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Breast Reduction Surgery Guide

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin. Many patients undergo breast reduction surgery to achieve a breast size that is more proportional and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia). Breast reduction is often performed to address medical issues. However, patients who do not have symptoms of macromastia but are unhappy with the size of their breasts can still pursue breast reduction as an aesthetic procedure. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Overly large breasts can cause both physical and emotional health issues. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead a normal and active lifestyle. Breast reduction surgery is ideal for patients who are experiencing the following:

  • Physical activity limitations
  • Neck and back pain
  • Difficulty breathing and sleeping
  • Trouble finding properly fitting clothes

What to Expect During a Breast Reduction Consultation

During your breast reduction consultation, Dr. Spiro will discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment based on your individual needs and goals. He will take detailed measurements and photos of your breasts for your medical history and determine if you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery by evaluating the following:

  • Size and shape of your breasts
  • Skin quality of your breasts
  • Placement of your nipples and areolas

Dr. Spiro will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing conditions or risk factors, as well as:

  • Medical conditions and treatments
  • Current medications and drug allergies
  • Previous surgeries
  • Results of mammograms or previous biopsies
  • Family history of breast cancer

How Much is a Breast Reduction?

During your breast reduction consultation, you will receive a quote based on your specific surgery and desired results for the procedure. Many health insurance plans cover breast reduction surgery, and Dr. Spiro offers financing plans and payment options to help you pay for the surgery. The cost of breast reduction surgery depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs
  • Medical tests
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Surgeon’s fee

How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr. Spiro will provide you with preoperative instructions a week or so before your scheduled surgery. To ensure the best surgical outcome, he may ask you to:

  • Get lab testing, a medical evaluation, and a baseline mammogram to detect any changes in your breast tissue
  • Take certain medications or adjust current medications
  • Quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery (random nicotine testing required)
  • Reduce alcohol assumption to less than two to three drinks per week, and stop drinking alcohol 10 days before surgery
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that may increase bleeding for three weeks before

You will not be able to drive after your surgery, so you must arrange for someone to pick you up to and from our outpatient surgical center.

How Does a Breast Reduction Work?

For your comfort, general anesthesia will be administered before the procedure. During your breast reduction surgery, Dr. Spiro will make an incision around your nipple, then down to the breast crease in a keyhole pattern. He will then remove excess skin, tissue, and fat before repositioning the nipple. In many cases, Dr. Spiro performs breast reduction surgery with a breast lift or specialized liposuction techniques to further improve your breast shape. 

Types of Breast Reductions

There are many different surgical techniques when performing breast reductions. Dr. Spiro will recommend the best option based on your existing breast anatomy, the type and amount of tissue to be removed, and your expectations for the procedure. 

Liposuction

Liposuction breast reduction is a quicker, less invasive technique that offers better results and minimal scarring. You may be a candidate for a breast reduction with liposuction if you have good skin elasticity, have excess fatty breast tissue, and little to no sagging in your breasts.

Inverted T or “Anchor”

The inverted T or “anchor” breast reduction involves the same two incisions as the vertical method, with an additional incision that follows the crease underneath the breast. This surgical technique allows for greater tissue removal and more extensive reshaping. 

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Following your procedure, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You may experience mild tenderness, swelling, and bruising immediately after. It generally takes two to six weeks to recover from breast reduction surgery. Dr. Spiro will give you post-op instructions to ensure your breast heal properly, such as:

  • How to care for your breasts
  • Medications to apply or take orally
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site
  • When to schedule a follow-up appointment

Most patients feel ready to drive and return to work within one week after they are no longer taking prescription pain medication. You will likely have to wait a minimum of three to four weeks before resuming exercise other than walking, including strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting.

Breast Reduction Results

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve any pain or discomfort you experienced before your breast reduction and enhance your self-image. Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity. Also, future pregnancies may reverse some of the positive results made during your procedure. If you are planning to have children, talk to Dr. Spiro about whether to undergo breast reduction surgery now or wait until afterward. 

Breast Reduction Before and After

Please take a look at before and after photos of breast reduction surgery performed by Dr. Spiro to see our patients’ stunning transformations!

Schedule a Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Spiro

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Spiro proudly offers breast reductions for patients looking to achieve smaller, lighter breasts. He and his team will listen carefully to your requests and wishes and develop a personalized treatment plan to provide the physical results you’ve always wanted. Contact us for more information about our breast procedures or schedule a consultation with Dr. Spiro today!

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Graphite/Pencil Hybrid-Painting by Dr. Scott Spiro