If You Are Considering Breast Reduction…

Reduction mammaplasty, also known as breast reduction, is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size of a woman's breasts. Women may elect to undergo this procedure:

• To treat symptoms of breast, back, neck or shoulder pain, grooving from bra straps, or irritation under the breasts
• To decrease their breast size for cosmetic reasons or because clothing is hard to fit
• To treat sagging of breast that are also large
• To correct asymmetry be reducing a large breast to match a smaller one
• To improve exercise tolerance or allow them to more easily participate in athletics

By removing skin and breast tissue according to a carefully predetermined pattern and suturing the breast tissue, Dr. Seidel is able to reduce, remodel and lift the breasts. A smaller size is obtained which better fits the patient's frame and the breasts are positioned more ideally on the chest wall.

Numerous scientific studies have documented that breast reduction relieves symptoms in almost all cases. Furthermore, nearly 100% of women undergoing breast reduction are satisfied with the results.

The Best Candidates for Breast Reduction

Almost any woman who desires a decrease in breast size for whatever reason is a candidate for breast reduction. However, women who are planning further children should know that breasts would once again enlarge with pregnancy. Also, the ability to breast-feed may be prevented as the surgery can interrupt the milk ducts. Some women have been able to breast-feed after the operation, however, this is unpredictable.

Planning Your Surgery

During your initial consultation, Dr. Seidel will evaluate your health and explain the surgical technique to you. Be sure to frankly discuss your expectations with Dr. Seidel. He will be happy to inform you of all the alternatives and whether or not your expectations can be met.

Dr. Seidel performs breast reductions at Cullman Regional Medical Center, Marshall Medical Center North, and Walker Baptist. General anesthesia is used to limit patient discomfort. Patients are often admitted to the hospital for one night after surgery.

Insurance companies often cover breast reduction if certain conditions are met. We will file insurance for you and do everything in our power to obtain authorization.

The Surgery

The surgical technique begins with exact measurements of the breasts and breast skin. Marks are placed to guide Dr. Seidel during surgery. During the surgery the breast size is reduced, skin is removed and the nipples are elevated to a new position. The procedure takes about two hours. You will be admitted to the hospital overnight following the surgery. You are likely to have pain requiring narcotic pain pills for several days after surgery. You will wear a special bra for two to four weeks after surgery. Sutures will be removed from between 7 to 14 days after surgery.

All Surgery Carries Some Risk….

Breast reduction is a relatively straightforward procedure, but there are risks and specific complications associated with this procedure.

The most common problem is scarring. Extensive incisions are required to perform this procedure and scarring invariably results. For most women the scars fade with time and are quite acceptable. However, some women will unpredictably develop wide or unsightly scars, which may be permanent. Often these scars can be revised, but the results may not be optimal.

Because of the incisions and the need to reposition the nipple, the sensation or blood supply to the nipple may be compromised. Sensory changes may be temporary and improve with time. A decrease in could result in loss of the nipple in a worst case scenario. Fortunately, this is very rare. Also, nipples may lose some of their normal pigmentation. Often this is temporary and the color returns with time.

Infections can and do occur. They can usually be managed with antibiotics and local wound care.

Finally, the ability to breast-feed may be lost. Women considering further pregnancies should discuss this in detail with Dr. Seidel prior to undergoing breast reduction.

Getting Back to Normal

You should be able to return to work in about ten days to two weeks if your job does not requires a lot of physical activity. However, if your job requires heavy lifting, you may need up to six weeks of f. Dr. Seidel will generally allow you to return to light exercise about two weeks after surgery.

Accommodations

If your surgery is covered most insurance companies will pay for a night in the hospital. Patients who are private pay will usually undergo the procedure at Dr. Seidel's office as a cosmetic patient. Please ask his office staff for details.

Financial Information

If your surgery is not covered by insurance you will receive a price quote from Dr. Seidel which will cover the entire cost of surgery and post-operative care. It is customary that payment be received at least two weeks prior to surgery. A down payment is required to reserve a surgery date. Dr. Seidel accepts personal checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. The consultation fee is $100.00 which will be deducted from your fee should you elect to undergo surgery.

In Conclusion

Almost all women find breast reduction to be very gratifying. It can dramatically reduce or even eliminate symptoms of breast, neck, back and shoulder pain. Many patients find that it makes them much less self-conscious, greatly improves their self-image and allows them to lead a more active life-style. Dr. Seidel has extensive experience with breast reduction and cosmetic breast surgery. He will be happy to provide you with a confidential consultation. He is dedicated to providing excellence for his patients.

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