Breast reduction surgery is quickly becoming more popular as people move to make themselves more comfortable in their bodies in recent years. Whether you’re considering it for yourself or you’re helping a loved one researching this often-misunderstood surgery, this article has everything you need to know.
What Does Breast Reduction Surgery Entail?
Breast reduction surgery generally involves removing a pre-agreed-upon amount of fat and tissue to reach the cup size and shape that the patient wants. This can either be performed by removing and replacing the nipple on smaller breasts or by making incisions under the main fat of the breast so that it’s hidden in this crease after.
There’s some reshaping that’s usually done along with this surgery to get an end result the patient will be excited about.
Who Needs This Surgery?
This surgery is generally performed on patients who have larger breasts than they want aesthetically or that their back and pain tolerances can handle. This doesn’t affect your ability to breastfeed.
Although there’s a large range of people who get this surgery, it’s usually on women in their 20s who are trying to get mobility out of life or are tired of feeling like clothing isn’t made for their body type.
This has also become a popular gender-affirming surgery for nonbinary trans individuals who want a more androgynous look without giving up all of their breast tissue.
Do I Have to Pay Out of Pocket?
Whether or not your pay out of pocket or your insurance does depends entirely on what type of insurance you have, what conditions have resulted from this tissue, and whether the surgeon you’re speaking to is within your network.
If you have an out-of-pocket deductible you have to hit before you can get surgery, you may have to pay this before you can get further.
Are There Visible Scars After?
For most people, there’s minimal visible scarring. Surgeons have become increasingly skilled at hiding incisions and being able to make them blend in with the natural creases and curves of the human body.
If you get keloids or have had previous scarring issues, your results may turn out differently, so it’s a good idea to bring up your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Scars are even less visible if you have a smaller chest since making the incision around the areola allows it to look like the natural ridge that sits here.
How Can I Make the Healing Better?
Healing is going to be different for everyone, but the average person will benefit from hydrating often, making sure to exfoliate for the weeks or days leading up to surgery, and taking the time to use products like Aquaphor, your surgeon may recommend.
Avoid any stretches or exercises that may stretch your incisions, but you should still try to keep in shape by walking or performing other simple aerobic exercises.
Breast Reduction Surgery Can Offer Relief
Whether you’re getting this for mental or physical discomfort, you deserve to get the results you want. Speak with a surgeon that understands your needs, and helps create a body you can feel good in.
