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Breast Reduction - Denver, Colorado
The breast reduction operation is
used to make the breast smaller and
to restore them to a more normal position
on the chest. Most women who want a
reduction have problems with painful
enlarged breast. Many experience back
pain from the extra weight or shoulder
pain from bra straps digging in. Thus,
this operation combines the breast
lift technique with a removal of extra
fat and breast tissue to relieve these
uncomfortable symptoms. Also, many
patients with enlarged breasts have
rashes, yeast infections, and non-healing
skin ulcerations under the inframammary
fold because of the constant moisture
and rubbing of the bra and breast against
the area. Besides relieving all these
problems, it is easier for the patient
to exercise and find clothes in standard
sizes and styles.
Medical insurance may pay for breast reduction surgery if the above problems and symptoms are properly documented. This means photographs, a history of back and shoulder complaints, and prescriptions for treating rashes under the breast. There is also the detail of how much is actually removed at the time of reduction. Some insurance companies will not cover the operation unless a certain amount of tissue is removed. The problem here, of course, is that if the number is close to the limit but not over it then the operation may not be covered and the patient will not know it until after it is done. Communication and understanding of the policy requirements are important to avoid frustration and a responsibility for a huge, surprise medical bill.
The surgery is essentially the same as the breast lift except that in the vast majority of cases the inverted “T� incision is used because of the amount of tissue removed. Drains are inserted for approximately three to seven days and a sports bra is placed on the patient. Exercise and lifting are limited for two weeks. The incisions are red and firm for several months and it takes a full year for them to fade to a whitish color and soften. Specific instructions are given prior to surgery. Complications associated with breast reduction include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, permanent altered sensation of the nipple, and scarring. Other general complications associated with any surgery include drug reactions, blood clots to the legs or lungs, and heart problems. Although the chances of these major complications are very rare they are still possible. Patients are encouraged to have general medical insurance coverage in place in case of an emergency.For the sake of discretion, we have elected not to put pre and post op photos at this site.
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