Consider These Questions:
- •Are your breasts too large for your figure?
- •Do you suffer from back pain?
- •Do your bra straps dig into your shoulders because of the weight of your breasts?
- •Is it difficult to find clothing that fits your bustline?
- •Does your skin become irritated, due to your large breast size?
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?
Candidacy will be established during your initial consultation. If you are interested in breast reduction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to determine whether it's a good option for your needs.
Generally, breast reduction candidates are women who:
- Are physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable with oversized, heavy breasts
- Are otherwise in good physical and psychological health
- Do not have any uncontrolled medical issue that could increase the risk of complications
- Understand the risks of surgery
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY
Surgery typically takes about two to three hours to complete. During the procedure, surgical incisions are made between the nipple and the fold underneath the breast. Excess tissue is carefully removed and the breast mound is reshaped into a more proportional size. The areola/nipple is also relocated higher on the breast mound. When the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures and a supportive bra is placed around the breasts.
During breast reduction surgery, excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed to achieve a more proportionate breast size. The procedure also typically includes reshaping the breasts and repositioning the nipples for a natural appearance.
The techniques for breast reduction vary primarily in the placement of incisions. This allows the surgeon to shape and size the breasts according to the patient's wishes while minimizing visible scarring.
BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY
You will need to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day for about a month, depending on how your body heals. Avoid exercise and other strenuous activities (including lifting children) for a month, until your surgeon clears you. As your breasts heal, you will note some scarring around the areola and within the fold of the breast. Because of the nature of breast reduction, it's impossible to avoid scarring altogether. However, your scars will fade over time.
Recovery Timeline:
- •1-2 days: Hospital stay for monitoring
- •1-2 weeks: Limited movement, drain removal
- •3-4 weeks: Return to light activities
- •6-8 weeks: Resume normal activities and exercise
BREAST REDUCTION RISKS
When breast reduction is performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon, serious complications are rare and infrequent. However, it's important for prospective breast reduction patients to understand the potential complications. These include:
- •Bleeding
- •Infection
- •Hematoma or seroma
- •Unfavorable scarring
- •Damage to underlying structures
- •Loss of nipple sensation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAST REDUCTION
Is breast reduction surgery painful?
The surgery itself is not painful because anesthesia is used. The post-operative recovery phase may be slightly uncomfortable, but oral medication is prescribed to manage the pain.
Do I need a breast lift, too?
It depends on your skin elasticity and the amount of breast tissue you need removed. Younger women with good elasticity and a moderate amount of excess breast tissue may find their skin contracts to fit around a smaller breast after surgery. Older women with more excess breast tissue may need to incorporate breast lift techniques to achieve the beautiful breast shape and position they desire.
How soon can I see results?
The breasts immediately look smaller after surgery. As the bandages come off and swelling subsides, results continue to improve. Results can take up to a few months to stabilize.
When can I go back to work after breast reduction?
Every patient heals at her own pace. Most return to desk jobs and light activities within a week or two, whereas some need a few additional days to resume their normal routine. It is best not to rush the recovery process, which could cause complications.
Will I have scarring from surgery?
The surgical incisions do produce some scarring, although patients strongly feel that the results are worth it. Our surgeons do everything they can to keep scarring as minimal as possible.
Can I breastfeed after surgery?
Breast reduction may affect the ability to breastfeed in the future. If you are thinking of nursing future babies, talk to your surgeon so they can incorporate this into your surgical plan of treatment.
Before & After
