Breast Reduction

The choice to move forward with any cosmetic or medically indicated surgery procedure deserves adequate time and consideration to ensure the right decision is reached. Breast reduction surgery can be an especially difficult choice. There are numerous factors, both aesthetic and medical, that should be taken into consideration before moving forward with breast reduction. You can explore some of the basic information on this page or reach out to the team at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule a surgery consultation visit with one of our skilled plastic surgeons.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes excess tissue from the breasts. This may mean surgically removing some of the fatty tissue and skin as well as reshaping the remaining structure. A breast reduction procedure may be beneficial in a range of situations, but it is often recommended when the size of breasts causes physical discomfort.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Some of the many benefits that lead people to choose breast reduction include:

Improved quality of life by reducing back pain, allowing for more comfortable exercise and movement, and increasing energy.
Easier to shop for clothes and find clothing that fits well. This includes the ability to find bras that fit comfortably.
Alleviate skin irritation on and under the breasts caused by rubbing and sweat.
Increase self-confidence by allowing women to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Recovery After Breast Reduction

After a breast reduction procedure, your surgeon will bandage incisions and wrap the breasts to provide necessary support and reduce swelling. Once you are fully recovered from the anesthesia, you’ll be sent home with detailed aftercare instructions. These instructions will include recommendations for cleaning and daily care, prescription and over-the-counter medications as needed, and any other steps you should take during the healing process. One of the most important things you can do during healing is to get plenty of rest. That means sleeping at least eight hours each night, but it also means just taking it easy. You shouldn’t be exercising, picking up heavy items, or performing other strenuous activities until your plastic surgeon gives you the green light.

Risks Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery

While your plastic surgeon will do their utmost to ensure safety before, during, and after a breast reduction, there are always risks involved with surgery. It’s important to understand the potential risks before you move forward. Pain, bruising, and long healing times (usually several months) are all to be expected with advanced procedures like breast reduction. Any discomfort should gradually decrease over the several weeks or months of healing. If pain increases or becomes unmanageable, it’s important to reach out to your surgeon. The same is true if the surgical site doesn’t seem to be healing within a reasonable time. Scar formation is another common risk associated with all surgeries. Your plastic surgeon will work to conceal surgical incisions within the body’s natural lines, but there will still be a sign of surgery left behind. However, there are treatment options to further reduce the appearance of scar tissue.

In addition to these common surgical risks, some risks specific to breast reduction include:

Decreased sensation in the nipples that can be temporary but may be permanent
Difficulty or inability to breastfeed can occur for some
Pregnancy and fluctuations in weight can impact the results of breast reduction surgery
Asymmetry or irregularities in appearance leading to a need for revision surgery
Allergic or adverse response to surgical materials (tape sutures, injections, etc.)
Adverse response to anesthesia
Blood clots and cardio-pulmonary issues
Nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage
Hardening or excessive firmness of breast tissue
Bleeding from incisions or blood pooling beneath the skin (hematoma)
Accumulating fluid beneath the skin (seroma)

I’m Interested in a Breast Reduction

If you’re interested in learning more about the Breast Reduction procedure or would like to take the first step towards enhancing your well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery today. Our dedicated team is readily available to provide you with comprehensive information and to assist you in scheduling a consultation. We understand that this decision is a significant one, and we are here to address any additional questions or concerns you may have, ensuring that you embark on your transformative journey with confidence and peace of mind. Your satisfaction and comfort are our top priorities, and we look forward to assisting you in achieving your desired goals.