What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is an operation to remove extra fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts. If you have large gynecomastia (in which male sleep” during the procedure.
Breast reduction surgery will take about 2 to 5 hours, sometimes longer.
Your surgeon could use one of a few surgery methods, depending on the shape and size of your breasts, how much tissue they need to remove, and how you want to look after surgery:
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Liposuction. The surgeon will make small cuts in your skin and insert a thin tube connected to a vacuum that suctions fat and fluids from your breast. This option is best for small reductions and for people whose skin will “snap back” into place.
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Vertical or “lollipop.”This method is for moderate breast reductions and visible sagging. The surgeon will make cuts around your areola and down to the crease beneath your breast, remove extra tissue and fat, reshape the breast, and lift it.
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Inverted-T or “anchor.”The surgeon will make cuts around the edge of the areola, from the areola to the breast crease, and along the crease underneath the breast. This type of surgery is best for large reductions and for people who have a lot of sagging or unevenness.
Your surgeon may use drainage tubes and then stitch up your breasts and wrap them in a special gauze. You may also need to wear a surgical bra.
Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
Expect to take at least a week off from work or school afterward. Some people need a couple of weeks, but each situation varies. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow-up appointments for removing bandages and physical activity for at least a month after surgery.
After the surgery, you should expect to feel tired and to have insurance covers breast reduction surgery. Because breast reduction is considered reconstructive, your chances of getting coverage are good. But you must be sure to follow all the procedures set forth by your policy.
Your surgeon can send in a letter with photos of your breasts and details about your physical symptoms. Get in touch with your health insurer early so you know exactly what they will pay for. For example, will insurance cover such things as lab costs or anesthesiologist fees? Asking in advance will help prevent surprises after the surgery.