Breast Reduction
Overview
Breast Reduction Results
Health Benefits
Large breasts contribute to physical symptoms such as back, shoulder, and neck pain, along with shoulder indentations from bra straps, skin irritation, and poor posture. They can also exacerbate asthma symptoms. Physical activity can be cumbersome and difficult, even painful; this keeps many women from exercising, which would result in weight loss and a natural reduction in breast size.
Although often considered a cosmetic procedure, breast reduction surgery can provide the patient with health benefits. Physical pain should disappear, along with skin problems and shoulder indentations. Patients will be able to participate in sports and other activities, allowing them to get and stay healthier. They will be able to find clothing that fits well. Confidence and self-esteem will be improved, along with an overall quality of life.
Breast reduction surgeries typically take 3-4 hours depending on the size of the breasts. It is an outpatient surgery and is usually not very painful. The patient will need 4-5 days off work, and 6 weeks for a complete recovery. We recommend that prospective patients contact their insurance company for coverage details. Rubrics are used to determine qualification for coverage; in general, the less you weigh and the more that needs to be removed, the better the chances that insurance will cover the procedure.
Surgical Technique
During breast reduction surgery, surgeon skill is important. In addition to minimizing scarring, there will be a focus on maintaining a healthy blood supply to the nipple areola complex. This is essential because once the nipple and areola are repositioned, blood vessels will work to reestablish blood flow in order to prevent discoloration of the nipple and loss of feeling.
Incision Placement
Techniques for performing a breast reduction do vary among surgeons. An “anchor” incision is one of the most commonly used techniques during this surgery. During this approach, an incision is made around the areola, which extends down to follow the natural curve and crease of the breast. It is also referred to as an inverted “T” incision.
Dr Paresi uses a ‘Vertical Scar’ breast reduction technique in about 90% of patients. This eliminates the need for the transverse scar on the underside of the breast crease and decreases the overall scar burden for the patient. It also allows for better re-positioning of the breast tissue to better shape the breast tissue and give an improved aesthetic appearance.
Once the breast is resized and reshaped, the nipple and areola will be repositioned and then the lift will be performed so the breast sits higher on the chest. The incisions will generally include absorbable stitches on the inside of the breast. There are variations to this incision pattern that can be used depending on breast size and aesthetic goals.
After Surgery
Breast Reduction FAQs
Long-Lasting Results?
Areola Reduction?
One of the drawbacks to having excessively large breasts is an enlarged areola (the slightly darker area surrounding the nipple). Thankfully, breast reduction surgery corrects this. Since the incision occurs around the areola, it is a relatively simple technique to trim away the desired amount of areola and reshape it into a smaller size so it looks proportional with the new breast size and shape.
Average Reduction Size?
Still have a question?
At Contour Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you feel confident in your choices. Contact us today to schedule your consultation — your journey to looking and feeling your best starts here!