Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is a procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to a patient’s body as well as to alleviate the discomfort and pain oftentimes associated with extremely large breasts. If your breasts limit your physical activity; cause you back, neck, or shoulder pain; or if you have uncomfortable indentations from your bra straps, you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction. As with any procedure, however, it is important that you have realistic expectations, that you are physically healthy, and that you do not smoke or are willing to quit for a period before and after your surgery.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, you will meet with one of our doctors and your patient-care coordinator. He or she will carefully and completely review your health history and perform a thorough breast exam, which generally includes taking measurements to determine the size and shape of your breasts, the skin quality and level of tissue loss, and the placement of your nipples and areolas; he or she may also take photographs for your medical records. Finally, he or she will discuss with you the risks, benefits, and potential complications and explain in detail what the procedure entails.

Procedure

The surgery itself will take approximately two-and-a-half to three hours and will require general anesthesia. To begin the procedure, one of our certified doctors will create a keyhole incision around the areola and extending vertically to the base of the breast; through this opening, the underlying tissue will be reduced as well as lifted and reshaped. Additionally, the nipples and areolas may be resized and repositioned if necessary, after which the incision sites will be closed using a layer of sutures.

Recovery

Most patients are able to return home the day of their surgery; however, you will need someone to drive you as well as to stay with you for the first 24 hours. The post-surgical pain is a discomfort, but most all women state that it is tolerable, especially with the help of prescribed pain medications (along with antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection). Following your surgery, you will be required to wear a sports bra for the first month, after which, the doctor will reevaluate you to determine if it is safe to return to wearing underwire bras. Regarding the incision sites, they will require at least six months of diligent wound care. Once we’ve shows you exactly how to treat them, your time and discipline will have a great effect on the degree of fading. As far as getting back to your normal schedule, most people are able to return to work in a few days; however, if your job has more strenuous requirements, you may be asked to take several weeks off to fully heal.

Risks

Regardless of a surgeon’s extensive skill and training, a problem that many women experience after a breast reduction is asymmetry. This unevenness will usually resolve over time, but very rarely a minor corrective procedure (which can be done under local anesthesia) may be required. Other potential but rare complications include hematoma, seroma, infection, loss of sensation in the nipple, keloid scar formation, widening of scars, and difficulties in healing. For patient safety and satisfaction, our plastic surgeons will not perform this procedure unless a patient has completely quit smoking for at least three months pre-operatively. Smoking significantly increases your risk of complications and interferes with wound healing.