BREAST REDUCTION

OVERVIEW

For many women with excessively large breasts, having a breast reduction surgery is much more than just decreasing their size. A breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, can reduce discomfort in the shoulders, back, and neck due to the size and weight of the breasts, eliminate the deep indentations in the skin of the shoulders from wearing a tight bra, and decrease some of the emotional stress that comes with the unwanted attention from oversized breasts. Arizona plastic surgeons, Dr. Rozbeh and Radbeh Torabi, would like to extend a private consultation for breast reduction surgery to see if you would benefit from this procedure.

If deemed medically necessary, some insurance providers may cover a portion of this surgery. We will do our best to explain your options for breast reduction surgery, discuss the risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have at Elite Plastic Surgery in Phoenix.

BREAST REDUCTION VIDEO

DO I QUALIFY?

Breast reduction is appropriate if you experience:

• Disproportionately large breasts to the body
• Painfully heavy breasts
• Bra strap grooves in the shoulders
• Limitations on activity
• Slumped posture

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

A breast reduction is performed under a general anesthesia in an accredited surgical center or a local hospital. Drs. Torabi, will make pre-operative marks on your breasts prior to the surgery to signify the areas of incision.

• With moderately sized breasts, our plastic surgeons will generally leave the nipple attached, but remove the excessive skin. The nipple will be replaced in a higher position and sutured in place.
• In larger breasts, it may be necessary to remove the nipple and the areola complex because of the amount of skin and tissue that needs to be removed in order for the surgery to appropriately address the reduction of the breasts. Once the extra skin and tissue is removed, our plastic surgeon will reposition the nipple and areola to look as natural and even as possible, then suture it together.

This procedure can take around 2 – 3 hours depending on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed. A firm bandage will be applied by the plastic surgeon following the procedure, which will help to decrease any swelling and provide a level of comfort during the recovery period.

IN RECOVERY

After breast reduction surgery, you may feel immediately lighter, due to the amount of tissue removed. A mild painkiller may be administered for the first few days following surgery to assist with any discomfort. After the surgery, you should wear a compression bra to support the healing process for the first couple of weeks. You will also be given post-operative care instructions and you can pre-schedule your follow up appointments to help you stay on track during your recovery process. You will need to rest for at least 7 –10 days before returning to work. Sutures will be removed in 10 – 14 days or by the recommendation of your plastic surgeon. Regular physical activities can be resumed within 6 – 8 weeks. In some patients, it may take a year for nipple sensitivity to return to normal.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Similar to breast augmentation surgery, you will be encouraged to remain in an upright position, which will help any discomfort or swelling to decrease further, and most surgeries will require drains to remove any excess swelling and fluid that has accumulated in the area during the surgery. Breast reduction surgery is considered a major operation with the patient requiring suitable aftercare and a moderate recovery time to ensure the surgery remains a success. Infection can occur in the immediate period following the treatment with care given to the dressing and healing of the incisions for 1 – 2 weeks after the procedure with the skin sometimes taking 6 – 8 weeks to heal completely.

Scarring can be significant with a breast reduction treatment, but in the majority of cases, will heal without concern, though some patients may be left with a permanent raised and lumpy area of scarring along the incision line. Wound healing may take longer with larger breasts and dressings required in the area until the healing is complete. Nipple sensation may be altered.

FREEDOM FROM PAIN

Imagine living with lighter, more proportionate breasts that allow you to be comfortable in your clothes, while relieving your neck, shoulders, and back of carrying around extra weight. Contact Elite Plastic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation to learn more about breast reduction surgery.