Golden Opportunities

If you believe all those commercials touting breast size enhancement, you would think that's the feminine ideal. But ask a woman who has lived with an excess of this "ideal" and you're likely to hear stories about neck and back pain or poor body image. Here to explain how breast reduction surgery can enhance your quality of life is Dr. Joyesh Raj, a plastic surgeon at Fairview Hospital, and his patient, Barb Sing.

Question:Dr. Raj, what are some reasons that women come to you seeking breast reduction?

Answer: Larger breasts can cause many physical symptoms that bring people to consider breast reduction. Neck and back pain can occur, and many have tried anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and weight loss to no avail.
Bra straps can cause grooves in the shoulder if the breasts are heavy. Women can also experience rashes in the folds of the breasts, especially during the summer, prompting the use of fungal creams and deodorants. C. Sometimes, the reason behind breast reduction is that women don't want the attention large breasts bring, either from other people or in their own self-image. Others, like runners, want to live a more active lifestyle.

Question:Barb, what led you to want this type of surgery?

Answer: I wanted breast reduction for comfort and appearance. Dr. Raj had previously performed a procedure on me, so I was comfortable with him.
Before you decide to have such a surgery, it's important to research it. All those makeover shows make it look so simple-and they really skew your expectations. I was a size triple D, and wanted to go down to a size B. I thought I could go in and get whatever I wanted, but there is a safety limit to how far the breast reduction can go.
That's why trusting your doctor is so important. Dr. Raj knew how far we could reduce the breast size that was both safe and looked proportionate to my body frame.

Question:Dr. Raj, what does breast reduction surgery entail?

Answer: Each surgery is tailored specifically to the patient. Typically, we reduce the volume of the breast tissue and then reshape the breast to create a natural appearance.
The surgery takes a couple of hours and is generally done on an outpatient basis. If the breasts are very large, the surgery may be more aggressive and require a hospital stay.
There is some scarring. This is generally lollipop shaped with a circle around the areola with a line extending downward.
The procedure is fairly pain-free, and patients experience an improvement of symptoms almost immediately.
Many times, the procedure will actually lift the breast as well, giving it a more aesthetic appearance.

Question:Many of our viewers are older. Is it safe for older women to consider this surgery?

Answer: Many of our patients are older. They've often experienced symptoms for a long time and searching for relief. This surgery is relatively simple, convenient, and patients experience little pain.
However, it's not recommended for smokers. The risks are too high.

Question:What kind of recovery period is there?

Answer: Recovery lasts a couple weeks. Patients have to be a little cautious in their movements and slow down. They may have to take some mild pain medication, and they may experience some drainage. Actually, people tend to complain more about the irritation from drainage than from actual pain.

Question:Can this surgery be covered by insurance or Medicare?

Answer: Some people pay for the procedure themselves-it's not unreachable. However, if you are experiencing symptoms, it's very possible that the reduction could be covered.

Question:Barb, how was your recovery? How are you feeling now?

Answer: The recovery went really well overall-there were no complications. I didn't have to take any pain medication. I did have to sleep sitting up for about 2 weeks to combat the drainage, but that was about it.
My insurance did not cover the procedure, but it was still something that was affordable. If I had known that, I would have chosen to do this years ago.
I'm very pleased with how I look now. I can wear a one-piece bathing suit and not have to worry. Plus they don't sag!

A relatively simple procedure can save women from physical or emotional discomfort. To learn more about breast reduction surgery, call the number that's next. My thanks to Dr. Joe Raj and Barb Sing.