Myth #1: Recovery from breast reduction is extremely painful
Truth: During the first few days for most women, the discomfort levels ranges from fairly minimal to moderate and is usually well controlled by pain medication. Of course, some patients experience more pain than others, but many of my patients take low doses or a very short course of pain medication. In general, recovery from a breast reduction is relatively short and quite manageable (and usually far more tolerable than recovery from a breast augmentation).
Myth #2: Breasts will remain saggy following a breast reduction
Truth: A woman’s breasts will eventually sag over time due to the effects of gravity, stretching of the breast tissue, a loss of elasticity, and more. Significant weight fluctuations can accelerate stretching and drooping. If a woman maintains her weight and wears a supportive bra, the results of a breast reduction can last longer.
Myth #3: Breast reduction causes a total loss of nipple sensation
Truth: A vast majority of patients, in my experience, retain most if not all of their nipple sensation following breast reduction surgery. Though there are some breast reduction patients who come to my office with little to no sensation in their nipples to begin with, it is rare for a woman to lose all nipple sensation as a result of the procedure.
Myth #4: A woman cannot breastfeed after breast reduction surgery
Truth: The ability to breastfeed after a breast reduction is dependent upon a multitude of factors including the initial size of a woman’s breasts, the extent of the reduction and final size, as well as the surgical technique employed. I am aware of several patients of mine who had children subsequent to their breast reduction and who were able to breastfeed.
Myth #5: Breast reduction is not covered by health insurance plans
Truth: Different insurance plans have their own criteria for breast reduction surgery eligibility. Conditions for coverage may relate to a patient’s weight versus the amount of breast tissue that is expected to be removed, BMI, cup size, and the presence, severity and number of symptoms related to the enlarged breasts including neck, back, and shoulder pain. Some insurance plans specifically exclude coverage for breast reduction surgery. For those women who can’t obtain insurance coverage or don’t have health insurance, we offer special package pricing here at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in order to make the procedure more affordable.
Contact the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
For more information about breast reduction surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub, please contact the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery today.