Breast Reduction

Large breasts can cause self-image issues, discomfort and pain. During breast reduction, excess skin, fat and glandular tissue are removed. This can help to ease pain or discomfort and result in a more proportionate appearance.

 

Are You A Candidate For Breast Reduction?

There are several reasons for women to consider breast reduction. While some women may be motivated to change their appearance, others may want to alleviate discomfort caused by large breasts.

Women who are non-smokers in overall good health are good candidates for breast reduction. You may want to consider breast reduction if your breasts:

  • Cause back, neck or shoulder pain.
  • Cause regular indentations from your bra straps.
  • Cause skin irritation beneath the breast crease.
  • Limit your physical activity
  • Are too large in proportion to your body
  • Are pendulous and hang downward
  • Have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin

Your Initial Breast Reduction Consultation

Before a breast reduction procedure, you will consult with a Finesse plastic surgeon. Plan on discussing your goals, desires, overall health and lifestyle during your initial consultation. Preparing for this discussion can help ensure concerns are addressed and questions are answered.

You should be prepared to discuss:

  • Why you are seeking breast reduction.
  • Your expectations and desired results.
  • Existing medical conditions and allergies.
  • Current use of medication, supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
  • Personal history of surgery.
  • Family history of breast cancer.
  • Results of previous mammograms and/or biopsies.

In order to fully evaluate you for breast reduction, your doctor may also:

  • Evaluate your overall health and any pre­existing conditions or risk factors.
  • Examine and measure your breasts.
  • Photograph your breasts for your medical record.
  • Discuss anesthesia to be used during your breast reduction.
  • Discuss risks and potential complications.


To help you envision results, your plastic surgeon will show you before and after photos of previous Finesse patients who have received breast reduction.

Preparing For Your Breast Reduction Procedure

Before your breast reduction is carried out, the Finesse Plastic Surgery team will give you specific instructions on what you will have to do before surgery. These instructions may include the following:

  • Lab testing and/or medical evaluation.
  • Mammogram before surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue.
  • Begin taking certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.
  • Avoid taking any anti-­inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.
  • Arrange for transportation home after the procedure.

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast reduction surgery can be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient/ambulatory surgical center or a hospital.

If your breast reduction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, it will be important for you to arrange for transportation home and to plan on having a person stay with you for at least one night following surgery.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Our plastic surgeons have the qualifications and experience necessary to perform your breast reduction safely and effectively. Most breast reductions are performed on an outpatient basis.

Anesthesia

You will receive either intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia before and during your surgery.

Incision Types

Your plastic surgeon can employ several different types of surgical incision during breast reduction. The type of incision used will depend on your condition, your breast composition and the amount of reduction desired.

Traditional Breast Reduction

An anchor-shaped incision is made around the areola where excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue is removed from the lower breasts. This method is ideal for women with extremely large breasts.

Vertical Incision Breast Reduction

Incisions are made around the areola and extend down to the breast crease in a keyhole pattern to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue. This technique is optimal for women with moderately large breasts.

Nipple Position

After the incision is made, your plastic surgeon will reposition your nipple according to your preferences. If necessary, the areola can be reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. For extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast.

What To Expect After Your Breast Reduction Procedure

Following surgery, your breasts will be wrapped with bandages to minimize swelling. You may experience pain or soreness for several days following surgery. Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate any symptoms.

Most women are able to return to work about one week after their surgery, although each patient recovers differently. You should refrain from strenuous physical activity in the two to three weeks following the procedure. Some scarring is unavoidable. However, surgical incisions are made to be inconspicuous and scars will fade over time.

Other Considerations

At Finesse, we believe that knowledge is power. By educating yourself about all aspects of breast reduction surgery, you can make can make the best decision for you and your health.

Potential Risks & Complications

There are potential risks to any surgery, Although rare, bleeding, infection, collection of excessive fluid, and reaction to anesthesia can occur. In order to reduce your risk for complications, it is best that you follow Finesse Plastic Surgery’s postoperative instructions.

Costs

After your consultation, Finesse will inquire with your insurance company regarding preauthorization for your surgery, unless you are a Medicare patient. For many patients with large breasts, breast reduction is covered by health insurance. For patients paying out of pocket, costs will depend on several factors.

Breast Reduction Results

The results of breast reduction surgery will be immediately visible and improvement in appearance will occur over the next several months. Women usually feel a sense of relief and satisfaction after the procedure is complete, knowing that they no longer have to live with overly large breasts. Most women find that they can perform certain types of exercises and participate in activities that they never thought were possible before surgery. The results of your breast reduction surgery will be long lasting, and your new appearance will likely enhance self-image boost confidence.

To learn more about breast reduction and whether this procedure is appropriate for you, schedule a consultation today.