Breast Reduction

Many women with large and heavy breasts are limited in their daily activities and in their clothing choices, and often feel self-conscious about their image and the size of their breasts. These women may suffer from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, and experience rashes or irritation under their breasts. All of these issues can adversely impact the level of activity and exercise that one can tolerate.

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, from the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery may be an option for you if you are experiencing physical and emotional issues due to having disproportionately large breasts. Patient satisfaction after breast reduction is generally very high. Women often report significant improvement in quality of life after the relief of their chronic pain and rashes.

Insurance companies may cover breast reduction surgery for some patients, when certain guidelines are met.

Your Consultation

We believe you need to be well-informed about the cosmetic procedure in which you are interested, including the pre- and post- operative expectations.  At your initial consult, the physician will meet with you about your concerns and personal goals. Feel free to bring in images of looks that you do or don’t like to help us understand your aesthetic tastes and goals. The surgeon will then examine you, and offer her opinion on how to achieve your goals, based on best practices.

Choosing a surgeon is an intensely personal decision. We encourage you to take time to question the physician and her team. We believe the formation of a personal bond is an integral part of the surgery and healing process.

The Surgery

A breast reduction removes excess fatty and glandular breast tissue as well as excess skin.  This creates breasts that are more proportionate to the patient’s body, and typically results in a more lifted breast shape and nipple position. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. There are a variety of techniques and surgical approaches for breast reduction. Your preferences, anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation will determine the technique and approach. Unfortunately, the process of removing the extra skin results in scars, usually around the areola and vertically on the lower portion of the breast. You can expect the scars to be pink initially and then to fade and soften within a year.

The surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours of time, and is performed with general anesthesia. You will either go home the same day or stay overnight in the hospital depending on your individual needs.

Recovery

Recovery is relatively quick and most women find they are able to resume a non-strenuous work or home schedule in 1 to 2 weeks. Most can return to strenuous activity levels in 4-6 weeks.

Risks

Breast surgery, as with all surgical procedures, carries a certain amount of risk. It is important that you understand these risks, and the possible complications or adverse events associated with surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the surgical risks with you during your consultation and pre-operative appointments.

Contact the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery

Please contact the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery for more information on breast reduction treatments, or to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.