Large, pendulous breasts can cause both physical and emotional discomfort. The burdensome weight of overly large breasts can cause shoulder indentations from bra straps as well as back and neck pain. Some women may feel self-conscious about their breasts and have difficulty participating in sports and exercise. Women may also find shopping for clothing difficult due to the size of their breasts.
Breast reduction surgery is designed to remove excess breast tissue, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body. By reducing the size of the breasts, the procedure can also help relieve back and shoulder pain.
Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
The ideal candidates for breast reduction should be in good general health and have realistic expectations for what surgery can do for them. Patients considering a breast reduction may experience one or more of the following:
-Shoulder, neck, and back pain caused by breast weight
-Irritation or infection of the skin under the breast
-Headaches associated with neck pain
-Difficulty fitting into clothing
-Self-consciousness about the size of their breasts
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast reduction is performed in the operating room using general anesthesia. For your safety and comfort, an anesthesiologist will be present for the entire procedure. Once the anesthesia has been administered, the incisions are made, and breast tissue and skin are removed. The nipple may be repositioned for a more aesthetically pleasing look. Breast reduction can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete.
Incision Locations
Breast reduction surgery can be performed using a variety of incisions to allow for the surgical removal of excess glandular tissue, breast tissue, and skin. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction.
Depending on the desired extent of correction, one of the following incision techniques will be used for your breast reduction:
Donut incision: For patients with minimal skin laxity, an incision around the edge of the areola can be used. The areolas can also be reduced using this approach.
Lollipop incision: For those with moderate skin laxity, the “lollipop”’ technique can be utilized. The incision is made around the perimeter of each areola and continues down to the breast crease.
Anchor or Wise-pattern incision: Patients with significant laxity and excess tissue may require the use of the anchor technique. The incision is made around the areola and vertically down the underside of the breast. Another incision is made along the breast crease. Women who desire smaller or properly positioned nipples can benefit from this approach.
Breast Reduction and Lift
Most breast reduction surgeries will also incorporate some lifting of the breasts. Adding a breast lift technique positions the breasts in a more visually pleasing placement on the chest. Patients who only require minimal reduction may be able to undergo a simple liposuction procedure. Your surgeon will discuss your options without during your consultation to help create a surgical plan to meet your goals.
Recovery and Results
Surgical dressings will be applied, and you may need to wear a compression bra. Surgical drains are often placed to prevent the build-up of fluid.
A local anesthetic will be used in the chest wall, decreasing discomfort and allowing for an easier recovery. Any pain can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. In the first few days, your breasts will be sore, bruised, and swollen. Bruising and swelling should dissipate over the next week. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks. You will get detailed post-operative instructions that should be followed carefully to minimize the risk of complications.
The results of breast reduction surgery are designed to be long-lasting. However, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and age may affect the size and shape of your breasts over time. Following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a stable weight will help to prolong your results.
Out-of-Town Patients
We at Iconic Plastic Surgery want our patients coming in from out-of-town to feel welcomed and comfortable during their visit. Our modern operating facility is near both San Diego International Airport and John Wayne Airport as well as several five-star accommodations. If you have to travel to the area for your procedure, we can help you plan your visit. If necessary, we can also arrange for an aftercare provider to assist you during the first 24-hour after your surgery.
Breast Reduction Cost
The cost of breast reduction will vary, as all procedures are tailored to the specific needs of the patient. Several factors will affect the price, including surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, the techniques used, and other details of the surgery. You will receive a cost estimate during your first consultation at Iconic Plastic Surgery.
To schedule your private breast reduction consultation at Iconic Plastic Surgery, please call our Carlsbad office at 760-637-5288 or fill out our virtual consultation form.
