Breast reduction surgery is one of the top five reconstructive procedures in the U.S. according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can have a dramatic effect on the lives of women who are embarrassed by the large size of their breasts as well as those who have physical discomfort because of them.
Like many plastic surgery options, the specific technique selected for breast reduction will depend on individual factors, but the most common method involves making incisions, and removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin through them. While it is impossible to perform a breast reduction safely without any residual scarring, at our office we are careful to help minimize scarring by making the smallest incisions possible and removing the majority of excess breast fat through liposuction.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:
- Your breasts are too large in proportion to your body frame
- You have back, neck or should pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- One breast is larger than the other
- You are embarrassed by the size of your breasts, and the attention they get
- Your breast size restricts your ability to perform certain physical tasks and/or exercise
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, the first step is a detailed consultation. At our office, we will ask about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to be improved. We evaluate by taking measurements as well as photographs. The size and shape of our breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas are carefully evaluated before we determine the exact surgical procedure that will be used.
Breast reduction can be performed at any age but I usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast feeding can also have significant effects on the size and shape of breasts, so that is also something I routinely discuss with patients who may want to undergo the procedure before having children. If someone also plans on losing a significant amount of weight, I may recommend putting off breast reduction surgery until that weight goal is achieved since breasts sometimes become smaller with weight loss.