Breast reduction is a procedure for women who experience pain and discomfort due to large, heavy breasts. They may suffer from posture problems, pain in their back, neck and shoulders, and feelings of self-consciousness. Large breasts can also make some physical activities uncomfortable and make it difficult to find clothes that fit properly.
Breast reduction surgery not only reduces the size of the breasts but also reshapes and lifts them for a pleasing aesthetic outcome, as well as a resolution of pain. This procedure is often covered by insurance if you meet certain criteria. Insurance companies typically require three things. They want to know that you have certain problems caused by your breasts such as back, neck, and shoulder pain. They require that you attempt conservative care for at least 6-months in most cases to treat these problems. This care may require outside documentation. Finally, they require that Dr. Schaefer is able to remove a certain weight from your breast at the time of surgery. This amount is based on your insurance company, your height, and your weight. If you do not meet these criteria, some patients are still good candidates for breast reduction and may decide to have the surgery on a self-pay basis.
Minneapolis-based Dr. Timothy Schaefer employs meticulous planning and his eye for balanced, harmonious structures to create natural-looking breast reduction results for you.
Your Initial Consultation
Breast reduction surgery is a major decision that is also extremely personal. Dr. Schaefer will spend time with you to fully explain the procedure to you and answer all of your questions. During your consultation, he will perform a thorough medical analysis and devise a surgical plan based on your specific anatomy and goals.
If you are found to be a suitable candidate for breast reduction, Dr. Schaefer and his staff will make sure you are fully prepared for the procedure and know exactly what to expect. Every aspect of your surgery will be customized depending on your specific anatomy and preferences.
What to Expect From Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to return home soon after your operation. You will be put under general anesthesia for your surgery, which will last two to three hours, depending on your particular case.
Since your procedure is highly customized, Dr. Schaefer’s techniques for breast reduction vary from patient to patient. In most cases, three incisions are made in an inverted T design, called a “Wise pattern.” These incisions are made at the outer edge of the areola, vertically down the center of the breast to the crease, and horizontally under the crease of the breast. In cases with women who need a smaller degree of correction, a vertical incision with no horizontal incision may be used.
After the incisions are made, Dr. Schaefer removes the necessary amount of excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue to make the breasts a more proportional size. The breasts are reshaped, and if necessary, the areolas may also be reduced or reshaped.
Dr. Schaefer generally employs what is called a supero-medial pedicle technique. This means that the main portion of the areola and nipple are left attached to milk ducts, nerves, and blood supply above the areola. Other surgeons prefer the inferior pedicle technique, where the tissue is primarily attached below the areola. Dr. Schaefer prefers the supero-medial technique because it removes excess lower breast tissue and leaves the remaining tissue thicker for a more optimal outcome.
Depending on the amount of breast tissue removed and other techniques used during your surgery, you may require a drain in each breast for one week.
Your Recovery
Using evidence-based methods, Dr. Schaefer and his highly professional medical team implement a process that leads to a faster recovery.
After surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in dressings. These dressings will be removed a day or two after your surgery, and you will then put on a surgical bra, which you must wear for a few weeks.
You will feel sore for several days to a few weeks, and it may take 6-12 months for your breasts to settle into their final placement and shape. Bruising and swelling can last for several weeks, but Dr. Schaefer will provide pain medication to help you through the post-operative discomfort.
You should be able to return to work within a week or two after your surgery. Physical activities should be limited for several weeks, however. Rest and sleep are important to the healing process, but it’s essential that you sleep on your back to avoid disturbing the healing tissue.
Regular examinations and routine mammograms can help ensure that any issues are detected and treated early. It is important to recognize that pregnancy, weight gain, and aging can alter the appearance of your breasts. Your breasts will typically not return to their preoperative form, however.
Can I Exercise After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Your body is the best indicator as to when you can return to your regular workout routine. Returning to workouts too early can cause serious setbacks, like muscle tears and internal bleeding. When in doubt, err on the side of waiting. We typically recommend waiting four weeks before engaging in strenuous activity. Our team will be an excellent resource to advise you with your recovery plan.
Your New Look
After a breast reduction with Dr. Schaefer, your breasts will be more proportional per your pre-operative discussions with him, and they will be lifted and reshaped to create balanced, natural-looking results. While there are scars after a breast reduction, scarring will diminish gradually before becoming more inconspicuous with time.
Choosing a Breast Reduction Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon for your breast reduction is of paramount importance. It is vital for your plastic surgeon to have the right qualifications and credentials, such as board certification and good standing with the various medical boards. The surgeon should also have extensive experience performing breast surgeries.
You also want to be sure that your surgeon has a professional, friendly, and caring support staff. These people will assist you while in the office and during your recovery, so it is essential to feel comfortable with the entire team.
Do your research to learn as much as possible about your surgeon. Then, arrive at your breast reduction consultation prepared with questions, concerns, and your ultimate goals written down.
Why Choose Dr. Schaefer as Your Breast Reduction Surgeon?
With his careful planning and problem-solving approach, Dr. Schaefer customizes his strategy so that your breast reduction is specifically designed for your body and goals. Through detailed personalization, Dr. Schaefer strives to create balanced, proportional results that look natural and ease the pain caused by large breasts.
Dr. Schaefer is known for his work in the Minneapolis community helping women feel better and restoring their self-confidence. He has been honored as a BEST DOCTOR and BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN by the Minnesota Monthly Magazine, as well as a TOP DOCTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGERY by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today
Improving a woman’s self-confidence and health is Dr. Schaefer’s ultimate goal with these procedures. To learn more about how he can help you resolve back, neck, and shoulder pain, while also achieving aesthetic results, please contact us today.
To schedule your consultation appointment at our Minneapolis office, please call 952-920-2600 or go to our contact page and fill out the necessary information to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Contact Us Today!