Breast Reduction in Houston TX

What Is A Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction removes excess breast fat, glandular skin, and tissue for the patient to have more proportionally sized breasts. Breast reduction surgery at our Texas practice offers significant relief to women with uncomfortably large breasts. For these women, emotional and physical discomfort is often an unfortunate reality. Medical complications, like neck and back pain, due to overwhelming breast weight bring many women to Dr. Altamira for help. For women who desire lighter, firmer, more proportionate, breasts, a breast reduction is an excellent option. Men with gynecomastia can also get this procedure done.

Breast Reduction Surgery

During breast reduction surgery, incisions are made around the areola and vertically along the underside of the breast in order to access and remove excess fat, dense glandular breast tissue, and skin. Dr. Altamira is careful to keep each breast symmetrical, and in proper anatomical proportion. The incisions are then carefully sutured to minimize scarring. After breast reduction surgery, breasts typically take several weeks to heal. Medical problems associated with the weight of large breasts begin to alleviate immediately. They will feel lighter without the excess breast weight. Emotionally, patients will benefit from knowing they will feel more comfortable with their breasts. For a better understanding of this procedure from a patient’s perspective, we invite you to read a plastic surgery testimonial from one of Dr. Altamira’s satisfied breast reduction patients.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Provided that the breasts are fully developed, there is no age restriction for breast reduction surgery. To be an ideal candidate for this breast surgery, it’s important that you’re in good physical and emotional health. Dr. Altamira will consult with you about your desired outcome and his expectations based on all relevant factors. Additionally, to get the best results from breast reduction, it’s beneficial that you reach your ideal weight in advance of your procedure. If you were to lose a significant amount of weight after breast reduction, your breasts may change in shape to a point of you feeling dissatisfied with their appearance.

Is Breast Reduction Painful?

This breast surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Under the effects of monitored sedation, your brain will not register any pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you’ll feel sore and may feel tender in the breast area. You’ll be prescribed pain medication, which you should take as directed for at least a few days. As you begin to feel more comfortable, you may switch to over-the-counter medication to control mild pain. You may also be advised to wear a compression bra after your surgery. The gentle support of this garment works to hasten the resolution of bruising and swelling. Additionally, the compression can hold breast tissue secure, preventing accidental bumps and brushes against the skin that could feel uncomfortable.

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Reduction?

Many insurance companies offer coverage for breast reduction. It’s necessary to contact your insurance company directly for detailed information regarding copayments, percentages, reimbursement, prerequisites, and other important aspects of your plan. Often, insurance companies require documentation that supports the medical necessity of the reduction procedure. For example, your insurance provider may request medical records that show you’ve been treated for neck, shoulder, or back pain related to breast size.

Can I Just Have Liposuction Performed on My Breasts?

It’s become somewhat popular to perform “scarless breast reduction.” This is in reference to the use of liposuction as the primary technique to reduce breast size. The concern about liposuction alone is twofold. First, liposuction is limited in terms of how much reduction it can achieve. Second, using liposuction alone, the cosmetic outcome of the breast reduction procedure may be compromised. The breasts aren’t made solely of fat cells; there’s also glandular tissue that contributes to breast size. Liposuction can only remove fatty tissue. Glandular tissue must be surgically removed. Furthermore, when very large breasts are reduced in size, the overlying skin must be tightened around the smaller breast mounds. Otherwise, the smaller breasts may appear saggy and deflated.

Dr. Altamira performs breast reduction surgery with the overall shape, symmetry, and size of the breasts in mind. The goal is to improve comfort without diminishing natural-looking body contours and a beautiful silhouette. Generally, liposuction alone fails to achieve the best possible results.

 

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more about breast reduction surgery, contact us at (713) 271-9000 to schedule a consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for surgery. Dr. Altamira has plastic surgery offices located in Houston and Sugar Land .