Breast Reduction Surgery, or Reduction Mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size of the breasts, lifts the breasts, and raises and resizes the nipple and areola. Many patients who have very large and heavy breasts have back and neck pain caused by the excessive weight, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave shoulder indentations. Large heavy breasts can interfere with normal daily activities such as exercise.

I believe that for breast reduction surgery, in addition to removing breast volume, creating a beautiful round shape is truly important. I remove most of the excess breast tissue from the sides and less so from the middle and top so patients still have nice full cleavage after surgery. Too often I see the breasts become widely spaced cones after this surgery because too much tissue was removed from the middle and top. I also contour the shape so it has a natural round curve. Too often I see the breasts extend to the armpits with a rectangular shape and I have had to try to correct this which is very difficult.

The breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and shapes it, the breasts are also lifted and the areola are reshaped and resized. The scar will be anchor shaped – where there is a circle around the areola, a vertical line extending down and then a line in the crease. The more the breasts need to be lifted and the more tissue needs to be removed, the longer the scar.

Because each woman is unique, both physically and in terms of her desired results, it is important that we go over your options. I encourage you to bring pictures of different breast examples to your consultation both ones you like and dislike so we can discuss your aesthetic preferences in detail and I can have a better understanding of what you hope to achieve. I will also ask you other lifestyle questions such as activities and other things that are important to you because multiple aspects of your life will affect implant choice. Based on your anatomy and aesthetic desires and a lot of communication, I will develop a customized plan for you.

Patients should be close to their goal weight before having surgery. For best long term results it is advisable that weight is stable after surgery (without a lot of yo-yoing up and down). As I’ve mentioned before, plastic surgery is not an exact science. Every person has a unique anatomy and their own idea of what their body goals should be. This is why consultations are vital so we can work together to create the best possible plan, customized for your personal needs and goals.

I will do a detailed consultation, take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination and develop a customized plan based on your anatomy as well as your aesthetic goals. I consider age, overall health, emotional well being, as well as expectations for surgery when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Patients who are obese (BMI 30 or greater) or who smoke have a significantly higher risk of wound healing problems. I require patients to have stopped smoking for anywhere from 2 months to a year depending on their smoking history before having surgery. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal medications two weeks before surgery. You will receive a complete list of medications to avoid and detailed instructions before surgery. I consider the preparation before surgery and your understanding of how to take care of yourself critical to having the best possible results so myself and my staff will walk you through each part of the process every step of the way.

For your comfort and safety, breast reduction surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. I believe that every part of the surgical team is essential to having a perfect and smooth surgery so every part of my extended team is focused during surgery, and pays attention to every detail. We will all ensure that as you enter the operating room and are gently placed under anesthesia you will feel relaxed and calm and excited. During the operation we will all be focused on keeping you warm, comfortable, and cared for. During the surgery, I am gentle and respectful and ensure a positive and calm environment around you. I will also place a numbing solution in your breasts so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.

The surgery removes fat and excess breast tissue from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. In your surgery, I actually reshape the breast and contour the skin pocket around it. As part of the breast reduction surgery I also perform a breast. This surgery raises and reduces the size of the areola and makes the position of the nipples more symmetric. Incisions are made around the pigmented nipple-areolar complex and extend vertically below the nipple and in the fold under the breast. It is shaped like an anchor. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired location. The final incision closure is done precisely and meticulously to create the best possible scar. I pay attention to details with every single step of this surgery.

I have developed a special technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. You will feel some soreness in the breast area and there will be swelling. The swelling lasts about a month. You will also have drains placed which are removed after about 1 week. It takes a full 4-6 months for the tissues to sit at their final shape or position. If you do have discomfort, tylenol is usually all that’s needed. You will need to minimize arm movement for about 2 weeks and you will wear a supportive bra for 2 months after surgery. This is something we will measure and provide for you. Most of my patients feel almost back to normal at around 1 week after their breast surgery. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after two week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed in 4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.

Scars take about 12 months to fade. You will start scar treatments around 2 weeks after surgery. I will discuss scar care in detail with you and also provide you with scar medications and products.

Breast reduction surgery produces some of the most dramatic results of all breast plastic surgeries. It improves the physical discomfort of large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned, and clothes fit better. Some of my happiest patients are breast reduction patients. This is personally one of my favorite procedures to perform because it is often life changing for patients.