OVERVIEW

Not everybody wants a breast lift. For many women with excessively large breasts, breast reduction surgery is much more than decreasing their size. A breast reduction, or a reduction mammaplasty, can reduce discomfort in the shoulders, back, and neck due to the breast size and weight.

It will also 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 unwanted attention from oversized breasts. Plus, the benefit of freely choosing clothing that fits. 

Arizona board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Rozbeh and Radbeh Torabi would like to extend a private consultation for breast reduction surgery to review your medical history and see if you would benefit from this procedure. Some insurance providers may cover a portion of this surgery if deemed medically necessary. 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.

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
• Want to reduce the size of your breasts

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

A breast reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical center or a local hospital. Drs. Torabi will make pre-operative marks on your breasts before the surgery to signify the incision areas. They may make an incision around the areola and down to your breast crease. The incisions will vary depending on the shape and size of your breasts, how much tissue they need to remove, and your aesthetic goals. 

• Our plastic surgeons will generally leave the nipple attached but remove the excessive skin with moderately sized breasts. The nipple will be replaced in a higher position and sutured in place.
• In excessive 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 for the surgery to address the reduction of the breasts. Once the extra skin and tissue are 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 and avoid any strenuous activities. Sutures will be removed in 10 – 14 days or by the recommendation of your plastic surgeon. You resume your regular physical activities within 6 – 8 weeks.

Around two months after surgery, the breasts will begin to feel natural and soft. It may take a year for nipple sensitivity to return to normal in some patients.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Like breast augmentation surgery, you will be encouraged to remain upright, which will help any discomfort or swelling decrease further, and most surgeries will require drains to remove any excess swelling and fluid 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 immediately 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 most cases, it 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 a consultation and learn more about breast reduction surgery.