What is a Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction surgery reduces breast size by removing excess skin and tissue, followed by subtle reshaping to achieve a smaller, more balanced bust. Also known as reduction mammoplasty, it is a procedure designed for individuals who seek aesthetic changes or experience physical discomfort due to large and heavy breasts. By reducing the volume and weight of the breasts, the surgery aims to alleviate symptoms such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture problems, while also enhancing self-image and comfort.
How Does a Breast Reduction Work?
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that entails resizing and reshaping the breasts by removing excess tissue, fat, and skin. Typically performed under general anesthesia, this process starts with surgical incisions followed by meticulous sculpting of the breast tissue. The surgeon also adjusts the position of the nipple and areola for a more proportionate appearance. To achieve the desired size, sometimes fat is removed via liposuction. Once the excess is discarded and the breast reshaped, sutures are used to close incisions and promote healing, resulting in a smaller, firmer breast contour.
Benefits of a Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction surgery offers women relief from physical discomfort, including neck, back, and shoulder pain; it reduces bra strap pressure and skin chafing. It promotes increased energy, corrects posture, and achieves a balanced upper-body silhouette. Clothing, sportswear, and swimwear fit more comfortably, enhancing participation in physical activities and boosting self-esteem. The natural-looking outcome of this procedure aims to deliver not just aesthetic improvement, but an overall enhanced quality of life.
Is A Breast Reduction Right For Me?
Breast reduction may be right for you if:
- You’re at relatively normal, stable weight
- Your breast development is complete
- You don’t have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair healing
- You don’t smoke
- You have a positive outlook and specific goals for improving your physical symptoms, breast size and shape
Because significant amounts of breast tissue are removed, breast reduction may impair the ability to breastfeed.
What Results Should I Expect Right After My Breast Reduction?
Once your procedure is complete, dressing or bandages will be applied to your incisions.
A small, thin drain tube may also be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.
Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites.
Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication.
A support bra may be recommended for the first few weeks.
It is important to keep the incision sites clean.
You will be instructed to start light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications.
Any sutures will be removed within 10 days following surgery. You may be ready to return to work and more normal activity at this time, as long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and breast shape and position settles.
Continue to follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
What Results Should I Expect Over Time?
The final results of your breast reduction will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle.
Incision lines are permanent scars, but they will improve over time and can be hidden under normal swimsuits.
Your new breast size should free you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction.
Your better-proportioned figure will likely enhance your self-image and boost your self-confidence.
Breast reduction is considered permanent, although your breasts may continue to change due to weight fluctuations, aging and gravity over time.
To learn if breast reduction is right for you, schedule a consultation today.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a Breast Reduction
Before Breast Reduction surgery, you will have a detailed consultation with Dr. Ye about your goals and any concerns. You’ll learn about the procedure and prepare for surgery by possibly adjusting medications that increase bleeding, like aspirin. Avoid smoking for around 4-6 weeks pre- and post-surgery to ensure your well-being and optimal results.
What to Expect During a Breast ReductionÂ
Breast Reduction surgery in Neenah and Plover generally takes between 2 ½ to 3 hours and is performed under mild general anesthesia. The surgical cut is often in the form of a keyhole or an upside-down T that encircles the areola and may extend along the breast fold. Liposuction may be performed to refine the nearby fatty areas. Additionally, surplus skin is excised to firm and reconfigure the breasts, leading to a smaller size and a lifted rejuvenated breast profile.
What to Expect After a Breast Reduction
After Breast Reduction surgery, you will be discharged with a surgical bra, bandages, and drains to aid healing and minimize swelling. Your surgeon will guide you on incision care, which includes keeping them dry initially, with showering generally advised after 1-2 days. Expect some swelling in the initial weeks; this subsides to reveal the surgery’s full results and surgical scars to fade over several months. Follow-up appointments are essential to oversee recovery.
BREAST REDUCTION
BEFORE & AFTERS
Breast Reduction
Age: 19 | Height: 5’7″ | Weight: 160 lbs
A 19-year-old woman stated her preoperative bra size was 34FF. Â She had multiple symptoms associated with large, heavy breasts. She underwent a reduction mammoplasty with over 600 grams of tissue removed from each breast.
Breast Reduction
Age: 29 | Height: 5’4″ | Weight: 196 lbs
A 29 year old woman with preoperative bra size of 38F. Â Despite a greater than 40# weight loss, she still had significant symptoms associated with large, heavy breasts. Â She underwent reduction mammoplasty with greater than 750 gram reduction on both sides.
Breast Reduction
Age: 25 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 160 lbs
A 25-year-old woman with multiple symptoms associated with a breast size of 34DD-34DDD. Â Underwent resection of 500 grams on her smaller right side and 560 grams on the slightly larger left side.
Breast Reduction
Age: 39 | Height: 5’5″ | Weight: 245 lbs
A 39-year-old woman with a bra size of 38G.  Despite a weight loss of 30#, she had unchanged breasts with multiple symptoms associated with hypermastia. The patient underwent a reduction of approximately 1000 grams of tissue per breast.
Breast Reduction
Age: 30 | Height: 5’7″ | Weight: 200 lbs
A 30-year-old woman with a bra size of 42D-42DD. Â Multiple symptoms are associated with large, heavy breasts. Â Underwent reduction of 560 grams of tissue per breast.
Breast Reduction
Age: 49 | Height: 5’4″ | Weight: 210 lbs
A 49-year-old woman stated the current brassiere size of a 40I.  Complained of neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, grooving, and rashes.  She had months of physical therapy, and months of chiropractic management with little or no improvement.  Took narcotic pain medication for discomfort. Underwent a reduction of 1600 grams on her right side and 1000+ grams on her left side. The patient dramatically improved.
Breast Reduction
Age: 19 | Height: 5’2″ | Weight: 125 lbs
This 19-year-old woman was experiencing multiple symptoms associated with hypermastia. At six months she is extremely pleased with her postoperative results and has noticed a dramatic reduction in her preoperative symptoms of neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain. She is able to participate in all activities with no obstruction or discomfort from her large breast size.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How should one prepare for Breast Reduction surgery?
To prepare for Breast Reduction surgery:Â
- Have a blood test done as part of your pre-operative assessment.Â
- Stop taking certain medicines under your doctor’s directions.Â
- Cease smoking well in advance of the procedure to promote better healing.Â
- Refrain from taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs that could lead to increased bleeding during surgery.Â
Adhering to these preparatory measures will help ensure a smoother surgical experience and optimal recovery.Â
Will the sensation of your breasts be altered after Breast Reduction surgery?
Post-surgery, the sensitivity of your breasts may remain unchanged, decrease (numbness), or even increase. Certain reduction techniques can help maintain sensation in the nipple area more effectively for different patients. Â
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction surgery carries risks including swelling, bruising manageable with NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and potential temporary or long-term loss of sensation. It may affect breastfeeding ability and leave scars that fade over time. Additionally, risks include anesthesia side effects, infection, and bleeding. Â
Will there be visible scars after Breast Reduction Surgery?
While incision lines resulting from breast reduction surgery will remain, they generally improve with time and may be effortlessly concealed beneath standard swimwear. These scars tend to fade gradually. However, the final appearance of these scars can vary due to several factors including your genetic background and exposure to nicotine.Â
Is there any discomfort during or after Breast Reduction treatment?
Breast Reduction surgery is performed with sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring you are pain-free during the procedure. Afterward, moderate pain is common but manageable with medications. It’s vital to rest, eat well, and stay hydrated. Activities like short walks are possible after a week but avoid straining and sleep on your back. Bruising and swelling will subside within three months, and you will feel more comfortable resuming various activities. During recovery, it’s normal to experience occasional numbness or mild intermittent chest pains ‘zings’, which are typically temporary and should diminish after a few months.Â