What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the size and weight of naturally large breasts or large breasts that develop after pregnancy, weight gain, or age.
The surgery involves removing excess fat, breast tissue, and skin and reshaping the breasts to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Following breast reduction, you can expect the following:
- Smaller, lighter breasts
- Alleviation of physical discomforts, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Reduction in skin rashes beneath and in between the breasts
- Improved self-esteem and body image
- Increased comfort when participating in physical activities, like sports
- More proportional breasts that WOW!
What Are My Breast Reduction Options?
The right breast reduction technique will depend on the current size of your breasts, your cosmetic desires, and your anatomy.
A donut, periareolar, or Benelli breast reduction is chosen by women who desire a slight reduction. This technique does not allow for significant size decreases or substantial lifts. Because of this, donut breast reductions are relatively uncommon; however, they are appropriate for some women.
Here, two concentric incisions are made around the areola to remove and tighten tissues.
A lollipop breast reduction allows for a more significant reduction than the donut technique; however, it does not allow for the same extent of tissue and fat removal as the anchor reduction. Women who qualify for this technique can achieve a moderate reduction in size.
Here, the incision runs around the areola and vertically down the lower pole of the breast — from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.
The most common breast reduction technique involves an anchor (inverted-T) incision. This allows for the most significant amount of tissue removal.
Here, an incision is made around the areola, vertically down the lower pole of the breast, and across the inframammary fold.
Liposuction of the breast can be performed for women whose large breasts consist primarily of excess fat. This technique can remove fat cells from each breast; however, it cannot remove or significantly tighten loose or weak skin.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
During your consultation at WOW Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Patel will evaluate your unique situation and determine if breast reduction is right for you.
Ideal candidates for breast reduction:
- Have fully developed breasts.
- Experience physical discomfort due to the size and weight of your breasts.
- Feel self-conscious about the appearance of their breasts.
- Be healthy and free of conditions that may negatively affect recovery.
- Do not anticipate any significant weight loss. Losing additional weight may result in additional breast sagging.
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit. Nicotine use increases risks during and after the surgery.
- Not be taking blood-thinning medications or supplements.
- Have realistic expectations and accept that the procedure’s results will be unique.
Dr. Prem Patel performs breast reduction surgery at WOW Cosmetic Surgery with great care and attention to detail. The process typically begins with a consultation, during which Dr. Patel will evaluate your unique situation, discuss your goals and expectations, and explain the procedure in detail. He will also take the time to answer any questions and ensure that you feel fully informed and comfortable with the procedure.
How Is Breast Reduction Performed?
Your breast reduction is performed on an outpatient basis, and you can return home shortly after your surgery. This surgery often takes three hours to complete.
While breast reduction is customized to you, you can anticipate the following:
- You will meet with Dr. Patel preoperatively to review the details of your procedure.
- General anesthesia will be administered for your safety and comfort.
- Pre-marked incisions are made that follow the necessary pattern based on the reduction technique best suited to your needs.
- Dr. Patel will remove excess fat and glandular tissue using a variety of excision techniques.
- The internal breast tissues are lifted and secured.
- Stretched, thin skin is trimmed along the incisions’ edges.
- The nipple-areola complex (NAC) is resized and repositioned to a more central area.
- Sutures and skin adhesives are used to close the incisions.
- Dressings are placed around the breasts to protect the incisions and aid healing.
What Is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?
Our team at WOW Cosmetic Surgery will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. You can expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the chest area that can be alleviated with pain medication and ice packs. During this time, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities, including lifting heavy objects.
Many women can return back to work relatively soon. You should be able to resume most activity in four to six weeks; however, you may be instructed to wear your compression bra for longer. Dr. Patel will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure proper healing. The incisions and scars will continue to mature and improve even up to a year.
What Results Can I Expect From Breast Reduction?
Women who undergo breast reduction surgery can expect a range of physical and emotional benefits, including improved physical comfort and self-esteem, natural-looking results, better clothing fit, and a more proportionate figure.
By listening to each patient’s goals and concerns, Dr. Patel creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Why Should I Choose WOW Cosmetic Surgery for My Breast Reduction?
Dr. Prem Patel is the founder and medical director of WOW Cosmetic Surgery. He is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon who provides exceptional care and expertise in breast reduction, ensuring that each patient achieves natural-looking, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing results.
Breast Reduction FAQs
The cost of breast reduction varies depending on the extent of the procedure, the techniques used, and any surgical procedures being performed simultaneously. You will also have additional fees, such as anesthesia and facility fees. We do not bill medical insurance and thus the procedure is fee-for-service. Financing options are available.
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The WOW Cosmetic Surgery team prioritizes patient comfort during and after your surgery and will take all necessary measures to minimize pain and ensure a smooth recovery.
Women of all ages undergo breast reduction. While some young women develop overly large breasts in their teen years, others do not experience a substantial increase in size until after they’ve had children or experienced significant weight gain. Because of this, there is no “ideal” age for breast reduction. The only stipulation is that a young woman’s breasts should be fully developed before she chooses reduction.
In theory, breast reduction only removes unwanted glandular tissue and fat; it does not tighten the remaining tissues or elevate the breast. Because most women with large breasts also experience sagging, a breast lift is nearly always combined with a reduction. A breast lift uses the same incisions, providing more youthful, perkier breasts.
Some women combine their breast reduction with body contouring procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. Depending on the anticipated extent and length of these combined procedures, you may need to undergo a staged approach for your safety. If procedures need to be staged, you will only pay the facility fee once.
A breast reduction before pregnancy will not affect your pregnancy in any way; however, pregnancy will likely impact your breast reduction results.
While some women can breastfeed without complications after breast reduction, this surgery often complicates the process. Because breast reduction requires incisions around the areola through which excess tissue and fat are removed, the milk ducts are often damaged, resulting in an inability or reduced ability to breastfeed.
Breast reduction offers long-lasting results that can be permanent when a stable weight is maintained. It is important to remember that this surgery does not stop the natural aging process and cannot rival gravity. Over time, your breasts will sag, even if your weight remains stable. Additionally, future pregnancies may impact the quality of your results.
Interested in Breast Reduction in Dallas, TX?
If you are interested in breast reduction surgery in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, schedule a consultation at WOW Cosmetic Surgery. As a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Patel has the expertise and experience in performing breast, body, and facial surgery to deliver natural-looking results that enhance your quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards a more confident and comfortable you. Call us at (833) DR WOW MD or fill out our online contact form.