Breast Reduction | Pittsburgh, PA
Women looking for plastic surgery in Pittsburgh to reduce the size of breasts that are disproportionately large often have many questions. Here is everything you need to consider before having a Breast Reduction procedure.
Breast Reduction Surgery
For women who suffer from large, pendulous breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of their body, a Breast Reduction is a solution that may be covered by your medical insurance. Women with large breasts may have symptoms of back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, breast pain (especially with exercise), and rashes along the folds of the breasts. Dense breast tissue may also make breast cancer surveillance procedures, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, difficult to interpret.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Due to the health issues associated with pendulous breasts, Breast Reduction surgeries can often be pursued through a patient’s health insurance. However, patients not approved through insurance may still undergo Breast Reduction as an aesthetic procedure.
You Could Be a Candidate for a Breast Reduction Surgery if You Experience These Symptoms:
- Breast pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Unspecified back pain
- Lower back pain
- Intertrigo
- Poor posture
- Finger and hand numbness
- Shoulder notching from bra strap
- Ptosis breasts
- Nipple discharge
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Breast masses
- Rash beneath breasts
If you aren’t sure if you are the right candidate for a Breast Reduction, the best thing that you can do is schedule a consultation.
How Do I Find the Best Plastic Surgeon in Pittsburgh?
Since Dr. Antimarino performs Breast Reduction surgery on a routine basis, he has a reputation as one of the best plastic surgeons in Pittsburgh. He is specifically commended for his expertise in breast plastic surgery procedures, as you can see in this review of Dr. Antimarino on Realself:
38H TO 38 C, Surgery Date May 30, 2012, Life changing! Overall experience with Dr. Antimarino was great. He made me feel at ease, and reassured me numerous times.
Dr. Antimarino will discuss your expectations for the procedure during your initial consultation and he will design a surgical plan specifically for you. We recommend that you bring a list of questions about the procedure, your recovery, and possible downtime to your initial consultation. We make this process easy for you with our free pre-surgery checklist. This preparation will eliminate any confusion and will provide you with the most comfortable experience at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa.
How Do I Prepare for the Surgery?
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other supplements may increase bruising so you will be asked to stop using these medications two weeks prior to surgery.
Prior to your initial consultation, you may access our patient resources to get acclimated with our processes. Please read through these documents to educate yourself before your Breast Reduction consultation.
How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
A Breast Reduction is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia in an accredited outpatient surgical facility. Dr. Antimarino operates in an accredited facility. This surgical procedure lasts approximately 3 hours.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery:
Is a Breast Lift and a Breast Reduction the Same Procedure?
No, a breast lift and Breast Reduction are two separate procedures. Many women with pendulous breasts are concerned about the appearance of their breasts, as larger breasts may sag (called ptosis) and begin to point downwards. Ptosis can be addressed with a breast lift as this procedure will correct the aesthetic placement of the breast. However, a Breast Reduction is a procedure that combines a breast lift with the removal of breast tissue to minimize the size of the breasts. This will result in less breast volume and less breast-related pain to the body (i.e. back pain).
What Are the Benefits of a Breast Reduction Surgery?
Undergoing a Breast Reduction can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, breast pain, and put an end to rashes along the folds of the breast. It can have a positive impact on a woman’s ability to exercise and go about her daily life. The less-dense breast tissue may also make breast cancer surveillance procedures, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, easier to interpret.
Are There Any Risks?
Breast Reductions are very safe procedures when done by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Undergoing a Breast Reduction may also change the size of your nipples, which is not necessarily a risk but something to be aware of. The size of your breasts may also change if you become pregnant after you have your reduction. If you plan to have children postoperatively, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon so you know what to expect.
Is Every Breast Reduction the Same?
Not every breast reduction is exactly the same. The techniques used are dependant upon the patient and her goals. Dr. Antimarino works with every patient to ensure that her desires are being met in a healthy way that will enhance her confidence and her life.
Is There a Certain Bra Cup Size that Will Qualify Me for a Breast Reduction?
No, it all is dependent upon your body frame. Some good ways to gauge whether you are a good candidate for a Breast Reduction are:
- Do your breasts restrict your activity?
- Do your breasts keep you from exercising, participating in sports or playing with your children?
- Is it hard to buckle your seatbelt?
- Do you dislike hugging people or is jumping up and down something you avoid?
- Do your breasts cause you major physical discomfort?
- Large breasts can cause chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Headaches may also result due to the tension.
- You may notice red, irritated, or rashy skin underneath your breasts due to the constant chafing.
- Your breasts also may be causing issues with your body alignment.
- Are you self-conscious about the size of your breasts?
- Heavy breasts that point downwards or are disproportionate to your body may cause insecurities.
- Do you try to hide your breast size? You also may find that clothing just won’t fit you properly due to your breast size, causing you to wear larger sizes than necessary for the rest of your frame to accommodate them.
What Makes a Breast Reduction at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery Special?
When considering what plastic surgeon you would like to perform your Breast Reduction, it is important to keep in mind that your goals and desires are discussed and that your treatment plan is developed based upon your individual needs. A board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Antimarino, will take into consideration your body type, size, chest circumference, desired breast shape, and nipple location. Dr. Antimarino has performed more than fifteen-hundred Breast Reductions in his career, which lends to an experienced technique that has produced incomparable results.
A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino is an opportunity to ask questions and have a detailed discussion about Breast Reductions. Dr. Antimarino is available to see patients in Shadyside, Monroeville, and our Greensburg satellite location. Schedule your consultation or a virtual consultation now.
