DRAINLESS

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, glandular breast tissue and skin. This procedure reduces the breasts to a comfortable size, more proportional to one’s body. In addition, breast reduction surgery reshapes the breasts, making them firmer while lifting the breasts and the nipple-areolas up to a more youthful position.

Women who benefit from breast reduction surgery are those who have large, droopy breasts oftentimes associated with neck, shoulder and back pain. These symptoms can be greatly alleviated by undergoing this procedure. Some women also have shoulder grooves from their bra straps being stressed by the weight of their heavy, sagging breasts. They can also develop frequent rashes underneath their breasts, usually in warmer weather. Some women can also have migraines associated with having large breasts, and these headaches are oftentimes reduced in frequency by reducing the size of their breasts.

Women with large breasts are oftentimes restricted physically, finding it difficult to exercise and to lose weight. After a breast reduction surgery, a woman feels lighter and leaner with more energy to pursue the activities she was unable to do in the past. She also enjoys a more elongated torso and overall slimmer appearance from having her sagging breasts reduced and lifted off of her abdomen.

 

 

The Consultation

During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Franco-Webb will obtain a breast history as well as a general medical and surgical history from you. She will review your medications and supplements. She will examine and measure your breasts, noting any asymmetries or abnormalities. She will listen to what you desire for size and shape as well as give you her own recommendations for your body type. She will answer all of your questions. You will receive a price quote for the procedure as well as receive further information about the process of scheduling surgery.

 

 

The Cost

The estimated cost for breast reduction surgery is $8,000 – $9,500

This cost includes:  

• Surgeon’s Fee
• Anesthesia Fee
• Surgical Facility Fee
• Labs
• Two Post-Surgery Bras
• All Clinic Visits

 

 

The Pre-Surgical Appointment

Approximately two weeks prior to your surgery, you will meet with Dr. Franco-Webb again. You will receive your prescriptions and thorough instructions for before and after surgery. Your pre surgical photos will be taken. You will review the surgical procedure and your desired outcome with Dr. Franco-Webb. All of your questions will be answered.

 

 

InSight Surgery Center

Dr. Franco-Webb performs all of her surgical procedures at InSight Surgery Center (formerly Renewal Surgery Center). InSight is an outpatient surgery center, fully accredited by the Association of Ambulatory Care Facilities. It is located in Lone Tree, Colorado.  InSight’s nursing staff will contact you a couple of days prior to your procedure to review your medical history, give you instructions for before your surgery, and to answer all of your questions.

On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the surgery center 1-1/2 hours prior to your surgery time. One of our well skilled nurses will check you in and place an IV in your arm for medications. You will meet with one of our Board Certified Anesthesiologist Physicians who will review your medical history, explain the anesthesia technique and risks, and answer all of your questions.

Dr. Franco-Webb will review the plans for your procedure with you. With you sitting upright, she will draw the keyhole markings on your breasts, checking for symmetrical markings with a level.

 

 

The Procedure

You will be taken back to the operating room and you will be placed on an operating bed. Your anesthesiologist will proceed with general anesthesia. Your arms will be wrapped and secured on arm boards. Your chest will be sterilely prepped and draped.

Your nipple-areolas will be re sized using circular metal marking devices. Starting with one breast, Dr. Franco-Webb will cut the skin along the keyhole markings. The breast tissue directly underneath the nipple-areolas will be left attached, separating this tissue known as the pedicle, from the surrounding tissue. The excess fat, breast tissue and skin will be removed.

The breast tissue will be weighed and sent to Pathology for analysis. The breast and nipple-areola will be reshaped and lifted and sutured together with dissolvable sutures. Prior to the final closures, you will be sat upright while you are still under anesthesia so that Dr. Franco-Webb can check for size and shape of your breast.

The same procedure is performed on your other breast. You will be sat upright again before the final closures to check for size, shape and symmetry with the opposite breast. Dr. Franco-Webb will keep track of the amount of tissue removed from each breast, noting any pre surgery size differences, so that she can even out your breasts if they had been asymmetrical. No drains are used.  Sometimes there is liposuction that is performed to reduce the “arm pit fat”, the lateral chest fat and “bra roll”.  Sterile dressings and a surgical bra will be placed on you. You will be awoken from general anesthesia, extubated and taken to our recovery room.

 

 

The Recovery Room

In the recovery room, two of our well skilled nurses will monitor you. They will make sure that you are recovering comfortably from surgery. Our patients are typically in the recovery room for one hour to 1-1/2 hours. During that time, your nurse will review with you and your caregiver the instructions that Dr. Franco-Webb had reviewed with you during your pre surgery appointment.

 

 

At Home (1 to 4 days after surgery)

During your recovery, we want you to be as comfortable as possible. Please follow the instructions that Dr. Franco-Webb reviewed with you. You will have your surgical bra on. You will be icing your breasts 3 to 4 times per day.

You will continue to wear your surgical bra.  You will have two bras provided to you. You will take your medications, including pain medication, antibiotics and anti nausea medication, as directed by Dr. Franco-Webb. You will stay well hydrated and take stool softeners to prevent constipation from the narcotic pain medication. You will rest to aid with your healing phase.

First Post Surgery Visit (1 day after surgery)

During this visit, Dr. Franco-Webb will check to see that your breasts are healing well.  She will review your medications and your activity level.  You will then be able to take a shower.  Most breast reduction patients are only on Extra Strength Tylenol by the third or so day after surgery.

Second Post Surgery Visit (8 days after surgery)

During this visit, Dr. Franco-Webb will check to see that your breasts are healing well. She will review your medications and your activity level.

Three to Four Weeks Post Surgery Visit

During this visit, Dr. Franco-Webb will check to see that your breast incisions have healed. She will advise you regarding scar treatments to provide you with the most optimal end result.  She will review your activity level. After 4 weeks from surgery, you can discontinue wearing your surgical bra during the day and choose to wear whatever is comfortable for you. You should, however, continue to wear your surgical bra at night for an additional 4 weeks.

Two to Three Months Post Surgery Visit

During this visit, Dr. Franco-Webb will check to see that your breast incisions are fading well. Post surgery photographs will be taken and you will be provided with before and after photos.

Six to Twelve Months Post Surgery Visits

During this visit, Dr. Franco-Webb will check to see that your breast incisions are fading well. It takes approximately one to two years before a scar is fully matured. Post surgery photographs will be taken and you will be provided with before and after photos.

You are always welcome to return to our clinic as all visits are included in the cost. At any time, you may contact our Staff, or contact Dr. Franco-Webb directly as all of her patients are provided with her cell phone number.

 

 

Return to Work

Most women who undergo breast reduction surgery and who have a sedentary job are able to return to work one to two weeks after surgery. Woman who have a more physical job usually return to work two to four weeks after surgery. Dr. Franco-Webb will discuss this with you. Also, be aware that for the first few weeks after surgery, your energy level will be down, so do factor this in when returning to work.

 

 

Return to Exercise

One week after surgery, you can walk outside.  By three weeks, you can walk on a treadmill, ride a stationary bike or work out on an elliptical machine without using your arms. Six to eight weeks after surgery, you can engage in more physical activity such as jogging. However, you will need to wear a “high impact” zip front sports bra. Dr. Franco-Webb will thoroughly discuss your return to exercise timeline with you. Once you have completely healed from your surgery, she would like to encourage a more active and energetic lifestyle for you!