Procedures :: Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
"My heavy breasts kept me from a lot of activities
that I wanted to try. It was uncomfortable to run or do aerobics. I was
sick of strapping myself in a heavy-duty bra all day and having bra
marks on my shoulders. Breast reduction was the answer to my prayers."
—M.F. (age 20)
Who is a Candidate?
Women are considering breast reductions in Maryland with Dr. Kress for many reasons. Large, heavy breasts can cause breathing difficulties, back, neck
and shoulder pain, poor posture, bra-strap indentations and chafing.
They can also interfere with normal daily activities, exercise and
finding clothes that fit attractively.
If you have excessively large breasts that make you self-conscious
or create any of the problems listed above, a breast reduction can give
you the freedom you've always dreamed of. Many women considering breast reduction also need a breast lift from Frederick plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Kress to create an improved, youthful contour.
Ready to learn more about breast reduction? Start seeing what's possible when you view breast reduction photos from actual patients of the practice. When you're ready, request a consultation with Dr. Kress at the office of Plastic Surgery One on Opossumtown Pike in Frederick.
Breast Reductions in Frederick, Maryland
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient
basis. Incisions are made around the pigmented area (the nipple-areolar
complex) and extend vertically below the nipple and in the fold under
the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired
location. Excess breast tissue and skin are removed and
re-contoured, and extra fat in the breasts can be removed through liposuction in Maryland. The resulting scars are referred to as the "inverted
T."
Recovery Time
Most women are ready to return to work in 2 weeks, resuming vigorous physical
activity in 6 weeks. Scars will fade in 6 to 18 months.
Your Result
Breast reductions in Maryland create a more attractive breast contour, which is better proportioned for
the patient's body. Also, you should be able to enjoy freedom from health problems and the discomfort
often associated with excessively large breasts. Most patients have an enhanced ability to exercise
and participate in many more physical activities.
Breast Reduction FAQ's
- If I'm having pain in my neck, shoulder and back, why doesn't my insurance pay for this?
More than a decade ago the insurance companies were paying for this
procedure for a variety of reasons. Gradually they have changed the
criteria so that very few people now qualify. Insurance companies
generally will have a weight requirement stating that the patient must
be near their ideal weight, and that a specific amount of tissue must
be removed. Both of these combine to disqualify nearly everyone;
however, we will be happy to help you check with your insurance company.
- Do I need to lose weight to have the reduction surgery?
Generally you should be within twenty pounds of your realistic weight,
although insurance companies will use insurance tables, which represent
ideal weights and not realistic weights. A concern would be if you had
the reduction mammoplasty and then went on to lose more than twenty
pounds. This might reduce the volume or cause some sagging of the
breasts, leading to a less than satisfactory result.
- How bad are the scars?
Scars vary from one individual to the next. You are going to be able to
judgeperhaps better than the surgeonthe type of scars that you form
based on your previous experience and/or previous surgeries. In
general, the circum-areolar scars and the vertical scars do quite well.
The middle portion and the lateral portion of the infra-mammary scars
(the crease beneath the breast) tend to be the most problematic. There
are a number of treatments available for treating scars that may become
problematic in these areas with the use of lasers, gel dressings and
injections.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Request a consultation with Dr. Kress or call us at 240.575.1566.
"He that respects himself is safe from others; He wears a coat of mail that none can pierce."
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
