Breast Learning Center
Is Breast Reduction Right for Me?
During the consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Ditesheim, he will get a more complete idea of your goals and create a personal plan, specifically based on your needs and desired outcome. However, there are a few important things to consider before having any type of cosmetic surgery:
• You will be asked about your medical history, including previous breast procedures and childbirths if applicable.
• The breasts must be fully developed.
• It is often more efficient to proceed with a breast reduction surgery after you have completed your family. A post-procedure pregnancy can result in permanent re-enlargement of the breasts. Although, permanent re-enlargement rarely occurs.
• A person who is considering plastic surgery should not smoke. If you do smoke, and are considering plastic surgery, then it is important to take the steps to quit well in advance. Smoking constricts the blood vessels, decreasing the blood flow to a healing area. In other words, smoking can slow the healing process.
• Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs must be avoided, as they cause increased bleeding.
• Depending upon your age, you may be required to have a mammogram prior to surgery.
“I especially feel better about myself and more confident when intimate with my spouse” – A.L. Raleigh, NC
Breast Reduction Procedure Overview
Breast reduction surgery removes both glandular tissues and stretched skin. During the procedure, excess skin is removed only from the lower part of the breasts to avoid scarring above the nipple. Lastly, the nipple is raised and the diameter of the areola is decreased to a more symmetrical, youthful position.
Dr. Ditesheim’s Approach to Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Ditesheim specializes in the “short scar technique” to reduce breast size and give a more flattering appearance. The “short scar technique” incorporates two incisions: one around the areola and one vertically from the areola down to the breast crease. During the procedure, a “lollipop incision” is blended around the nipple and partially down the breast. This specific technique delivers excellent results, providing enhanced breast shape with about half as much scarring as traditional breast reduction procedures. We encourage you to call Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery at (704) 754-8351 to schedule a consultation and discuss your personal breast reduction options.
Breast Reduction Pre-Operative Overview
Dr. Ditesheim and his experienced staff will provide you with pre-surgical information that includes guidelines about drinking, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Additionally, you will be required to have a mammogram exam before the procedure – depending upon your age and medical history. It is also important to make driving arrangements before the procedure. During the pre-op appointment you may want to ask Dr. Ditesheim and staff about how to prepare your family for your recovery. Dr. Ditesheim’s caring staff has a wealth of experience in seamlessly preparing patients and their families for the recovery process.
Breast Reduction Surgery
A breast reduction procedure generally takes between 2 – 4 hours. Our commitment to patient safety is a top priority and thus, all general anesthesia in our office is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist; that is a medical doctor specializing in general anesthesia care, as opposed to a nurse. Our use of physician-administered anesthesia has given our patients a nausea-free recovery for years.
Breast reduction procedures may be performed in a partner hospital near the office, or in our own AAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) accredited surgical suite. Our modern surgical facilities were created to ensure and maximize the highest possible standards in patient safety and comfort.
Breast Reduction Recovery
We want to make sure that your surgical experience and recovery is as pleasant as possible. Once the breast reduction surgery has been completed, you will be placed in a compression garment. In order to achieve the most successful outcome, it is important to wear the surgical garments for a couple of months. Most of our patients take about one week off of work to slowly restart normal activities. Dr. Ditesheim usually requests that a patient wait about a month to get into more vigorous activity. Our experienced staff will provide you with postoperative guidelines that provide instructions for the most comfortable and successful healing.
Breast Reduction Cost
Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery to relieve medical symptoms. Your insurance company may require a letter of predetermination before the surgery. Our accommodating staff at Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery has years of experience working with insurance coverage and will help with insurance matters related to the procedure. However, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance policies.
We provide affordable payment options through CareCredit®. Please refer to the link below for more information, www.carecredit.com.
For more information regarding breast reduction procedures, please call us at (704) 754-8351 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ditesheim and his experienced staff.
