Women with back and neck issues resulting from their large breasts often consider breast reduction. After removing the excess skin, surgeons may recommend getting a breast lift to improve the visual appearance of the area. Before undergoing these procedures, it helps to learn what to expect.
Breast Lift
According to the Mayo Clinic, a breast lift (also called mastopexy) can stop the breasts from dropping by raising the position of the breasts and the nipples. During the procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia with a sedative. The procedure lasts about two to three hours, and the patient can return home the same day.
After the surgery, the patient can expect bruising in the affected area for up to three weeks and swelling that lasts up to six weeks. The Mayo Clinic describes the pain associated with this procedure as moderate, and can be controlled with prescription pain medications. After several months, the scarring improves, and sagging should be reduced.
Risks of a breast lift include infection, bleeding, issues resulting from anesthesia, reduced sensation in the nipple and scarring issues.
Breast Reduction
Women with large breasts often complain about pain in the neck and back. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms can be improved with breast reduction.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision around the areola and removes extra tissue in the breast. This surgery lasts up to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. After the surgery, pain medication is administered and antibiotics may be given to reduce the chances of infection. Most patients with this surgery have the choice of staying one night at the hospital or going home the same day.
During recovery, your breasts feel swollen and bruised. After a month, this pain should start to go away.
Risks of this procedure can include pain in the nipples, issues with breast feeding and asymmetry in breasts, which may require additional surgery.
Cost of Breast Lift and Reduction
According to the Mayo Clinic, the cost of breast reduction can range up to $10,000, depending on your surgeon. If this procedure is medically necessary to reduce your back and neck symptoms, your insurance may cover it.
The cost of getting a breast lift will vary but ranges up to $9,000, depending on your surgeon. This procedure isn't typically covered by insurance carriers.
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