Breast Reduction Pittsburgh

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), which reduces breast volume to a woman's requested size, is among the most highly requested procedures at our practice. In fact, many surgeons concede that breast reduction boasts the highest satisfaction rate among cosmetic procedures. Breast reduction Pittsburgh women can feel safe and comfortable with is available at the office of Dr. Heil -- please contact us to learn more.

Women who have long dealt with large, heavy, and pendulous breasts often complain of postural changes, grooves in the shoulders from the bra straps, and of course, embarrassment in a variety of situations. What's more, they often have grave difficulty exercising - logically, the result of this is increased weight gain. Finally, a number of unhealthy conditions can result, including:

Neck and back pain
Skin irritation and rashes
Skeletal deformities
Breathing problems

When one can be alleviated of so many unfavorable symptoms with one procedure, it's no wonder that breast reduction is among Dr. Heil's top patient requests. Following your recovery as a patient of breast reduction, Pittsburgh can rely on at Premier Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a more liberating physical form - and, perhaps, an enhanced self-image.

Breast Reduction in Pittsburgh: The Initial Consultation

During your pre-scheduled consultation appointment with Dr. Heil, the first course of action will be to discuss your medical history and goals. Scars, nipple sensation, and breastfeeding issues will be discussed as appropriate. Our Pittsburgh breast reduction surgeon will ask questions pertinent to these topics, and patients should be prepared to answer to the best of their ability.

Next, the examination portion will serve to evaluate a patient's current breast size, shape, skin tone and degree of ptosis (droop). Proportion and the appropriate degree of reduction will be discussed, of course, as each woman has specific goals and unique anatomical considerations.

Finally, health insurance may be a topic of discussion, as patients with certain healthcare plans find that their insurance covers a portion of the surgery. If this is the case for you, the insurance carrier will likely require a letter and photos from the office of Dr. Heil. Patients should be aware that the approval process can take several weeks to months.

Pittsburgh Breast Reduction: The Surgical Procedure

Most patients are aware that breast reduction surgery reduces the size and the weight of the breasts, and often improves breast shape as well. This is achieved by a three-fold process, as follows:

Repositioning the nipples (see below)
Reducing excessive breast tissue and stretched out skin
Redraping the skin to a tighter, firmer state

A word about nipple repositioning: The incision around the nipple does not actually remove the nipple; conversely, it leaves the nipple attached to the underlying breast so that it may be re-positioned to the new, higher location. The new position allows the reduced breast weight to be redistributed, away from the back, neck and shoulders - leading to significantly increased comfort and a more attractive appearance.

What do you need to know after your experience as a patient for breast reduction? Pittsburgh’s Premier Plastic Surgery will give you specific post-operative and follow-up care instructions so you know exactly have to care for yourself afterwards. Strict adherence is imperative for patients who wish to heal properly and completely.

Breast Reconstruction

For women in the recovering stages of breast cancer or other illnesses requiring mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be a welcome solution. Using safe, FDA approved breast implants, Dr. Heil helps each patient attain the breast symmetry she once enjoyed - with results that look and feel natural and attractive.

Breast Reconstruction in Pittsburgh: The Consultation

For obvious reasons, breast reconstruction will require a more detailed medical history discussion than other breast enhancement procedures. Dr. Heil will conduct a thorough exam, wherein the entire chest anatomy will be evaluated in order to form the best surgical plan possible. The proper size, shape, and type of implant to be used will also be discussed during that time. For more information on breast implants, please see our breast augmentation page.

When insurance issues apply, patients will discuss these with the doctor at length. Insurance carriers may require correspondence and photos from the office of Dr. Heil and any other doctors who treated the patient for breast cancer and related conditions. Patients should be aware that the approval process can take several weeks to months.

Pittsburgh Breast Reconstruction: The Surgical Procedure

As stated, breast reconstruction involves re-forming the breast using a saline or silicone gel breast implant. Typically, implants used in breast reconstruction are placed below the pectoralis (chest) muscle, a position also known as submuscular placement. When circumstances allow, our experienced Pittsburgh breast reconstruction surgeon can also utilize alternate techniques for reforming the breast. For example, some cases allow for a patient's own breast tissue to be used (either partially or completely) in breast reconstruction. This is another option to discuss with Dr. Heil during your consultation.

Additionally, it is possible for mastectomy surgery and breast reconstruction to be performed concurrently. While Dr. Heil may be able to accommodate this request, optimal patient cooperation, as well as unhindered communication with her cancer treatment doctors, are of utmost importance.

Finally: As with any surgery, strict adherence to breast reconstruction post-operative guidelines from our office is crucial. If you have any questions regarding your recovery and post-operative care, don't hesitate to ask.