A breast reduction, also referred to as reduction mammoplasty, is done with an aim to reduce breast size and reshape them so that they are proportionate with the rest of the body. Not only can it drastically improve their appearance, it can also relieve the emotional and physical issues associated with oversized breasts.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for This Procedure?

You may be right for a breast reduction if:

• Your breasts are too large for your body frame and cause back, neck, or shoulder pain.
• Your breasts are so heavy that your areolae point downward.
• Your breasts are asymmetrical.
• You are self-conscious or unhappy with the way your breasts look.
• You have trouble breathing and have painful indentations in your shoulders from bra straps.
• You find it impossible to buy blouses and dresses that fit.

A history of undiagnosed lumps, irregular mammograms, diabetes, severe obesity, healing disorders, clotting disorders, smoking, and circulatory disorders are all signs that you may not be an ideal candidate for the procedure.

How Do You Prepare for the Procedure?

Avoid taking any herbal medications and anti-inflammatory drugs that would increase the chance of bleeding. Stop smoking at least four weeks before the surgery in order to promote better healing. Make sure that you do not consume more than three alcoholic beverages a week.

Stock the fridge with low-sodium, high-protein foods, including fresh fruits, pre-made meals, vegetables, and water. You will need to avoid foods with a high salt content during your recovery.

You will need to sleep on your back in an inclined position following the surgery. Once the swelling goes down, you will be able to go back to sleeping normally.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Make sure that you arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night following the surgery.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The surgery usually takes about three hours and is performed in a surgical center or a hospital. The surgeon will use a marker to indicate the area of your breast skin where the incisions go. These marks are important, as your breasts will change shape once you are lying on the operating table.

The pattern of the incisions will depend on the breast size, the amount of sagging, and the position of the nipple-areolar complex. The surgeon may create microincisions for breasts with too much fatty tissue and then perform liposuction to decrease the breast size.

The surgeon will remove any excess breast skin and glandular tissue with a scalpel based on the size you desire. If the breasts are uneven, then the surgeon will remove more tissue from the bigger breast. He will then reshape the remaining tissue and shift the nipple-areolar complex to a slightly higher position as needed.

The incisions are then closed with sutures that extend all the way from the superficial layer to the deep tissue layer. In many cases, drains are placed in the breasts to carry out any excess fluid.

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Scheduling Your Consultation

Talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Wagner during a consultation to find out more about the numerous benefits of breast reduction surgery. To set up your consultation, contact our office today.