Breast reduction surgery is performed for those patients that are troubled with large, heavy breasts that interfere with their daily life. These women may have difficulty performing their duties at work, exercising, or simply getting through the day without pain in the neck, back or shoulders.
Other typical complaints are grooves in the shoulders from bra straps and/or rashes below the breasts. Breast reduction surgery not only reduces the size or volume of the breast but also lifts the breasts higher on the chest improving the patient’s center of gravity.
Preparation
Once you schedule your breast reduction with Dr. Tarola, you will be given a breast reduction surgical packet, which includes medications to avoid before your procedure, postoperative instructions, and information on what to expect in the weeks and months following your procedure. Doctor Tarola and Tarola Plastic Surgery will also provide you with all of your prescriptions so that these may be filled in advance of the procedure day.
The Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive early to the surgery center to speak with your board certified anesthesiologist and be prepared for surgery. Doctor Tarola only performs procedures at fully accredited surgery centers. The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia both for your comfort and to provide Dr. Tarola with the ideal conditions to perform your surgery in order to achieve optimal results.
When you awake, you will be sore but kept comfortable in the recovery room. All of the stitches will be below the skin surface and dissolvable. Your incision will be covered with skin glue and there will be no dressings. Your chest will be wrapped in a compression garment that will be left in place for 24 hours after which time it can be removed and you can shower.
Recovery
Strict adherence to Dr. Tarola’s postoperative instructions is critical to your result. Some of the instructions include wearing a sports bra or soft cup bra around the clock for the first 2-3 weeks following surgery. You will be restricted to no strenuous activity or heavy lifting, nothing greater than 10 pounds or gallon milk, for two weeks following surgery. The scars from a breast reduction tend to heal extremely well as long as scar care instructions are followed.
