Breast Reduction in Austin Texas - Procedure, Recovery, Costs

Understanding Austin Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size that is proportionate to your body. For many women in Austin with overly large breasts (macromastia or gigantomastia), breast reduction can provide major physical and emotional relief.

Candidacy for Breast Reduction Surgery

To be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery in the Austin area, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Your breasts are disproportionately large for your body frame
• You have shoulder indentations from bra straps that support heavy breasts
• You suffer from physical symptoms due to the weight of your breasts such as back, neck or shoulder pain
• Your breast size negatively impacts your activity levels or self-confidence

In addition, you should be in good general health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and results.

Consultation for Austin Breast Reduction

During your initial consultation for breast reduction in Austin, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your health, breast tissue, and skin tone. They will discuss the procedure along with projected outcomes to help align your expectations. Surgeons may take measurements of your height, weight, and bra sizes to determine how much breast tissue needs removal.

Be prepared to discuss aspects of your medical history including:

• Previous surgeries
• Medical conditions you have or medications taken
• Family history of breast cancer
• Pregnancies, breastfeeding, and menopause

Your comfort level with the surgeon is also important, so prepare any questions you may have about their experience and results from past procedures.

Austin Breast Reduction Techniques

There are a few techniques your plastic surgeon may use to perform breast reduction surgery:

• Anchor incision technique: This involves an anchor-shaped incision following the contour of the breast and is one of the more common techniques.
• Vertical incision technique: This involves a vertically-oriented incision from the areola down to the crease below the breast.
• Liposuction technique: In some cases, liposuction alone may remove enough tissue. Minimal scarring occurs with this option.

The best technique for you depends on multiple factors the surgeon will evaluate, including the amount of excess tissue present and the desired breast shape.

What Happens During Austin Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure lasting two to five hours depending on the extent of tissue removal needed. You will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free.

The plastic surgeon will make incisions based on the technique being used, and proceed to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The nipple areola complex is repositioned higher on the breast. Sutures close the incisions and drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup.

Bandages and a surgical support bra applied at the end hold everything in place as you heal. Most patients can return home shortly after the procedure finishes.

Recovery After Breast Reduction in Austin

Swelling, bruising and moderate discomfort are common during the first week after surgery. Your surgeon can prescribe pain relievers to help make you more comfortable.

Here are some tips for recovering after breast reduction surgery in Austin:

• Rest and limit physical activity for several days.
• Sleep on your back with your head and chest slightly elevated.
• Follow instructions for incision care and wearing any compression garments.
• Avoid lifting the arms over your head for 1-2 weeks.
• Refrain from sexual activity for about 2-3 weeks.

You can generally return to light daily activity in 7-14 days. Strenuous exercise should wait one month post-surgery. Most residual swelling resolves within a couple months.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction in Austin?

There are many benefits gained from having breast reduction surgery in the Austin area including:

• Improved comfort and less pain - Eliminating several pounds of breast tissue relieves shoulder, neck and back pain associated with heavy breasts.
• Enhanced activity levels - Exercising is easier without disproportionately large breasts restricting movement.
• Better breast symmetry - Breasts appear more proportionate and balanced with the rest of the body.
• Increased confidence - Self-confidence often grows from having smaller, lifted breasts relative to body size.

The benefits start in the recovery room as shoulder grooving from bra straps being relieved immediately. Relief from physical and emotional burden continues to increase during the months after surgery as you enjoy your improved breast contour.

When to Consider a Breast Lift with Reduction

A breast lift, known as a mastopexy, raises the position of the breasts on the chest wall. Combining lift with reduction reshapes sagging breasts that lack skin elasticity due to factors such as age or drastic weight loss.

Your Austin plastic surgeon may recommend a lift plus reduction if your breasts appear:

• Ptosis - sagging, with nipples pointing downward significantly
• Deflated - loss of upper pole fullness leaves breasts looking empty or flattened

A lift elevates the breasts alongside the breast reduction for optimal aesthetic enhancement. Scarring may be slightly more visible adding lift to reduction procedures. Discuss lift options with your surgeon if you have breast ptosis.

Understanding Breast Reduction Costs in Austin

The cost of breast reduction surgery in Austin can vary based on factors like the surgeon's expertise and the complexity of the procedure. However, average costs break down as follows:

• Surgeon fees: $5,000 - $12,000
• Anesthesia fees: $1,000 - $2,000
• Hospital or facility fees: $2,000 - $4,000
• Total cost: $8,000 - $18,000

Reputable surgeons and facilities generally charge more because of their extensive experience and lower complication rates. Ensure you understand exactly what is covered in any initial quotes.

Many health insurance plans cover breast reduction costs when medically necessary to relieve symptoms like chronic neck, shoulder or back pain. You'll need to provide documentation of symptom history.

Financing Options for Breast Reduction in Austin

If health insurance does not cover your breast reduction cost, some financing options to explore include:

• Personal loan - Unsecured personal bank loans or credit union lending
• Medical credit card - Special financing reserved for cosmetic procedures
• Payment plans - Offered through some surgeon practices on approved credit

Reputable lenders won't charge you unnecessary fees or high borrowing rates. Comparison shop to discover the best loan terms for your needs and budget.

Choosing the Right Austin Breast Reduction Surgeon

The success of your breast reduction greatly depends upon choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with plenty of experience specifically with reduction procedures.

Here are additional tips for picking the right breast reduction surgeon in Austin:

• View before and after photos of past patients to evaluate skill level
• Read online reviews for insight into the patient experience
• Meet consultants in-person paying attention to communication style
• Ask about complication rates like infection or poor wound healing

You want to select an Austin breast reduction surgeon you trust completely. They should listen attentively to your questions and goals for outstanding patient-centered care.

Preparing for Your Appointment

These tips will help you make the most of your breast reduction consultations:

• Bring a list of questions and note answers during consults
• Wear a properly fitted bra so surgeons can better evaluate breast tissue
• Ask to see licensing and board certifications
• Communicate all desired outcomes from surgery

Being organized and transparent sets the stage for a personalized surgical plan tailored to your expectations and anatomy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.