Breast Reduction Surgery
Heavy breasts are the source of much pain and discomfort for many women. If your breasts are disproportionately sized for your frame, the added weight of large breasts can negatively impact your quality of life. Cumbersome breasts prevent many women from engaging in physical activities they enjoy, and overly large breasts can also negatively affect a woman’s confidence. Breast reduction surgery eliminates excess breast skin and fat to improve the size and shape of the breasts for a more proportioned bustline.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Alleviate Pain
Women with heavy breasts often experience chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Excess weight on the chest can lead to poor posture that aggravates back soreness. Deep bra lines caused by large breasts can become uncomfortable over time. Additionally, many women experience painful chafing, rashes, and irritation around the breasts. Improving the weight of your breasts will provide you long-term relief from the chronic pain, improve your posture, and allow you to feel more relaxed.
Free Range of Motion
Cumbersome breasts can restrict women from being able to comfortably participate in certain activities, such as running, leisure sports, and yoga. Women with larger breasts often feel that they cannot comfortably secure their breasts to participate in many of these activities. The movement of heavy breasts during exercise and other activities can also cause discomfort and can limit a woman’s athletic abilities. Reducing cumbersome breasts will allow you engage in more activities you enjoy.
Better Clothing Fit
Women with disproportionately large breasts often struggle with clothing that doesn’t fit well or that doesn’t flatter their figures. It can be difficult to find button-down shirts that lie smoothly against the breasts or dresses that won’t be too revealing. Poorly fitting clothing can cause many women to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed with their appearance. Creating more proportionate and shapely breasts will open your clothing options and have you feeling more confident.
Customize Your Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction Techniques
Pedicle Reduction
- Most common technique for patients with large breasts
- Keeps the blood supply intact to the nipple
- Allows for nipple sensation and breastfeeding
- Dr. Wilson utilizes the latest superior-medial technique, which maximizes nipple sensation as well as breast projection and perkiness while minimizing scarring
Free Nipple Grafts
- For patients with extremely large breasts
- Nipples are removed and sewn back onto the breasts as skin grafts
- Minimizes risk of nipple loss in patients with gigantomastia (gigantic breasts)
Liposuction
- For patients who desire a mild reduction and who have excellent skin quality with minimal breast drooping
- Liposuction removes excess fat from the breasts
- Small incisions are created along the outer edge of the breasts for nearly invisible scarring
Scar Locations
Donut Scar
- Scars are around the outer border of the areola
- Designed for women who require only a minor reduction of their breast size
- Ideal for women who don’t require a significant lift with their reduction
Lollipop Scar
- Scars are around the outer border of the areola and vertically down the lower breast tissue
- Designed for women who require a moderate reduction of their breast size
- Ideal for women who require some lift to their breast tissue
Anchor Scar
- Scars are around the areola, down the breast tissue, and horizontally across the inframammary fold
- Designed for women who require a severe reduction of their breast size
- Ideal for women who require an extensive lift to improve their breast appearance
Breast Reduction Concerns
Recovery
Your breasts may feel bruised and swollen following your surgery. Breast soreness may last several days. You will rest for three to four days in an upright position following your surgery.
Most patients can return to work within five days following their surgery. Bras without underwires, such as sports bras or the bras given at the hospital, are worn for six weeks following the surgery. Patients are asked to keep their elbows below their shoulders for two weeks to minimize pulling on the incisions. Patients can resume their regular exercise routine after four weeks with the surgeon’s permission. Most major swelling should have subsided after six weeks, at which time your final results should be visible. Minor swelling may last up to six months and can slightly affect the appearance of your breasts.
Scars
Dr. Wilson always takes great care to place incisions in discreet locations. Some patients are more genetically prone to scarring than others. The extent of your scarring may depend on the type of incision used for your procedure. Some patients may qualify for a limited (short) scar incision. You can discuss your incision options with Dr. Wilson during your consultation. Any scarring that may develop is likely to fade over time.
Pain
You may feel some discomfort in the chest caused by swelling. This pain can last for several days but can be controlled using oral medication.
Pain
Breast reduction is a safe procedure with rare complications, such as bleeding and infection. Some women may experience a loss of nipple sensation following their procedure, but this is typically temporary. Most women are still capable of breastfeeding following breast reduction surgery.
Cost
Breast reductions are usually covered by your health insurance, and a predetermination will be done prior to surgery. However, if your procedure is not covered, then the cost of a breast reduction is determined by several factors. Surgical fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and technique used are all reflected in the cost of your breast reduction. A customized quote will be provided for you following a thorough consultation.
Before & After Photos
47 year old had an arm lift and breast lift/reduction.
View Photo GalleryBreast Reduction Frequently Asked Questions in Huntsville, AL
Why is it beneficial to be able to customize my breast reduction?
Each woman’s body is built differently and has different proportions. What may be large breasts on a petite woman may be proportional on another. Dr. Wilson tailors each breast reduction to fit your individual needs and physique.
What type of anesthesia is used during breast reduction surgery?
Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety.
Can a breast reduction also correct sagging breasts?
Many women with larger breasts experience breast sagging. Breast lift techniques will be implemented during your reduction to improve the look and shape of your breasts.
When can I undergo a breast reduction?
Many teens and young women are uncomfortable having larger breasts that bring them unwanted attention and discomfort. Breast reduction can be performed on a woman with fully formed breasts, which usually occurs between 14 and 19 years of age.
