Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery can be a life-changing procedure for women with large breasts. Breast reduction surgery provides relief from physical discomfort, improves quality of life, and boosts self-esteem. Also known as reduction mammoplasty, this surgical procedure removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size of overly large or heavy breasts. Houston board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Berry Fairchild is experienced in breast surgery and dedicated to helping women feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. She works closely with her patients to ensure they feel empowered in every step of their personalized treatment plan.
- Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
- What to Expect from Breast Reduction Surgery
- Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
- How Does Breast Reduction Surgery Work?
- Types of Breast Reduction Procedures
- Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
- Breast Reduction Results
- Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Relief from physical discomfort: Large breasts can cause significant physical discomfort, including neck pain, back pain, skin irritation, and bra strap grooving. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate these symptoms by reducing the weight and size of the breasts.
- Improved quality of life: Women with large breasts may experience difficulties with physical activities, such as exercise and sports, and may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Breast reduction surgery can improve quality of life by enhancing physical abilities and boosting self-confidence.
- Better posture: Women with large, heavy breasts often suffer from poor posture, which can cause additional strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. Breast reduction surgery can improve posture and reduce the risk of chronic pain.
- More proportional figure: Women with breasts that are overly large may feel that their figure is unbalanced, and their breasts can overwhelm their frame. Breast reduction surgery can create a more proportional figure by reducing the size of the breasts to match the body.
- Wider variety of clothing options: Women with large breasts may have difficulty finding clothes that fit well and feel comfortable. Breast reduction surgery can make it easier to find clothes that fit and flatter the body.
- Improved self-esteem and body image: Many women with large breasts feel self-conscious and unhappy with their appearance. Breast reduction surgery can improve self-esteem and body image by creating a more proportionate and balanced figure.
What to Expect from Breast Reduction Surgery
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
If you are considering plastic surgery to reduce your breast size, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Fairchild. In addition to examining your breasts, she will review your medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, and answer any questions you have. If you and Dr. Fairchild decide together that breast reduction surgery is right for you, she will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. She will also advise you on any pre-surgical guidelines.
How Does Breast Reduction Surgery Work?
Breast reduction surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and takes about four hours to complete. During the procedure, Dr. Fairchild will make incisions in the breasts, removing excess tissue, fat, and skin. She will then reshape the breast tissue to create a smaller, firmer breast. The nipple and areola are typically repositioned to a higher location on the breast. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and a surgical bra or bandage is applied to the breasts to help support and protect them during the healing process.
Types of Breast Reduction Procedures
Dr. Fairchild is skilled in a range of breast reduction techniques and she will discuss which surgical technique is right for you prior to your surgery.
The most common incision technique involves making an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. For patients with smaller reductions, Dr. Fairchild may perform a vertical breast reduction with an incision that is commonly known as a “lollipop”—this involves making a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast crease.
Patients may also choose to add liposuction to their breast reduction surgery to improve aesthetic results. In these cases, Dr. Fairchild may use liposuction to remove excess fat and contour the area around the breasts. \
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
After the surgery, patients can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication and rest. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within a week or two, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Fairchild will recommend compression garments to reduce swelling and aid in healing and she will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and results.
Breast Reduction Results
Breast reduction surgery does more than just change breast size. Dr. Fairchild will also take care to improve the shape, projection, and symmetry of your breasts. You can expect a perkier, more youthful, and more proportionate bust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery may be a good option for women who have overly large breasts that cause physical discomfort, as well as those who would like a sleeker and younger-looking appearance. Candidates should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the
Trusted Source
Breast Reduction
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Go to Source
surgery.
Can men get breast reduction surgery?
Yes, breast reduction surgery for men is fairly common and usually performed to correct a condition called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia causes men to develop excess breast tissue and it can be corrected with gynecomastia surgery.
Will insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
Health insurance companies may offer coverage for breast reduction surgery, but approval depends on many factors. Many patients wonder what size breasts qualify for reduction, but each insurance plan has their own criteria so it is important to communicate with your insurance company to determine your coverage.
What are the risks and potential complications of breast reduction surgery?
As with any surgery, there are
Trusted Source
Breast Reduction Surgery
Mayo Clinic
Go to Source
risks
and potential complications associated with breast reduction surgery, including bleeding, infection, scarring, poor wound healing, and changes in nipple sensation. Dr. Fairchild prioritizes patient safety and takes great care to minimize any risk of complications. She will review all potential risks with you prior to surgery.
Will breast reduction surgery affect breastfeeding?
Breast reduction surgery can affect the ability to breastfeed in the future, but the extent of the effect varies from person to person. It’s important to discuss your breastfeeding goals with Dr. Fairchild before the surgery to determine the best approach for your individual situation.
Will breast reduction surgery leave visible scars?
Breast reduction surgery does involve incisions, which will result in some scarring. However, the scars will generally fade over time and can be concealed under clothing or a swimsuit. Dr. Fairchild will place incisions carefully and advise you on skincare to minimize scarring.
Contact Dr. Fairchild
If you are unhappy with the size of your breasts, Dr. Fairchild can use her skill and expertise to improve your breast shape and size, as well as your confidence. Contact us to schedule your consultation appointment.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction. Accessed March 22, 2023
2 Mayo Clinic. Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246. Accessed March 22, 2023