Breast Reduction California

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There are a variety of medical problems which can be related to large breasts including neck and back pain, breathing problems, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, shoulder indentations left by bra straps, and poor posture. Large or heavy breasts may make it difficult for a woman to take part in normal daily activities like exercise and they may erode her sense of attractiveness and self-confidence.

The Procedure

Breast reduction may be performed on an outpatient basis or in a hospital. General anesthesia is most commonly used. During the surgery, excess fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed from the breasts and the areolas may be reduced in size. The result is smaller, lighter and firmer breasts.

The incisions for breast reduction are located around the pigmented nipple-areolar complex, extending vertically below the nipple, and then along the fold beneath the breast. Once the incisions are made, the nipple-areolar complex is lifted to its new location. A light dressing is applied to the incisions and the breasts are placed in a surgical bra which will hold them symmetrically during the initial healing phase. Patients may experience some discomfort, though this can be controlled with oral medication and will subside within a few days. It will take anywhere from six to eighteen months for the scars to fade. The ability to breast feed may be reduced after surgery.

Liposuction may be used around the axillary area to reduce extra fat deposits and enhance the overall results. Insurance often covers this and our staff will help you to obtain preauthorization.

The Recovery

Breast reduction is a safe procedure when conducted by a qualified plastic surgeon, though there are always potential complications just as with any surgery. Some of these may include bleeding, adverse anesthesia reaction, and infection. After surgery, small sores may develop around the nipples in some patients and antibiotic cream can treat this. Following your doctor’s instructions before and after surgery can help to reduce your risks.

Swelling and bruising are common after surgery but these side effects mostly disappear within a few weeks. The breasts may have a slightly mismatched appearance or unevenly positioned nipples at first. Within six months to a year, the new shape will be apparent.

Some permanent scarring is inevitable after breast reduction, though the surgeon will make every attempt to make the incisions and resulting scars as inconspicuous as possible. Poor healing and wide scars are more likely to occur in patients who smoke. During the first few months after surgery, the scars will appear red and lumpy. Over time, however, the redness will subside and the scars will become less noticeable. The scars that do remain can usually be covered by your bra or bathing suit and will not keep you from wearing low-cut tops.

Q - What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, known technically as reduction mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure which removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts in order to make them smaller, lighter and firmer. During surgery, the size of the areolas may be reduced as well. Breast reduction can relieve a variety of problems associated with large or heavy breasts including back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, breathing problems, shoulder indentations from bra straps, poor posture, self-consciousness and interference with normal daily activities.

Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for breast reduction?
If you have realistic expectations and are looking to reduce heavy or sagging breasts, then breast reduction may be right for you. The procedure is particularly beneficial for women who are experiencing health problems and/or extreme self-conscious as a result of very large, heavy breasts.

Q - What happens during a consultation for breast reduction?
During a consultation for breast reduction, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history and discuss all details of the procedure. You will be given an opportunity to view before and after photographs of our previous breast reduction patients. Preoperative instructions will be given to you once you decide to go ahead with the breast reduction surgery.

Q - Where is the breast reduction procedure performed?
Breast reduction may be performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital.

Find more answers to your breast reduction questions here.