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Breast reduction surgery is performed to help women decrease the size of their breasts, while simultaneously creating a better shape and contour. Patients may seek out breast reduction surgery if they feel their large breasts are not in proportion to the rest of their body or if they are having symptoms as a result of their large breast size. Plastic surgery with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons helps women achieve a beautiful, proportional appearance that they can feel good about, improving their quality of life.
Which Breast Procedure Is Right For Me?
Dr. Marissa Baca explains the different types of breast procedures that patients at the Straith Clinic may be interested in.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Women who undergo breast reduction surgery feel that their breasts are too large for their body. By reducing the size of their breasts, patients experience many benefits. When a patient’s breasts are in better proportion to the rest of their body, it is easier to find bras, clothing and swimwear that fits well. Activity and exercise can become easier too! Without the weight of large breasts pulling down, patients often notice improved posture after breast reduction surgery. Many patients even experience neck, back and shoulder pain as a result of their large breast size. For these patients, a breast reduction can help to relieve those painful symptoms.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin is removed, the nipple-areola complex is shifted to a higher position, and the remaining breast tissue and skin is rearranged to reshape the breast. During this process, the breast and nipple position are lifted. The size of the areola is also decreased. The typical incision and scar follow the “anchor pattern” around the areola, down to the crease, and in the crease beneath the breast. For most patients, scars will fade significantly over time.
expectations
What to Expect for Your Breast Reduction Surgery
- Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?
- How do I know if I need a breast reduction?
- How long does it take to recover from a breast reduction?
- Do you lose weight after breast reduction?
3-6 weeks
How Long is The Recovery from Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction patients will be the sorest in the first week after surgery. However, some patients do not even need to take prescription pain medication. Most patients can resume normal light activities a few days after surgery. Driving is possible when patients are no longer on prescription pain medication and feel physically able to maneuver behind the wheel. Patients may feel ready to participate in some social events after one to two weeks. Those with a low physical activity job or the option for remote work may be able to resume work in 1-2 weeks or less. Patients with a physically strenuous job will typically require 4 weeks off from work. Strenuous activity and exercise can be slowly reintroduced at 3–6 weeks, if the patient feels able. Activities may be increased gradually every day.
Procedures Combined With Breast Reduction Surgery
Patients who are considering breast reduction surgery may have other areas of concern. Those concerns can often be addressed with other procedures performed at the same time as a breast reduction. Common procedures performed at the time of breast reduction include:
- Liposuction of the underarm or bra roll
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Patients who are 18 years or older, and whose breast growth has stabilized, are candidates for breast reduction surgery. Breast size is relative – if YOU feel that your breasts are too large for YOUR body, then you are a candidate for a breast reduction.
What Are the Risks?
Like any surgery, breast reduction has some risks. During your consultation with Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca, they will go over all of the potential risks with you to help you make an educated decision about your procedure.