Breast Reduction

Breast reduction (“reduction mammaplasty”) offers a very high patient satisfaction rate. This plastic surgery procedure is designed to provide relief from multiple physical problems that commonly result from having large, pendulous breasts. This procedure also offers an improved aesthetic appearance by providing an overall more proportional size to the rest of the patient’s body, as well as a more flattering shape.

During your consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons, your breasts will be assessed and you will learn which breast reduction incision method is right for you.

Ideal Candidates

In order to qualify as an ideal candidate for breast reduction, you must be physically and mentally healthy, have realistic expectations and goals, and have breasts that are fully developed. This procedure may be right for you if you possess one or more of the following conditions:

• Back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the heaviness of your breasts
• Skin irritation beneath your breast crease
• Regular indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
• Inability to participate in physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
• Breasts hang low and have stretched-out skin
• Feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment due to a large breast size
• Breasts that cause overall body disproportion
• Large breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
• Heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward and/or rest below the breast crease
• Dramatic asymmetrical appearance with one breast much larger than the other

* Pregnancy and breastfeeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Therefore, many women wait to have breast reduction until they are finished having children.

Breast Reduction Incision Methods

Like all breast surgeries, reduction mammaplasty is a highly personalized procedure. Therefore, the patient’s individual factors and personal preferences will determine which incision method will provide the best results.

There are multiple incision techniques that can be used for breast reduction, but the most common method is the anchor-shaped incision pattern, which entails three incisions: 1) around the areola, 2) vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast, and 3) following the natural curve of the breast crease. This technique is typically the best choice for patients who have a large amount of breast tissue to be removed.

During this procedure, the surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, in addition to repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher placement. The areola, which is usually stretched in size due to overdevelopment of the breasts, will need to be reduced. This breast reduction procedure also involves bringing the skin that was formerly located above the nipple down and together in order to reshape the breast. In some cases, liposuction is used used to improve the contour of the area under the arm. This breast reduction method produces the most extensive scars as compared to other techniques,which can be hidden under bathing suits and certain clothing.

Potential Risks and Complications

Every procedure carries its set of potential risks and complications, including reduction mammaplasty. The most common problems that could develop after any type of plastic surgery procedure are: poor scarring and healing of incisions, infection, reaction to anesthesia, and bleeding.

The potential risks and complications specific to breast reduction surgery include: asymmetry, risk of skin or nipple loss, change or loss of sensation, and the loss of the ability to produce milk. It is common for patients to experience some change in their nipple sensation after surgery, but this is usually temporary and can last about six months to a year. In order to prevent and lessen the chance of developing post-operative complications, be sure to follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Cost

The overall cost of breast reduction surgery is the sum of a variety of individual fees, including:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Operating room fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Medical tests
• Region or demographics
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgical garments

Breast reduction is often covered by insurance if it can be proven that the size of your breasts are the cause of certain health-related problems. One of our board certified plastic surgeons or a member of the staff can discuss this with you during a consultation.

Recovery

Following breast reduction surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions and, if necessary, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. To help minimize swelling and provide support to the breasts, as well as diminish swelling and discoloration, an elastic bandage or support bra may be worn for a few weeks.

During the initial healing process, it is normal to feel some discomfort. While this can be alleviated with prescribed medication, any severe post-operative pain should be reported to your surgeon. After reduction mammaplasty, most patients are able to return to work within a couple of weeks, depending on the job. It may be several weeks before you can return to normal activities and mild exercise.

The Results of Breast Reduction

The high patient satisfaction rate is due to the efficacy of breast reduction; it provides women physical symptom relief as well as a more youthful and aesthetically appealing appearance.

Because breast skin will naturally stretch again, breast reduction is not a permanent solution. Rather, it is long-lasting. Just like other breast surgeries, scarring will fade over time.

If you are interested in undergoing breast reduction, please contact The Diamond Face Institute. We encourage you to call (310) 859-9816 or fill out our contact form.