Breast Reduction?

Question

I am considering a breast reduction. How long in the hospital? How long off your feet? How much pain? Is it worth it?

Answer 1

I had a breast reduction Feb 2006 and the only thing I regret is not getting it done sooner.

I went to the hospital around 10am, was in surgery for three hours, then stayed overnight in the hospital for observation.

I was off work for two weeks (more if you are in a physically active job) and got back to normal activities till one month post op.

I was in zero pain, I did not need any of the vicodin prescription. It was only a little uncomfortable because you can't sleep on your stomach or side for a while, at least until your incisions are fully closed.

It is totally worth it. I have no more back pain thanks to the surgery and I recommend it for anyone who has health issues because of their breasts.

Here are some good research sites:

http://www.bfar.org
http://www.breasthealthonline.com

Answer 2

I had one four weeks ago. It was the best thing I have done for me. I had a pretty easy time with it. Everyone is different and everyone has different pain tolerances. I was able to go back to by desk job in a week and my doctor cleared me at 3 weeks to go and do whatever within reason. My pain is what is suppose to tell me what I am doing wrong. I was in an outpatient setting. Took 3 hours. I had a lot of tightness and hardness but nothing that I would consider excruciating pain. I have never regretted it.

Also, great website to check out is

www.breasthealthonline.com....It helped me tremendously with questions!!!!

Answer 3

How long in the hospital? Surgery 2-3hrs, then outpatient recovery (few hours) or overnight stay.

How long off your feet? "You may be able to return to work in about two to three weeks if your job doesn't require strenuous activity. It may take up to a month for the pain and sensitivity to disappear. And it may take even longer — six months or more — for your final breast shape to become apparent."

How much pain? Pain is very subjective (different for different people). "You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain." Most people I know who have had plastic surgery thought it was painful but they got over it pretty quick.

Risks:
Loss of sensation in the nipples and areolae
Impaired blood supply to the nipples, leading to loss of the nipples and scarring
Inability to breastfeed
Asymmetry in size, shape, position and contour of the nipples or breasts, which may lead to further surgery to improve appearance
Altered body image and a period of adjustment to get used to the change in your appearance

Is it worth it? - Most people I know who have had a reduction have been very happy with it, except some people who have not been able to breastfeed or have only been able to partially breastfeed because of it (& wished they'd waited until after having their kids to do it). More info: http://www.bfar.org/

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/ReductionMammaplasty.cfm?CFID=79608181&CFTOKEN=97334627

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-reduction/WO00021

Answer 4

I had one 8 years ago. I was in the hospital just over night although it was supposed to be outpatient. I was in too much pain to want to go home. I was off work two weeks but able to get around really well after one week. The pain was intense and frustrating but it was totally worth it. What is the pain for a a couple of weeks compared to your happiness and the rest of your life...I would do it again.

Answer 5

Breast reduction surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her breast reduction, tummy tuck and facelift surgery in India by the company called Forerunners Healthcare .The Price for the surgery she paid in India was very less. She paid 30% of the cost she was quoted in America.

Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. They arrange cosmetic and plastic surgery for foreigners in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as the breast reduction, tummy tuck, facelift and other cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.