We have answered 10 questions about breast reduction in a blog post.
Beautifully shaped, plump breasts are the desire of many women, but they can also be a heavy burden on the body. Especially when the weight of the breast presses on the shoulders and cervical spine, inflammation in the lower breast is the rule and sport regularly leads to back pain. In order to regain more quality of life and self-confidence, more and more women are taking the step of undergoing breast reduction surgery. We answer the most important questions about breast reduction!
- When does a breast reduction make sense?
A breast reduction is advisable if the patient suffers from severe back pain due to the size of her breasts. The pain can radiate into the neck and shoulder area. Very painful incisions can also occur on the contact surfaces of the bra straps in the shoulder area. The weight of the breast, which shifts the body's center of gravity forward, can lead to postural problems. The large contact surface in the area of the underbust can lead to inflammation with an unpleasant odor, especially in the warm summer months. If the breasts are very large and glandular, medical examinations such as mammography or sonography are more difficult and at times limited in their informative value.
- What do I need to consider before a breast reduction?
We recommend having an ultrasound examination carried out before a breast reduction and, if necessary, a mammogram of the breast. Blood-thinning medication should be discontinued around two weeks before the operation. Inflammation in the area of the lower breast crease should have largely subsided before the operation.
- How painful is the operation?
Severe pain is rare after the operation. Patients receive regular pain-relieving medication after the operation until they are discharged from hospital in accordance with the guidelines. After discharge, painkillers are only taken if necessary.
- What do I need to consider after a breast reduction?
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure and the wounds need sufficient time to heal. Physical exertion should therefore be reduced as much as possible for around six weeks. During this time, it is particularly important that patients wear a well-fitting compression bra. Experience has shown that patients can expect to be off work for two weeks, but this can vary from person to person. When lying down, the upper body should be slightly elevated for the first two weeks after the operation. Sleeping on your side is only permitted after 10 days and sleeping on your stomach should only be allowed after three weeks. Sport should only be resumed slowly after six weeks. In addition, patients are not allowed to go to the sauna or swim for the first six weeks after the operation.
- How long do I have to stay in hospital?
As a rule, patients stay in hospital for two to three days. However, depending on the size of the breast, a shorter stay may be sufficient, depending on the individual situation.
- When are the sutures removed?
The skin sutures do not need to be removed as self-dissolving suture material is used.
- Will scars remain after the operation?
As after every operation, this procedure also leaves scars. Scarring varies from patient to patient. In the first six months after the procedure, the scars may be reddened. However, this usually fades over time and the scarring becomes less noticeable. We usually operate with a so-called T-incision, also known as an anchor incision. We make a fine incision around the nipple, which is also reduced in size, as well as a vertical incision. A small inconspicuous incision is also necessary in the underbust crease.
- How long do I have to wear the compression underwear / support bra?
We recommend that our patients wear a well-fitting compression bra for the first six weeks after the operation. After that, patients can wear normal underwear again.
- Can I still breastfeed after a breast reduction?
This is a very frequently asked question. With the technique we use, however, the ability to breastfeed is usually retained. Nevertheless, we must inform patients about the loss of their ability to breastfeed.
- Are the costs of a breast reduction covered by health insurance?
Patients first present themselves to us during consultation hours. We will then decide whether we can issue a certificate for submission to the health insurance company. The decisive factor here is the weight of the tissue to be removed. Other factors that may favor the assumption of costs by the health insurance company are, for example, many years of orthopaedic treatment for back pain. Proof of orthopaedic treatment or corresponding certificates are helpful here. Inflammation in the underbust fold, confirmed by a dermatologist, can also increase the chances of costs being covered. Photo documentation can also help the health insurance company reach a positive decision. In most cases, the health insurance company's decision is made on a case-by-case basis. The patient is invited to an examination and a detailed discussion by the health insurance company and then the doctor at the medical service of the health insurance companies decides whether the costs will be covered.
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