Breast Reduction
While popular culture may idealize large breasts as a blessing, many women who have overly large breasts know that they can cause constant discomfort and even relatively serious medical problems.
Quick Info
- A breast reduction is a 2-3 hour procedure performed in our operating room under general anesthesia.
- The recovery takes about a week, but you should not lift anything heavy or work out for at least 4 weeks.
- Breast reduction can often be done with implants to provide more “fullness”.
- During a breast reduction the areola size is also reduced if needed.
- A breast reduction is done in the same way as a breast lift, but tissue is removed at the same time.
- The incisions are usually made in a “keyhole” fashion and closed with absorbable sutures to minimize scarring.
Breast Reduction
While popular culture may idealize large breasts as a blessing, many women who have overly large breasts know that they can cause constant discomfort and even relatively serious medical problems. Large, heavy breasts can be a source of ongoing shoulder and neck pain, discomfort from bra straps digging into the skin, and breathing and skeletal problems. Additionally, they can draw unwanted, embarrassing attention. At Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, we provide some of the best breast reduction Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton offers, so women can attain relief from the discomfort and physical limitations imposed by overly large breasts. Our surgeons help patients achieve improved contours and a better overall body aesthetic, as well as greater self-confidence and enhanced enjoyment of daily life.
Breast Reduction Procedure
The location of the incisions made during breast reduction surgery will depend on the needs of the patient. Most likely you will have either the vertical (keyhole or lollipop) incision or the anchor incision. The extent of your incision depend on the amount of excess tissue that must be removed. During your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss these options thoroughly. At Beautologie in Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton, we understand the need for minimal scarring. Our surgeons are all highly skilled in closing incisions, and your scar will be the thinnest possible for a breast reduction.
Once the incisions are made, your doctor will remove excess tissue and skin, followed by lifting and reshaping the breasts for an improved appearance. The nipples are often moved to a higher position. The nipple usually stay attached to the blood vessels and nerves underneath to preserve sensation and color. The areola size is also reduced. Your doctor then layers a series of sutures within the breast tissue to maintain lift and shape, and finally closes the incisions with sutures or other means. Dressings or bandages will be applied to the incision sites, and patients may have to wear a compression garment to facilitate healing.
Before Breast Reduction Surgery
Before proceeding with breast reduction surgery, your doctor will meet with you in a private consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. During this time, you and he will review all aspects of the surgery to make sure that you are fully informed before moving forward.
Women who choose to undergo breast reduction surgery should avoid taking aspirin and other medications that can thin the blood. If a patient is not sure about the medications she is currently taking, our doctors can provide expert advice. All patients should be open and honest about the medications they are using to help avoid the risk of complications during or after surgery. Women who smoke should quit at least two weeks prior to undergoing breast lift surgery. Because intravenous sedation and/or general anesthesia are used during the procedure, patients should arrange to have a friend or family member drive them home after surgery.
Breast Reduction Results and Recovery
After breast reduction surgery, patients are often instructed to wear a surgical or athletic sports bra for additional support. Activity should be kept to a minimum for about two weeks, and any heavy pushing or lifting should be avoided for at least a month. Patients may temporarily lose sensation in the nipples for the first few months after surgery. However, this is normal and sensation usually does return slowly. The final results from breast reduction surgery can take several months to become fully apparent.
After the breasts have healed, the many benefits of breast reduction surgery become fully apparent. Our patients who undergo the procedure express their relief and happiness of being free from the discomforts and physical limitations caused by overly large breasts. They enjoy their new, rejuvenated look, and they experience a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem. If you're looking for these great results from a breast reduction in Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton, contact our plastic surgeons today.
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FAQ
A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer.
Women with large, heavy breasts that cause physical discomfort, such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, or skin irritation, may be good candidates for a breast reduction. Good candidates should also be in good health, have realistic expectations, and not smoke.
A breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours. The surgeon will make incisions around the areola and possibly downward to the breast crease or horizontally along the breast crease. The excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are then removed, and the remaining tissue is lifted and reshaped.
After a breast reduction, patients can expect to feel sore and experience swelling and bruising. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects for several weeks. Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, but it can take up to six weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside completely.
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with a breast reduction, including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in breast or nipple sensation, asymmetry, and the need for revision surgery.
A breast reduction may affect your ability to breastfeed, as some of the milk ducts may be removed during the surgery. However, many women are still able to breastfeed after a breast reduction.
The results of a breast reduction can be long-lasting, but the natural aging process, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can cause the breasts to change over time.
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