Breast Reduction

 

Oversized breasts can cause a variety of problems for women, both physical and emotional.  Whether it is difficult finding clothing that fits or pain and limited movement, many women with uncomfortably large breasts choose Breast Reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, to minimize the size of their breasts.  Overly large breasts can have a significantly negative effect on the body.  Both the weight of the breast and the shape of the breast play a role.  Most commonly, patients will complain of chronic neck pain, tension headaches, back pain, discomfort wearing a bra, having to constantly readjust their bra, strap marks from their bra, and irritation in the skin under their breasts.  Some patients may even complain of tingling or numbness in their fingers.

 

It is also important that patients understand the procedure fully before committing to a Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty.  While the risks are quite minimal, and the positive effects of the breast reduction can be dramatic, breast reduction procedures do result in some scarring, and may result in an inability to breastfeed following the procedure.  Dr. Brill will discuss this in detail at your consultation, as well as any other risks involved.

 

This surgical procedure can affect your self-esteem, your physical condition, and your comfort.  Reducing the volume and weight of the breast while simultaneously lifting and reshaping the breast can have a significant effect on a physical complaint and will also dramatically transform the patient’s appearance.  Breast Reduction surgery will not eliminate all symptoms in all patients, but in many patients whose physical complaints are caused by the large size and shape of their breasts, the surgery has a very pleasing outcome.

 

 

Consultation:

At the initial visit, Dr. Brill will ask you to describe in detail what you would like improved.  Be specific about what you would like done.  If he fully understands your expectations, he'll be able to determine whether your goals are realistic.  Dr. Brill will examine your breasts and talk to you about what size you want your breasts to be, your history will be reviewed, and the options for surgery and a plan for going forward will be discussed.  Also, during your breast reduction consultation at our Gainesville practice, we will show you a variety of examples of other patients’ results.  Dr. Brill will use the mirror to demonstrate a moderate degree of improvement and the probable location of incisions.  You will also be given specific instructions about surgical preparation and your recovery.

 

To achieve and maintain the best results from this procedure, it is best to postpone it until after any future pregnancies you may be planning, even though there are no hindrances to breast feeding.

 

A Good Candidate:

Wants to elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.

 

Wants to bring back natural suppleness.

 

Has good skin tone and elasticity.

 

Women that have excessively dense breast tissue (often signifies more glandular tissue than fat).

 

Women that have excessively large breasts (liposuction normally only provides a 30-50% reduction in size).

 

Women before menopause (during menopause fat replaces glandular tissue).

 

Has realistic expectations and is emotionally stable.

 

Understands the risks and benefits of surgery.

 

Procedure Details / Expectations:

The procedures are done on an outpatient basis.

 

Local anesthesia is usually used for safety and comfort.

 

The procedure reduces, lifts and reshapes the breasts.  It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Many women seek breast reduction to alleviate painful discomfort and other conditions (back pain, shoulder pressure, rashes, skin tags, etc.) as well as to improve the appearance of their breasts.

 

In the picture below the outlined areas show where skin, breast tissue, and fat are typically removed and how the areola and nipple are repositioned. The arrows show how skin formerly above the nipple is brought down and sutured together to reshape the breast. After surgery, scars will appear around the areola and in the crease under the breast.

 

In some cases, the nipple and areola are transferred as a skin graft to their new position. This is only done when absolutely necessary, since nipple sensation is almost completely lost. Drains are then placed on the sides of the breasts to drain blood and excess fluid. The drains are not removed for 1-2 days. The incisions are then sutured closed and taped.

 

After a short stay in our Surgery Center recovery area you’ll return home.  Medications are given for post-operative pain.  Plan light activities at home the first few days, then typically resume most activities in about a week.  You will have several office follow-up visits to ensure the recovery process is going smoothly.  Risks will be discussed and given to you in written form prior to surgery.  We’ll give you a soft bra to wear for a few weeks before you shop for new ones. Early over-correction will decrease.  The improvement is significant, but the results will change with age and gravity.

 

 

Recovery:

In your recovery after the Breast Lift/Mastopexy surgery, you can expect the breasts to be swollen and sore due to bruising caused by the removal of skin and repositioning of the surrounding tissue.  You will wear bandages or a surgical bra for a few days, after which a soft support bra should be worn for three or four weeks around the clock.  Stitches are normally removed a week or two after surgery.  The pain from breast lift surgery will not be severe, and any discomfort can be relieved by prescription medications.  If the breast skin becomes dry, a moisturizer can be applied taking care to avoid the incision areas.  Swollen breasts after surgery may result in some temporary loss of feeling in the nipples, but will fade along with the swelling over the next few months.  Most patients can return to work within a week or so, but instructions from Dr. Brill will be given before normal activities are allowed.

 

Once your stitches are removed, usually in one or two weeks, you should be able to return to work, depending on the demands of your job.  Be sure to limit your physical activity-you may feel diminished sensitivity or no feeling at all in your breasts and nipples, but sensation should return after several weeks.

 

Surgical scars are usually minimal and are permanent.  To keep scar tissue soft and minimize their appearance, massage them and keep them out of the sun.  Massage them with scar minimizing/reduction creams.

 

For Faster Recovery:

Drink adequate amounts of liquids to prevent dehydration.

 

Avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before and after surgery.

 

Wear compression garments as suggested to prevent slow healing and excessive drainage.

 

Do NOT soak in a bath, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, or the ocean for at least 7 days after surgery in order to minimize the risk of infection.

 

Reduce your risk of fainting at home by: standing up slowly after urinating, remove compression garments slowly, have assistance for your first shower and sit down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

 

Do not shower or bathe until the drains are removed.

 

Wear loose clothing-NO underwire Bras.

 

Drink plenty of water and be sure to get adequate nutrition.

 

Cost / Insurance:

 

Approximate Cost Range: $4,000-$8,000

 

** This is only an Average. Fees vary according to patient needs.**

 

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance.  The patient is responsible for payment.  In some cases, a Breast Reduction may be covered by health insurance, if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.  In such cases, it is important to establish the necessity of the procedure before scheduling an appointment, so that coverage can be established before the procedure, and any requirements for the Breast Reduction procedure can be taken into account when customizing your surgical procedure.

 

 

Risks / Complications:

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation.  All surgical procedures have some degree of risk.  Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.  Risks common to all surgical procedures such as bleeding, fluid collections, infection and scar tissue formation occur in a very small percentage of cases.  We will give you more detailed information about these and other rare risks in our written information, and encourage you to discuss any which concern you during your consultation.

 

 

Notes:

The scars extend around the nipple, vertically down from the nipple and under the breast and will fade in time but they tend to be wide scars and are still visible. You are at increased risk for complications from surgery if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc. You will want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with Dr. Brill before you choose to undergo surgery.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The information on plastic surgeon Dr. Roger T Brill’s website is not to be taken as medical advice. The content on these pages have been created only to provide information about plastic surgery procedures available at the Surgery Center of North Florida.  The information contained herein is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or other healthcare professionals.  We strongly recommend that prospective patients independently confirm all qualifications and expertise of the selected surgeon by contacting the medical boards and surgical societies to which they belong. View our Disclaimer Page and Privacy Policy.