comfortable.
What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction?
All surgical procedures come with risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, and poor incision healing. Careful adherence to pre and postoperative instructions can help to reduce these risks.
Breast reduction is typically safe and most women do not experience any difficulties. However, a loss of nipple sensation is possible. So too are visible scars. Dr. Schiesel takes great care to protect patient health and comfort, utilizing advanced techniques and performing all procedures in an accredited surgical faculty.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE?
Before this procedure is done, it is best to go into it with as much knowledge as possible. The procedure begins with putting you under a general anesthetic. This is done to ensure you do not feel any kind of pain or discomfort. Next, there are several ways a breast reduction can performed. Primarily, it involves the types of incisions that will be used.
For incisions, the surgeon typically makes them around the nipple and areola of each breast. Then, excess fat and breast tissue are removed to reduce the size of the patient’s breast. The breast is then reshaped by the surgeon by repositioning the nipple and areola.
Once the operation is complete, your breasts will be covered by bandages, and you will be outfitted with a surgical bra. A tube may also be inserted underneath both of your arms to drain extra fluid and blood. You may also be given medication to reduce pain. You can expect to feel mild tenderness in your breasts as well as swelling and bruising. You will be advised when to return for a follow-up visit.
You must also wait at least four to six weeks before resuming physical activity so your breasts have enough time to heal. You will also need to have a follow-up appointment to check your recovery progress. As for the scarring, it usually disappears over time.
ARE THERE RISKS INVOLVED WITH BREAST REDUCTION?
Yes, there are risks involved with a breast reduction procedure. The standard surgical risks include bleeding, infections, and an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Below are the other risks:
- Bruising.
- Scarring.
- Difficulty breastfeeding.
- Not being happy with the end result.
- The size of your breasts is different.
Dr. Schiesel will discuss these risks in greater detail during your consultation with her.
Schedule Your Free Breast Reduction Consultation Today
To learn more about breast reduction surgery and your candidacy for the procedure, please contact South Tulsa Plastic Surgery today by completing the form on this page or calling 918-518-5144. Our friendly office proudly serves the Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks and Owasso areas of Oklahoma as well as other nearby areas.
