WHAT IS A BREAST REDUCTION?
A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts and lifts them for optimal comfort and a perky appearance. Oversized breasts compress the nerves and generate pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. They also cause heat rashes or infections underneath the breasts, shortness of breath, and migraine headaches. Not only is the bust alleviated and hoisted, but the areolas are resized to be proportional to the breasts and symmetrical with one another. The purpose of a breast reduction procedure is to remediate health problems and improve the quality of life and confidence in patients suffering from a burdensome bust.
BREAST REDUCTION BENEFITS
A breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, provides mental and emotional benefits among the expected physical ones. Aside from reduced breast weight and greater physical mobility, patients can enjoy heightened self-confidence and satisfaction with their new aesthetically pleasing bust. The removal of stretched skin and excess fat tissue not only improves the bosom’s appearance but makes day-to-day activities so much easier!
BREAST REDUCTION BENEFITS:
- Satisfaction with their new breasts and areolas
- Increased sexual confidence and libido
- Clothing fits better
- Exercising feels easier
- They can buy bras at the mall again
- No more skin irritation underneath the breasts
- No more shoulder grooves and bra strap marks
- Decrease in migraines
- Decreased neck and back pain
BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURAL STEPS
- Anesthesia: A licensed professional administers general anesthesia before the mammoplasty begins to assure your comfort throughout the entire procedure.
- Incisions: The breast reduction surgeon skillfully creates incisions based upon the preselected mammoplasty technique.
- Breast Reduction and Lift: The breast surgeon eliminates excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts and lifts them for an optimal shape and volume.
- Areola Repositioning: Stretched and misproportioned areolas will be reshaped, resized, and aligned to complement the new breasts and appear symmetrical with one another.
- Recovery: A licensed nurse will wheel you into Body Aesthetic Center's state-of-the-art recovery room and soothe you out of anesthesia before discharge.
MASTOPEXY TECHNIQUES & INCISION METHODS
Circular Incision
The circular breast incision, also known as the donut mammoplasty technique, is localized along the perimeter of the areola. Some patients say this is an "almost scarless" breast procedure since residual scars are covered by the darker line circling the areola. The donut incision method allows for an adequate breast reduction and lift in patients who want a smaller breast size but require less lifting.
Vertical Incision
The vertical breast incision, also called the lollipop mammoplasty technique, includes an incision around the circumference of the areola and another linear opening from the bottom of the areola to the lower breast crease. The vertical reduction technique is best for patients with moderately large breasts seeking greater chest support. It is also ideal for shaping the breasts since the skin is easily tautened from a vertical angle.
Anchor Incision
Anchor incisions, or inverted "T" incisions, are the most common breast reduction incision techniques. The anchor breast reduction method is best for patients who require more substantial breast adjustments. The incision takes on an inverted T-shape as it circles the nipple, runs vertically down from the areola, and extends horizontally across the crease of the lower breast. This incision provides the most significant reduction and lift results.
WHAT IS A SCARLESS BREAST REDUCTION?
The scarless breast reduction method is achieved through liposuction. Two small openings are formed on the lower breast crease, from where fat is suctioned. Since liposuction only removes excess fat in the breast, a scarless breast reduction is only a good option for women whose breasts are oversized due to fat accumulation instead of excess glandular tissue. Your Body by Ubique breast surgeon will advise if this is a suitable option for you at your initial consultation.
BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY
Body Aesthetic Center guides patients through the breast reduction recovery process. Although full recovery from a reduction mammoplasty can take several weeks, the recuperation process is uncomplicated if patients follow the prescribed aftercare instructions. While every patient heals at a different rate, the breast reduction recovery timeline generally goes as follows:
Week 1
The first week after your breast reduction procedure will likely be the most uncomfortable—soreness and discomfort peak in the first 48 hours after reduction mammoplasty. Thus, patients should remain in bed, taking their pain medication as prescribed. You should sleep on your back in an elevated position immediately after surgery and wait 36 hours before showering. When you do shower, do not aim the water directly at your breasts. Instead, let the water pour on your back and shoulders and cascade smoothly over your bosom. Wear your compression bra at all times after your breast reduction surgery to reduce swelling and minimize the possibility of complications.
4 to 6 Weeks
Do not take baths or swim in a hot tub, jacuzzi, or swimming pool for at least 4 weeks after your breast reduction. You should be able to fully drive, lightly exercise, and commence sexual activity at this time. You may stop wearing your surgical compression bra 6 weeks after your breast reduction but should wear looser clothing and comfortable undergarments to help ease residual swelling. Although most patients are fully recovered and mobile by the 6-week mark, it is customary to have swelling and tenderness in the breasts still. Patients often report burning sensations in the breasts, itching, and occasional sharp pains; these indicate that the nerves are regenerating and are no immediate cause for concern.
3 to 6 Months
The final results of your breast reduction will begin to show within 3 to 6 months after surgery. Swelling and bruising subside significantly within this period, which allows the breasts to settle. As your breasts heal, they slowly regain their natural shape and softness. Residual numbness may feel strange, but this is normal and can be aided by frequent massages. Do not hesitate to touch the numb area. Even though it feels separate from the body, gently massaging the breasts will stimulate the nerves and promote regeneration. We encourage patients to maintain their weight and commit to a healthy diet to attain the best possible results.
BREAST REDUCTION RESULTS
As a result of your breast reduction surgery in Body Aesthetic Center, you will have smaller, perkier, and proportional breasts and areolas. Your breasts will no longer feel cumbersome, and chronic body pain and migraines will disappear. Exercising will feel easier when the weight of your oversized breasts no longer inhibits your movement, and heat rashes underneath your breast fold will cease. Not only will clothes and undergarments flatter your new figure, but you will likely experience increased libido and sexual confidence. Whether out on the town or in the bedroom, breast reduction surgery will help you feel more vibrant than ever!
BEST CANDIDATES FOR A BREAST REDUCTION
The best candidates for a breast reduction are individuals with large breasts that cause them discomfort and reduce their quality of life. Ideal breast reduction candidates are non-smokers in good general health. We recommend being within your desired weight and finished having children, as any drastic body changes can compromise your breast reduction results.
BREAST REDUCTION COST
AT Body Aesthetic Center
The average cost of a breast reduction procedure at Body Aesthetic Center ranges between $4,000 to $8,000USD. The cost of your mammoplasty depends on the size of your breasts and other individual factors. Since every situation is unique, you will receive personalized pricing at your initial consultation with the board-certified plastic surgeon of your choice.
BREAST REDUCTION FAQS
Yes! Along with minimizing and lifting the breasts, your board-certified surgeon will adjust the size and shape of your areola to fit perfectly with your new bosom.
Patients with desk jobs can typically return to work one week after their breast reduction procedure. Those with strenuous jobs that involve heavy lifting and extensive movement will require more time off from work. The board-certified surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center will provide personalized guidance on when you can return to work after your breast reduction.
You may feel comfortable enough to drive 7 to 10 days after your breast reduction surgery. However, you should wait to drive until you are finished taking pain medication and consult with your breast surgeon to receive personalized recovery guidelines.
Some possible risks and complications associated with a breast reduction surgery include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Significant swelling
- Blood clots
- Long-term loss of nipple sensation
- Damaged blood vessels or nerves
At your initial consultation with Body Aesthetic Center, your breast surgeon will review your entire medical history and discuss the possible risks of a reduction mammoplasty.
Yes, a breast reduction procedure does leave scars. However, scarring is typically minimal and will fade after a year or so. Body Aesthetic Center provides all patients with a scar care routine to help shrink the scars to near invisibility. We also offer laser treatments that fade them more quickly for patients seeking a faster option.
Reduction mammoplasty, or a breast reduction, does not affect your ability to breastfeed because the nipple remains attached to the underlying tissue. However, patients who still want more children and want to breastfeed should wait to undergo the procedure because it can re-stretch the skin and compromise the breast reduction results.
The temporary loss of sensation in the nipples is a common side effect of breast reduction surgery. Not only is this normal for most patients to experience, but it is temporary and fades with time. The risk of permanent numbness in the nipples and areolas does exist but is extremely rare. Patients should wear their compression garments and follow their surgeon's massage techniques to help steadily regain sensation in their nipples after surgery.
Health insurance will cover a breast reduction if the patient proves that the symptoms caused by their oversized breasts have not improved with alternative medical treatments. These symptoms often include neck and back pain, chronic migraines, shoulder grooves, and rashes or infections beneath the breasts. Since reduction mammoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, steady documentation is necessary for coverage. Insurance companies vary, but on average, they require 2 or 3 documented reports by a chiropractor, physical therapist, orthopedist, or dermatologist over the course of 6 to 12 months of treatment before considering covering a breast reduction surgery.
Yes, you may still be able to undergo a breast reduction if you are overweight, but you must first consult with your breast surgeon at Body Aesthetic Center to confirm. BMI is not the deciding factor when determining candidacy for a breast reduction. Instead, doctors must evaluate a patient's overall health and medical history. However, it can increase the risk of complications in patients depending on how overweight they are. Ideally, reduction mammoplasty patients' BMI should be under 30, but patients with higher BMIs have successfully undergone the procedure. A qualified surgeon will best determine your eligibility.
Your Body by Unique breast surgeon will assist in determining the extent to which your breasts can be moderated with a breast reduction surgery. Most patients' breasts decrease by 1 or 2 cup sizes, but it depends on their original volume, positioning, and proportion with the waistline and hips.