Breast reduction surgery can be a big help to patients who are seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts, including neck, shoulder, and back pain. Following breast reduction, the breasts are usually more proportional to the rest of the body. Most patients report a significant improvement in their physical health. Our doctors incorporate a breast lift into all of our breast reduction procedures for the best results.

BEST CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

– Breasts that are too large in proportion to the body frame
– Dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of the breasts
– Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of the breasts
– Indentations in the shoulders from tight bra straps
– Skin irritation beneath the breasts
– Back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of the breasts
– One breast is much larger than the other

CONSULTATION

During the consultation, the doctors go over why the patient wants a breast reduction and what specific concerns they have about their breasts. They will take measurements of the breasts during the physical examination. If the patient is over 40, a recent mammogram will need to be provided. Patients will need to alert the doctor if they are planning to breastfeed after the surgery. Our doctors and the patient can then plan the breast reduction surgery, including what techniques will be used and the amount of breast tissue that will be removed. 

INCISION TYPES

There are two incision patterns and techniques that our doctors will use during a breast reduction surgery:
– The anchor incision is made around the perimeter of the areola, then extends vertically down the breast crease, and continues horizontally along the breast crease. Though this technique leaves the most scarring, it is for women with big pendulous breasts with severe degree of sagging who will not be helped sufficiently by less invasive techniques. This incision is often used for a breast reduction in conjunction with a breast lift.
– The lollipop incision, also known as a keyhole incision, is made around the perimeter of the areola and then goes vertically down to the breast crease. This technique leaves less scarring and is suitable for women with a moderate degree of excess breast tissue and sagging.

SURGERY DETAILS

Breast reduction surgery takes about 3-4 hours under general anesthesia. During surgery, our doctors will make the appropriate incision, remove the breast tissue, raise the breast and nipple, and then suture everything into place. For the thinnest, most inconspicuous scar, our doctors use a special technique with several layers of dissolvable sutures.

Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

RECOVERY & POST OPERATION

– Once the breast reduction surgery is complete, our doctors will apply bandages to the breast and secure the breasts with a surgical bra.
– The bandages and surgical bra must be worn for at least a week. Patients may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during the first two weeks, but such feelings are normal and light activities may be performed.
– Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one week.
– Patients should be very careful to avoid pressure on the chest for at least 4-6 weeks and come to all follow-up appointments.

FROM OUR DOCTORS

“Some of the happiest patients are those after a breast reduction. The procedure will end years of uncomfortable back pain and difficulty finding proper fitting bras and clothing.”

– DR. RAHGOZAR

“I find breast reduction surgery very satisfying because it can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life. Most patients, by the time they come to see me for breast reduction surgery, have had years of chronic neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain caused by excessive weight from very heavy breasts. In some severe cases, patients can have shoulder strap grooving and even nerve problems in their hands and arms related to this!”

– DR. HSU

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Breast Reduction covered by insurance?

For patients who want to have their breast reduction procedure covered by insurance, the insurance companies will usually provide some reimbursement if they decide that the surgery is needed for functional reasons. If a certain amount of tissue is removed, insurance companies will most often require the specimen to be weighed. Our doctors can send this information to the insurance company to maximize the chance that insurance will reimburse the patient for some of the costs; however, we do not accept insurance directly at our clinic.

What is the best age to get Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but our doctors usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction before having children and then address any subsequent changes later.

What happens to the nipple and areola?

After the excess breast tissue, fat and skin have been removed, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which has usually been stretched, is typically reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation. The ability to breastfeed may also be preserved by this method, although this cannot be guaranteed.

FINANCING

OUR DOCTORS

SCHEDULE A

CONSULTATION

We are looking forward to meeting you in person, hearing your aspirations, and tailoring a surgical plan especially for you. We hope our in-person consultation will answer all of your questions, provide you a sense of confidence and also further your excitement of the path you are on.

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