Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that takes into consideration the unique set of problems that each patient is experiencing, and is therefore very tailored to each individual patient. For this reason, your consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is important and the time should be spent asking any questions of your surgeon that are causes for concern. All patients should leave their consultation being familiar with the procedure, the predicted results, and any risks of complications that may occur during and after surgery. Additionally, there are questions that all patients should discuss with their surgeon before undergoing breast reduction. Here is a glimpse at some of those questions:
Is my surgeon board-certified in Plastic Surgery?
Always pick a board-certified Plastic surgeon like Dr. Kole to perform any plastic surgery procedure. You should also check the certification to see if the surgeon is a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon because many types of surgeons like Ear/nose throat, Gyn or “cosmetic” surgeons will say that they are board certified (as they should be) but not in plastic surgery.
Is my surgeon a breast specialist?
Many plastic surgeons have a general knowledge of many procedures, but may not be a specialist if your needed area. Make sure that your surgeon is experienced in doing the procedure you want.
Can I get insurance to pay for my reduction?
A precertification will be required to get insurance approval. This will require sending your set of symptoms (back, neck, shoulder pains, grooves, rashes etc) into the insurance company with photos and an estimated weight of tissue to be removed. Once approved, the surgery is scheduled and performed as an outpatient.
What are the scars like after a breast reduction?
A typical breast reduction scar consists of the circular scar around the areola (brown part around the nipple) that is made when the areola and nipple is elevated into its higher position, a vertical scar from the areola to the fold of the breast and a scar in the fold of the breast. This scar is usually termed an “anchor” scar due to its appearance of looking like an anchor.
Where will the surgery take place?
Dr. Kole performs surgery at The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center, which is a licensed ambulatory surgery center in Southampton, PA. He also allows patients to elect to have their surgery at local hospitals on an outpatient basis. Talk to Dr. Kole about which option is best for you and your insurance company guidelines.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Many women forget to ask “Is this what I need?” Allow your surgeon to exercise his expertise and tell you what he suggests as the best procedure or combination of procedures to accomplish your goals.
What technique is best suited for my problems?
You may need just a breast lift instead of the breast reduction. The basic difference between a breast lift and reduction is the amount of tissue removed. A breast reduction usually removes a significant amount of breast tissue (and weight) to the breasts. A breast lift usually removes only skin to make your own breasts higher, fuller and perkier. Dr. Kole will explain to you the procedure that best suits your anatomy and desires during your consultation.
What will my recovery be like?
Talk about recovery before the procedure so you have plenty of time to plan for the surgery. This procedure will require you to find someone to care for you for at least 24 hours and will require you to put daily activities on hold for a few days post-surgery. Most patients require little pain medicine after the procedure.
Can I see before/after pictures of your patients?
The best way to determine whether your surgeon can produce satisfying results is by looking at pictures of other patients who have undergone the same procedure with that surgeon. Dr. Kole has before and after photo albums available to patients during consultation that show before and after pictures of all procedures. Ask Dr. Kole to look at these albums, and ask questions about the results. You can view some before and after potos here.
If you believe your breasts are too large and are causing you symptoms, your primary physician can send you to our office with a referral to see if you are a candidate for breast reduction. Feel free to contact our office at 215-315-7655 to schedule an appointment.
