Typically the women who are seeking breast reduction surgery are doing so due to overly large sized breasts for their body size and stature, the medical term for this condition is called hypertrophy of the breasts. The cause of breast hypertrophy is unknown and for most patients suffering from this condition the condition usually begins in puberty or shortly thereafter and is typically present in both breasts. However, it is also known to occur during a pregnancy and persist after the birth of the child or children and breast-feeding has ceased. It may even be a rare occurrence with the sudden unexplained onset of breast enlargement. 





While some women may be experiencing one or more symptoms, typically a good candidate for this surgical reduction procedure is a patient who is emotionally well adjusted and in good physical health, but is suffering from the physical, health, or emotional issues that may result from breast hypertrophy. These physical and emotional issues may include; back or neck problems, sleep deprivation or disruption, difficulties with conducting daily routine tasks or physical activities, and self-esteem issues. 





Next Steps

 

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, your next step is locating a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and scheduling a consultation, at which time your physician will conduct a thorough examination. A follow-up consultation will discuss the probable outcome that this surgical remedy may offer to your particular medical needs, as well as the risks involved, possible complications, recovery time needed and the cost of your breast/hypertrophy reduction surgery. As with any surgical procedure there are associated risks that you must consider and discuss with your board-certified plastic surgeon before you and your physician can even consider breast reduction surgery procedures. 





While breast reduction surgery is a very common and highly used procedure producing favorable results for patients, there are possible complications and/or side effects that may result. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed information regarding all the possible risks, complications and side effects that could possibly result as a consequence of your surgery. Due to the nature of this major surgical procedure there is a significant amount of recovery time required to heal from breast reduction surgery. As with any major surgery, there are numerous restrictions as to activity levels and type, and although you may be allowed to return to your normal routines and work in two to three weeks, the side effect of swelling may persist for as long as three to four months in duration. 





Again your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed information on precisely what your restrictions will be during your recovery time and exactly what you can expect during the recovery period process. Following your doctor’s instructions to the letter is a major factor in having a successful surgical outcome, so be certain to follow your doctor’s orders fully.