Breast Reduction
REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY
Overview
Breast reduction surgery entails the removal of skin and tissue from the breast, followed by reshaping and elevating the remaining breast tissue and the nipple/areola to create a smaller, more proportionate bust size.
Breast Reduction Benefits
- Reduced back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Easier to exercise and shop for clothing
- Reduction of skin rashes beneath the breasts
- Improved self-confidence
Consultation
- During your reduction mammaplasty consultation, Dr. Cho will assess your current medical history (including medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take), alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- She will also ask about family history of breast cancer, previous mammograms, and if you’ve had any breast biopsies
- Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas, and examine your breasts for any masses or lesions
- Take photographs
- Discuss your goals and limitations of the surgery
- For insurance coverage of this procedure, a certain amount of breast tissue has to be removed
- For some patients the best option may be to remove the nipple areolar complex and replace this in the appropriate position as a skin graft (this would result in losing nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed in the future, and the nipple areolar complex may also not be as pigmented)
- Discuss risks or potential complications
Pre- and Post-Op Care
- Do not take any blood thinning medications for 1 week before surgery, including aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen/motrin, naproxen (also, avoid any herbal supplements or vitamins which can prolong bleeding)
- Do not smoke, vape, or take nicotine-containing products before or after your surgery as they can impair the healing process
- You will typically be allowed to sponge bathe, but do not shower until cleared by Dr. Cho
- Wear your surgical bra at all times if possible
- Take medications as directed
- Avoid heavy lifting as directed by your surgeon
- Come to all postoperative visits as scheduled
Recovery
- 4-6 weeks
- You will be placed in a surgical bra provided for you and will need to wear a soft supportive bra for up to 3 months
- A support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal
- You will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical sites after surgery, and how to take the prescribed medications to reduce pain and risks of infection
- It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing
- To help avoid postoperative complications and facilitate healing, you will not be able to lift more than 15 lbs or do any strenuous activities, particularly if it involves pushing or pulling, for a few weeks
Ideal Candidate
- You are a nonsmoker, physically healthy with a stable weight, and you aren't pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have fully developed breasts
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
- Have difficulty with exercising due to the large size of breasts
- Have neck, shoulder, and/or back pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Have difficulty shopping for clothes due to the size of your breasts
- Have skin irritation, rashes, or infections beneath the breasts
FAQs
Some patients meet criteria for insurance coverage if the size of the breasts cause functional impairment and affects quality of life. Your surgeon will evaluate the weight of your excess volume and come up with an estimate of how much weight in grams can be removed while maintaining your proportions and allow for safe healing postoperatively. Dr. Cho has done hundreds of these procedures and will assess whether you would qualify for insurance coverage.
At least three months of documented rashes or irritations that have not responded to prescription strength creams or powders. And/or at least three months of physical therapy for neck, shoulder, or back pain.
Yes, you will be able to breast feed in the future. You may need to supplement with formula if you can't produce enough milk. If you require a free nipple graft type of breast reduction, then you will not be able to breast feed.
Yes, it's possible to have changes in sensation to the nipple after breast reduction surgery. You can have temporary diminished sensation, loss of sensation, and temporary hypersensitivity.
Your plastic surgeon should be able to estimate in grams how much breast tissue will be removed. Because cup size is variable between age groups, density of breast tissue, and body habitus, it's difficult to promise an exact cup size. It is important to consult with an experienced surgeon who can guide you through this process.
Yes, they can grow if there are fluctuations in your weight from post-pregnancy, genetic predispositions and/or menopause.
Yes, a breast lift is always a part of breast reduction surgery.
The most common scar pattern is the anchor pattern. The scar is around the areola, vertically down the breast, and across the fold of the breast.
Patient Review
I recently underwent breast reduction surgery and a mini tummy tuck, and the results have been nothing short of life-changing. The breast reduction has not only alleviated the physical discomfort I experienced due to large breasts but has also enhanced my body proportion and self-confidence. Dr. Cho’s meticulous attention to detail has left me with natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing results that have exceeded... See full review
Anonymous Reviewer / Reduction Mammaplasty Patient
Surgery is a Big Decision
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.