3 Myths About Breast Reduction
Excessively large breasts can often cause lower back and neck pain, painful bra-strap indentations, and other physical discomforts. They can also produce feelings of self-consciousness, and prevent many individuals from effectively fitting into desired clothing. Fortunately, breast reduction surgery can be an ideal solution for these concerns, allowing patients to reduce the overall size of their breasts and make them more proportionate to their body frame. With that in mind, there are a few myths and misconceptions about breast reduction that our team here at Weston Plastic Surgery would like to address. Here are some of the most common:
Myth: Breast Reduction Surgery Is Very Painful
While there may be some discomfort and a certain degree of pain following the surgery, these effects are typically normal, common side effects of any surgical procedure and can often be successfully mitigated with medication and proper home care. In general, breast reduction surgery is significantly less painful than breast augmentation surgery. For most patients, the length of the recovery process after breast reduction is less than two weeks, and discomfort typically dissipates within days of the procedure. While every individual has a different tolerance level for pain and discomfort, most patients generally do not experience an unmanageable degree of pain following breast reduction surgery.
Myth: Breastfeeding Is Not Possible After Breast Reduction
Studies have shown that as many as 50% of women who have undergone breast reduction procedures are able to successfully breastfeed after surgery. This compares favorably to the general population, where there are many women who are naturally unable to breastfeed. Some women with small breasts may produce significant amounts of milk for breastfeeding and some women with large breasts may produce minimal amounts of milk for breastfeeding and vice versa. The natural ability to breastfeed varies significantly and breast reduction does not preclude the possibility of breastfeeding in the future. If you are considering breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, Dr. Robert Rothfield would be happy to discuss this with you in greater detail.
Myth: Nipple Sensation Will Be Lost Following Breast Reduction Surgery
Loss of nipple sensation is a potential risk of any type of breast surgery, whether it be breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. Typically, most patients retain all or most of the sensation in their nipples after a breast reduction procedure. It is not uncommon for women with very large breasts and little sensation to their nipples prior to breast reduction to have improved sensation after surgery. Many women may have temporary changes in sensation to their nipples immediately after breast reduction surgery, either hypersensitivity or decreased sensation; however, in the majority of these women, normal sensation will ultimately return. It is quite rare for individuals to permanently lose sensitivity in their nipples after this surgery.
If you would like to learn more about breast reduction or other treatments available at our practice, please contact us today!