Breast Reduction
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I had breast reduction surgery and it has changed my life! So happy with the results! Thank you Dr Dower
Benefits of a Breast Reduction
Dr Dower personalizes the breast reduction procedure to fulfill each patient’s respective goals for surgery. After an open discussion of your unique needs and concerns, he will develop a treatment plan to achieve your ideal aesthetic outcome using the safest and most effective techniques possible. Depending on your customized treatment plan, women who undergo breast reduction are typically able to:
- Obtain a breast size more proportionate to their build and body stature
- Alleviate the physical symptoms caused by large and heavy breasts
- Achieve a rejuvenated and lifted breast shape
- Reposition their nipples and areolas
- Reduce the size of their areolas, if necessary
Real Patient Results
About the Breast Reduction Procedure
The breast reduction procedure is designed to reduce the breasts and subsequently reshape and lift remaining breast tissue. The most effective incision technique to achieve your aesthetic ideal is chosen based on your individual breast composition, the amount of reduction desired, and your unique cosmetic goals. The incision types utilized in breast reduction include:
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision pattern encircles the dark-pigmented skin around the nipple. This discreet placement along the borders of the areola usually allows residual scarring to heal very well. This technique is often ideal for women with a small degree of breast sag (ptosis).
Vertical or “Keyhole-Shaped” Incision
Like the periareolar incision, the vertical incision is placed encircling the areola. An additional incision is made from the areola to the breast crease (or inframammary fold), forming a keyhole pattern. This approach is utilized most commonly, and is typically effective for women with a moderate amount of excess breast tissue and mild breast sag.
Inverted “T” or “Anchor-Shaped” Incision
The final incision pattern encircles the areola, extends to the breast crease and continues horizontally along the breast crease to create an inverted “T” or anchor shape. Considered a full breast reduction, this technique is employed when the breasts have a large amount of excess skin and breast tissue, or in cases of severe breast sag. The pattern allows for the greatest amount of reduction necessary and accommodates the removal of a large degree of excess skin.
Breast Reduction Using Liposuction
In certain cases, liposuction may be utilized as an adjunctive technique to reduce excess fatty tissue in the breast. When a patient’s large breast size is primarily a result of fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be enough to achieve the desired final outcome. This is only effective if there is little to no breast sag and excess skin is not a concern. Some cases of gynecomastia treatment, or male breast reduction, can also be corrected using solely liposuction.
Once the most optimal incision is determined, Dr Dower can remove excess breast tissue, skin and fat to decrease the breast size. After the desired amount of reduction is achieved, the breasts are recontoured to a rounder and more symmetrical shape. Depending on your needs, the nipples and areolas are repositioned to a more central location on the breast mound and resized, if necessary. The remaining breast skin is tightened to form the new breast shape, and incisions are then closed. Breast reduction can be an outpatient procedure, but an overnight stay may be necessary for some circumstances. Ultimately, Dr Dower will make you fully aware of every step of the treatment process prior to undergoing surgery.
Recovery after a Breast Reduction
Following surgery, patients may temporarily wear an elastic garment or surgical bra to minimize swelling and encourage proper healing. Some degree of swelling and bruising is normal after the procedure, but these effects should continue to dissipate as recovery progresses. Any discomfort can usually be managed well with over-the-counter pain medication. While patients should spend the day after the operation resting, normal activities can typically be resumed within a few days. Strenuous activity and aerobic exercise should be avoided for three to four weeks, or until such activities are cleared by Dr Dower. Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided at the time of surgery.
Due to Dr Dower’s careful surgical technique, patients usually report high levels of satisfaction after breast reduction. The procedure generally allows women to obtain a breast size that complements, rather than dominates, their individual body proportions.
Results of a Breast Reduction
Aesthetically, the breasts should be lighter and more comfortable on the body for a natural-looking final outcome and rejuvenated overall appearance. Positive effects to a patient’s general health may also be experienced, as the newer breast size should diminish any physical symptoms previously caused by large breasts and allow for easier mobility.
To learn more about breast reduction surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr Dower, please contact our practice today.
