BREAST REDUCTION

Women with excessively large or pendulous breasts may often be very uncomfortable and self-conscious. Large breasts may be associate with a variety of medical problems including neck and shoulder pain, abnormal posture, moisture and skin irritation beneath the breasts, and breathing abnormalities. Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excessive breast and glandular tissue, trim away the extra skin, and recontour the breasts into a smaller, firmer shape and better proportion to the rest of the body. While breast reduction may be performed post-puberty (if the large breasts are causing serious physical problems), it usually is not performed until the woman's breasts are fully mature. Although a portion of the gland and all of the milk ducts are kept anatomically intact, breast reduction could substantially reduce the amount of milk production post pregnancy.

Before

After

PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY:
Small breast reductions may be performed under "twilight" sedation (you are totally unconscious) administered by a Board certified anesthesiologist at our state of the art AAAASF outpatient facility - The Aesthetic Surgery Center. Larger breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia at the hospital. Stitches are in a circular pattern surrounding the areola (dark skin around the nipple) and extend in an anchor pattern over the lower pole of the breast and in the crease below the breast.

A pre-fit elastic bra is worn for two to three weeks post surgery to provide support and reduce swelling and bruising. It is replaced by a soft bra of choice for an additional two to three weeks for comfort. Most patients return to work about two weeks after surgery. More strenuous activity can be resumed at three to four weeks (depending on the size and the extent of the surgery). Nipple numbness may last for several days after the surgery. This generally fades over the next several weeks, though in rare patients it may be permanent.

Patient satisfaction is very high following breast reduction surgery. Although the breasts will continue to sag with gravity, weight gain or loss, or further pregnancies, the improvement in shape and appearance and the reduction of the physical discomfort of the large breasts is well worth it!

For more detailed information regarding procedures / recovery / expectations / limitations / risks / potential complications, write or e-mail Dr. Rose.

PRE AND POSTOPERATIVE PHOTOS SELECTED FROM PATIENTS WHO HAVE GIVEN US PERMISSION FOR USAGE OR WHO ARE OTHERWISE UNIDENTIFIABLE. These photos do not warranty surgical outcome or results. A more complete photo gallery is available at consultation with Dr. Rose.