What is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and reshape the breasts. It involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more proportionate and balanced appearance.
The surgery is often performed on when looking to alleviate physical discomfort caused by large breasts, such as back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, and skin irritation. The procedure typically requires general anesthesia and involves incisions, followed by reshaping and repositioning of the breast tissue.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Overly large breasts can impair activities and cause physical and emotional problems. Breast reduction surgery is performed to relieve physical pain and discomfort and to improve a woman’s self-image. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if:
- You are bothered by having breasts that are too large.
- Your breast size limits your physical activities.
- You have bra strap indentations in your shoulders.
- You suffer with back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts.
- You have a rash or skin irritation beneath the breast crease.
Reasons to Have Breast Reduction Surgery
Full breasts can add to a woman’s feminine allure, but many women with overly large breasts agree that, in this case, less is more. Although the decision to have breast reduction surgery is individual and highly personal, there are a number of common reasons why women elect to have this procedure:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain from the weight of heavy breasts
- Shoulder grooves from heavy breasts pulling against bra straps
- Poor posture caused by hunching over from the weight of the breasts
- Unwanted comments and attention from the opposite sex
- Breasts that sag because of their weight
- Unattractive, ill-fitting bras
- Limited clothing choices
- Discomfort during exercise
- Skin discoloration and irritation under the breasts
- Self-consciousness from having overly large breasts
Aesthetic Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
In addition to alleviating physical pain and discomfort and removing limitations on your activities, breast reduction surgery can have dramatic aesthetic benefits. After the procedure, the breasts are smaller, firmer, lighter, and lifted for a more youthful appearance. The silhouette is more balanced and attractive with breasts now in balanced proportion with the body.
Bras are prettier, better fitting, and more comfortable, and you can now wear form-fitting clothes and make fashion choices to further boost your self-confidence.
At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina, we are dedicated to surgical excellence and well known for the quality of our work. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, our professional, personable plastic surgeons will be happy to discuss your options and explain the procedures in a warm and comfortable environment.
Recovery and Care
Immediately following your surgery, the first step is to relax in our recovery room, overseen by our licensed registered nurse. You can remain there until you are fully awake, at which point you will be released to go home. Transportation should be arranged beforehand, as you will not be permitted to drive for 24 hours following the surgery.
While we recommend waiting a full week before returning to work, some patients are able to do it in 5 or 6 days, provided the work does not require physical strain. Normal bras and bikini tops may be worn once two weeks have passed. Exercise and any sort of strenuous activity are prohibited for the first five days following surgery. Light exercise may be resumed at this point, but more vigorous physical activity should not take place until three weeks since surgery.
Your relationship with our office is not over once the procedure is complete. For the weeks and months following the surgery, we are at your disposal—you are more than welcome to call whenever you like with any questions or concerns. Additionally, there will be several follow up appointments with your surgeon to check on the healing process. This will include information regarding breast health, including self-examination, exercise, sleeping habits and any future need for imaging or mammography.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction
Will there be visible scars after a breast reduction?
Yes, there will be visible scars after a breast reduction, but over time they usually fade and become less noticeable.
Will a breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?
Breast reduction surgery can potentially impact the ability to breastfeed, as it depends on the surgical technique and amount of tissue removed. It's important to discuss your desire for future breastfeeding with your surgeon.
Will I lose nipple sensation after a breast reduction?
Nipple sensation can be temporarily affected after a breast reduction, but complete loss of sensation is rare. Sensation typically improves over time as the body heals.
How long do the results of a breast reduction last?
The results of a breast reduction are generally long-lasting, but factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging can impact the shape and size of the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable weight and following post-operative instructions can help preserve the results for as long as possible.
