breast reduction
Although breast reduction is often performed to address medical issues, patients who do not have the symptoms of macromastia but are unhappy with the size of their breasts can still pursue breast reduction as an aesthetic procedure.
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by excessive weight–from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders, and unusually large breasts can make a woman or a teenage girl feel extremely self-conscious. Breast Reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.
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Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Patients with overly large breasts who are bothered by their breast size are typically good candidates for breast reductions. Those who struggle with exercise due to the size of their breasts, experience back, neck, and shoulder pain, are nonsmokers, have realistic expectations, and suffer from skin irritation or indentations from bras are also ideal candidates for this life-changing procedure.
Before and After Breast Reduction Photos
Take a look at the before and after pictures below to see how Dr. Atalla can change your life with a breast reduction.
Benefits of a Breast Reduction
Some of the benefits of a breast reduction include the following:
- Boost in confidence
- Easier to shop for clothes
- Less neck, back, and shoulder pain
- No bra indentations or skin irritation
- Exercise becomes easier
- Easier to breathe
Types of Breast Reduction Incisions
There are two different incisions used for breast reduction: a lollipop or vertical incision and an anchor incision. Which one is right for you depends on the amount of excess breast tissue being removed.
Vertical (Lollipop) Incision
A lollipop incision is a surgical technique for breast reduction that involves making a circular incision around the areola and then another incision from the areola to the breast crease. This allows for minimal scarring and is usually done for patients looking to remove a moderate amount of breast tissue.
Anchor Incision
An anchor incision involves three different incisions: one around the areola, one from the areola to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. This incision gives Dr. Atalla more access to the breast tissue and allows for the removal of more tissue. If you’re looking for a significant reduction, this is the technique that will likely be used.
What to Expect During a Breast Reduction Consultation
When you come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Atalla will review your medical history, ask about your goals, perform an exam, and address any questions and concerns you have. From there, he’ll build a customized treatment plan that is perfect for you. At this stage, you’ll also be able to schedule your surgery date.
Preparing for Breast Reduction
Prior to your breast reduction, you’ll want to stop smoking if you’re a smoker, avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, avoid alcohol, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your procedure, and prepare a recovery area for after your procedure.
About the Breast Reduction Procedure
Your breast reduction procedure will start with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable. From there, Dr. Atalla will make the appropriate incisions and remove the excess breast tissue. He’ll then reshape the breasts, reposition the areola and nipple if necessary, and close the incisions,
Combination Procedures
A breast reduction can be combined with other procedures for a full transformation. Some of the procedures combined with a breast reduction include a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Breast Lift
A breast lift is often combined with a breast reduction to ensure that after reducing the breast tissue, the breasts are still in an uplifted, youthful position. The incisions used in a breast reduction are often used in a breast lift too, so it makes for a perfect combination. You can enjoy smaller, lifted, and younger-looking breasts.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can also be combined with a breast reduction. This procedure removes excess skin and fat and tightens and strengthens the abdominal muscles, giving you a flat and toned stomach along with your rejuvenated breasts.
Liposuction
Liposuction is also a perfect procedure to combine with breast reduction. With liposuction, Dr. Atalla will remove excess fat from the back, tights, hips, arms, buttocks, and other areas of the body for a slimmer physique.
Breast Reduction Recovery
After your breast reduction, you’ll have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the surgical site. These side effects are temporary but will need several weeks to dissipate. We’ll prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort. You’ll want to rest as much as possible during this time and take at least 1-2 weeks off work. You’ll also need to attend all your follow-up appointments to ensure you’re healing properly. Dr. Atalla will also remove your bandages when necessary.
All strenuous activities will need to be avoided for at least a month. You’ll also be required to wear a compression garment for four more weeks to ease swelling and support the healing process.
Final Results of a Breast Reduction
As for results, it can take up to 6 months to see your final results. At that stage, the swelling will have gone down, and any bruising will have subsided. At this stage, you will also be able to go back to most of your normal activities.
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VIEW BREAST REDUCTION BEFORE + AFTERS
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