Proud
to bring you
information via the
web since 1996

Home
Product Center
Complimentary
Consultation
Meet The Staff
Location
Procedures
Information
E-mail Us
Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
We
will not re-sell or give out your email address!
(Click
here
to unsubscribe at any time)
|
Proud to bring you information via The Web since 1996
DONALD J. CAPUANO, M.D. Plastic Surgeon
|
You are interested in information regarding the surgical procedure
for reduction of the breasts known as reduction mammoplasty.
This operation involves reduction of the amount of breast
tissue. The usual reasons for this are discomfort and/or pain
in the shoulders and back, skin problems, difficulty working
and sleeping because of breast size, etc. Any improvement
in the cosmetic appearance is usually a secondary consideration.
Currently most health insurances, including HMO plans are
covering reduction mammoplasty in full when it is medically
necessary. Some insurance companies require a second opinion
from another Plastic Surgeon before the procedure can be authorized.
Others request documentation of alternate treatments such
as chiropractic or physical therapy. We recommend you contact your insurance carrier directly to
find out what their particular policy is regarding reduction
mammoplasty.
You will have scars in the area of the surgery. These scars
are usually placed around the nipples,
and in the area around the fold of the breasts.
Please note: It is very important that you realize that should
you gain or lose weight following your surgery, this may very
well affect the size and shape of your breasts. This can also
include changing the position of the nipples. Your weight
loss or gain following surgery is something over which the
Doctor obviously has no control, but which can affect your
eventual result.
The amount of breast tissue and skin to be removed will be
discussed with you when you are seen in the office. For
insurance coverage, usually 1,000 grams of tissue removal is
required. The Doctor will examine you and talk to you
about what that amount entails. We ask that you bring
in a bra of the cup size you may want, as this gives us an idea
of how large or small you may wish to be after surgery..
Some of our patients are interested in almost complete breast
reduction, including removal of most breast tissue. This can
be because of their lifestyle, athletic interests, body image,
etc. To reduce the breasts this completely involves a special
technique. It is important that you discuss this with the
Doctor if you desire complete reduction.
Although the discovery of breast cancer during the surgical
procedure is QUITE RARE, it has occurred. If during your operation
this should occur, Dr. Capuano will be in a position wherein
he must use his best judgment. There are many factors involved
in deciding what to do if a cancer is discovered. Again, while
this is extremely rare it is mentioned for the sake of completeness.
This surgery may involve an overnight stay at the hospital,
although many patients are able to go home the day of surgery.
This depends on many factors, and will be discussed with you.
There
will be stitches and/or metal staples in place. A bulky gauze
bandage will be applied to the chest area along with ace bandages.
There may be tubes used for drainage, which are removed a
day or two after surgery. While the initial dressing is on
it must be kept clean and dry. You will be given instructions
regarding wound care, showers and activity.
You will be given prescriptions for medications for swelling,
infection and discomfort. Usually patients do not have a great
deal of pain after surgery, however this depends upon your
activity level. The more you do soon after surgery, the more
discomfort you may have. It will be important to follow instructions
regarding activity level and gradually increase this over
time.
You will be seen in follow up periodically after surgery,
and the Doctor and office staff will inform you of this.
Breast reduction surgery has been extremely beneficial for
women with complaints of back, neck, shoulder and breast pain
for relief of symptoms. If you have any questions regarding
this information, call the office at 585-225-0680.
INFORMATION SHEET FOR REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY
|