A breast reduction is a surgical breast enhancement procedure that takes overly large, out-of-proportion, and sagging breasts and surgically reduces. The desired goal is to sculpt the breasts to be in harmony with the patient’s body according to their desires.
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WHAT CAN BREAST REDUCTION TREAT?
Breast reduction is both a functional and a cosmetic procedure with a high level of patient satisfaction. Here are some benefits of the procedure:
Functional:
- Potential relief of back and neck pain
- Potential relief of nerve compression of the little and 1/2 of the ring finger
- Resolution of breast fold sweat and rashes under the breasts
- Potential resolution of shoulder furrows because of breast weight on bra straps
- Ability to exercise without being out-of-balance
Cosmetic:
- Breast size in proportion, harmony, and balance with your body
- Ability to wear clothes such as bathing suits, backless clothes, and to go braless with a shapely breast that doesn’t sag
- Avoid stigma that comes with large breasts
- Breasts that are shapely and at your preferred size
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST REDUCTION?
Any woman who has overly large breasts that cause neck or back pain, inability to wear certain clothes,
limited exercise ability, nerve compression of the little and half the ring finger, grooving of the shoulders because of weight on bra straps, and unnecessary sweats and rashes under the breast fold are good candidates for breast reduction surgery.
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HOW IS BREAST REDUCTION PERFORMED?
The specific procedure is based on the patient’s:
- Anatomy
- Desired size
- Desired shape
- Resultant scar location
All of the following breast reduction techniques have in common:
- Resecting breast tissue
- Lifting and sculpting the remaining breast tissue
- Relocating the nipple areolar complex (NAC) into a normal position
The most common plastic surgery procedures for breast reduction are often described by the resultant scar location.
PERIAREOLAR, CIRCUMARELOAR, OR “DOUGHNUT” BREAST REDUCTION
Because of the limited incision around the areolae this technique is limited to minor breast reduction. The best candidates for this procedure are those that have mildly enlarged breasts and desire limited incisions on the breast. This option results in an incision around the outside edge of the pigmented areolae which, when healed, blends into the areola and breast skin.
VERTICAL OR “LOLLIPOP” BREAST REDUCTION
This option is often used for moderately large breasts. The “doughnut” incision is made around the areola and then continues vertically down to the lower half of the breast. The vertical breast reduction has greater flexibility in sculpting the breast shape and projection.
THE “INVERTED T” OR ANCHOR BREAST REDUCTION
This technique combines the “doughnut”, the “lollipop”, and adds a horizontal incision along the breast crease. This procedure gives the most access to removing large amounts of breast tissue and skin. It is the most common procedure for larger breasts.
THE “NO VERTICAL SCAR” BREAST REDUCTION
This technique is performed with an incision around the areola and an additional incision in the breast crease. This eliminates the vertical incision found in the Anchor method However, with this technique there are limitations. Because this technique doesn’t remove skin in the transverse plane, it results in less ability to sculpt the breast shape. This can result in a breast shape that is overly wide and has a flattened appearance and lack of projection. Because of the lack of projection of the final breast shape, this technique is rarely used and only if a vertical scar is unacceptable.
THE “FREE NIPPLE” BREAST REDUCTION
This technique is revered for very large breasts with severe breast sagging. Because viability of the nipple areolae complex (NAC) can be threatened, it is removed, resulting in the ability to remove significant quantities of breast tissue. After the shaping of remaining breast tissue and skin, the NAC is reattached as a graft. Unfortunately, the nerve supply to the NAC is severed and normal NAC sensation rarely returns.
Before & After
“SCARLESS” BREAST REDUCTION
This technique is not truly scarless. Rather, it uses very small, hidden incisions in the breast crease along the junction of the pigmented areolae/breast skin and armpit. Using liposuction, fat and breast tissue can be removed. This technique is rarely used and has significant limitations. Liposuction can rarely remove the actual breast tissue which is denser than fat. In addition, since there is no removal of skin, the breasts usually will sag or droop more.
Breast Reduction FAQs
HOW LONG WILL MY BREAST REDUCTION RESULTS LAST?
The breast reduction results are permanent. Only in very rare cases known as “virginal hypertrophy” can breasts “re-grow”. More often, breasts can increase with subsequent weight gain or after pregnancy.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY FROM BREAST REDUCTION?
Individuals who are not required to return to vigorous physical activity can return to regular daily activities/work in 7 to 10 days and progress to full exercise at 6 weeks.
ALTERNATIVES TO BREAST REDUCTION
WHAT WILL NOT BE HELPED BY BREAST REDUCTION?
If you have minimal sensation in the nipples, reducing breast volume will improve the sensation.
CAN I COMBINE WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Yes, liposuction of the “bra rolls” and other areas are often combined with a breast reduction. When combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), the combined procedure is referred to as a Mommy Makeover.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS/COMPLICATIONS WITH BREAST REDUCTION?
As long as you are good health, there are generally very low risks associated with a breast reduction. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks like bleeding, infection, and anesthesia, as well as additional uncommon risks like loss of blood supply to the nipple areolae complex which can result in partial or complete loss.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS/FFEES?
The breast reduction prices are based on the anesthesia used (local with sedation vs general anesthesia), the facility (minor surgical suite, outpatient operating room, or hospital setting) and additional procedures performed, if applicable. All pre- and post-operative care is included. Some preoperative laboratory analysis may be required (usually covered by your medical insurance).
See our Blog on costs and fees.
CONCLUSION
Breast reduction surgery is associated with a very high satisfaction rate. Breast reduction offers both a functional and cosmetic improvement of the breast size and shape, resulting in improved body harmony. A common concern of most breast reduction candidates are the resultant scars. We find that women who follow our preventive anti-scar program are quite satisfied with the appearances of the resultant skin. In fact, a vast majority of patients who have undergone a breast reduction will agree and state the resultant scars are considered a very minor trade for the functional and cosmetic improvement of their breasts
The most important factor to consider is seeking the opinion and services of a skilled, experienced, and board certified plastic surgeon in Riverside who is an expert in breast reduction techniques. The Imagine Plastic Surgery team uniquely provides a full array of surgical techniques, thus filling our motto of “One Goal, Many Options”. For more information, call and schedule a consultation.