Addresses the following concerns
- Women with large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by their excessive weight..
- Breast asymmetry.
- Symptoms described range from back pain, neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in the shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman, or a teenage girl, feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast Reduction Animation Videos
Breast Reduction Procedure
- Outpatient procedure performed under general/MAC anesthesia in our AAAHC accredited surgery center.
- Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, more uplifted, and better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
- Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, ptotic (or sagging) breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort. In most cases, breast reduction isn¹t performed until a woman¹s breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort.
- The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
- Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it¹s medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your policy, and have your surgeon write a predetermination letter if required.
- We may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. The surgery itself usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general anesthesia. You¹ll be asleep throughout the entire operation. Techniques for breast reduction vary.
- My preferred technique is called the Vertical breast reduction. In this procedure, the lower, sagging part of the breast is removed leaving the upper, more important tissue, which is shaped into a perky, uplifted breast mound. The nipple and areola are moved into their new position higher on the new breast mound based on a blood supply that comes from the upper part of the breast called a “superomedial pedicle”. It is possible to limit the scar in the inframammary fold (or crease) of the breast depending on the amount of breast tissue and skin that needs to be removed. I perform all of my breast reductions with this technique as I feel it results in the best shape, projection and lift.
- Very rarely, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars. However, there is also no reshaping or lifting of the breasts.
- You may feel some pain for the first couple of days (especially when you move around or cough) and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.
- Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You¹ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
- However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you¹ll need time to adjust to your new image, as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you¹ll be pleased with the results.
Breast Reduction Recovery
- Pain is moderate and is controlled with medication, and starts to taper off a few days after surgery.
- Sutures are removed a week after your surgery.
- Your breasts may feel hard and sit up higher than normal for about two weeks. Swelling is moderate and may last several weeks.
- You will need to wear a sports bra twenty-four hours a day the first week after your surgery, and during the day for the second week.
- No lifting of five pounds or more for at least two weeks. No strenuous activities including aerobics, running, or jumping for at least three weeks. When you do resume such activities, you should always wear your sports bra. Please consult with the Doctor for clearance before starting up your regular workout routine.
Breast Reduction Result
- Beautifully reduced size and improved shape of breasts.
- More pleasing figure proportions.
Breast Reduction - other links
- For a 3D animation of breast reduction surgery, click here:
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/3d-animation-page.html - For more information on breast reduction, click HERE.
Breast Reduction Patient Results
- BELOW – This is a 59 year old woman, Height 5 foot 5 inches, weight 174 pounds. She has 2 children. She has moderate ptosis (breast sag) after a laparoscopic banding procedure with weight loss. She is seen here 12 months after a mastopexy (breast lift)/small breast reduction.
