Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Large breasts can cause pain, improper posture, rashes, breathing problems, skeletal deformities, and low self-esteem. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is usually done to provide relief from these symptoms. This procedure removes fat and glandular tissue and tightens skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts that are in a healthier proportion to the rest of the body.

Women with large, heavy breasts may suffer physical pain from the weight of their breasts and may experience social discomfort due to unwanted attention to their breast size. Because of this, many women turn to breast reduction as a remedy.

Large, heavy breasts can also cause strain on a woman's body. Problems with posture, skeletal deformities, back and neck pain, skin irritations and breathing difficulties are common with this condition. Bra straps often leave indentations in the shoulder area.  Breast reduction surgery can help a woman correct her posture and remove strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, reducing overall pain.

In addition to seeking relief from the pain caused by heavy breasts, many women seek breast reduction surgery because they are uncomfortable with the unwanted attention that their breast size draws. This unwanted attention may cause a woman to become uncomfortable with her appearance. Breast reduction surgery can help a woman regain her self-confidence and positive self-image, as well as provide the motivation to participate in a wide range of physical and social activities.

Dr. Lalla is a board certified plastic surgeon who can safely and effectively perform your breast reduction surgery.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery is performed at the hospital as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes 3 hours and is almost always performed under general anesthesia.

In breast reduction surgery, excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts is removed to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The areola is often made smaller to match the smaller overall size of the breasts. The nipple and areola are lifted to a higher, more youthful position on the breasts.  Breast reduction surgery not only reduces the size of the breasts but also  lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. It often improves posture and relieves pain from breasts that are too heavy for your frame. If your breasts are different sizes, breast reduction plastic surgery can be used to create a more balanced appearance.

After surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. The bandages will be removed within 2 days after surgery. You must then wear a surgical bra for several weeks until the normal bruising and swelling subside. Most of the swelling disappears in the first few weeks. Some patients report feeling sore for a week or more after surgery.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?

Women with large, disproportionate breasts who experience pain, discomfort, and embarrassment due to their breast size may be good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Ideal candidates for breast reduction are women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Although the procedure is generally recommended for mature women with fully developed breasts, breast reduction surgery can be performed on younger women if their breasts are causing serious pain and physical discomfort.

When can I expect to return to work and resume my normal daily activities?

After breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks, depending on your job. Many patients can resume most of their normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, within a few weeks as well. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but these feelings are normal.

Will my insurance cover the breast reduction procedure?

Breast reduction may be covered by medical insurance if the purpose of the breast reduction surgery is to alleviate physical discomfort and pain caused by oversized breasts. Many factors determine your eligibility, including the specific terms of your insurance policy and the amount of breast tissue to be removed.

How long will the results of breast reduction surgery last?

After breast reduction surgery, breasts will remain smaller than they would be if the procedure had never been performed. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your breast size should remain fairly constant.

Will there be scarring?

Breast reduction surgery will produce anchor-like scars that extend around the nipple, down the middle of the breast, and under the breast. Avoiding breast reduction surgery because of possible scarring is ill-advised, since the benefits of a breast reduction usually outweigh the appearance of scars. Scars from breast reduction also tend to fade over time and can usually be hidden under bras, bathing suits, or a low cut top.

Those interested in Breast Reduction should find a plastic surgeon they can trust. From the initial consultation through post-surgical recovery, Dr. Lalla emphasizes an honest doctor-patient relationship that allows his patients to remain well informed of their surgical options.

To learn more about the benefits of a Breast Reduction and schedule a consultation please contact us today : (609)584-8898