Excessively large breasts can cause issues such as back pain, chafing, or difficulty exercising. Some patients may also opt for smaller breasts for purely cosmetic reasons. Regardless of the reason, breast reduction is an effective procedure to create smaller, symmetrical breasts.
Breast reduction is performed to reduce the size of the breasts and reshape them so that they are proportionate and balanced with the rest of the body. Women with disproportionately large breasts can experience physical discomfort caused by the weight of their breasts. They can also suffer from emotional distress or mental health problems from their large breasts. A breast reduction can help with these issues, resulting in a better quality of life.
Our mission at Tucson Plastic Surgery is to provide you with an unparalleled experience by taking time to listen and understand your individual needs and concerns. We believe creating a custom-tailored plan based on your goals and unique anatomy is essential to achieving your best possible results.
Women who have overly large breasts that caused health or emotional issues may be able to benefit from a breast reduction procedure. Ideal candidates will be overall healthy, non-smokers who have realistic expectations for the outcome of their surgery. A consultation with one of our plastic surgeons is necessary to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Breast Reduction Procedure
This procedure is performed using a number of incision options. The incision that is best for you and your aesthetic goals can be chosen by you and your plastic surgeon prior to surgery. These incision options include:
The Periareolar Incision: This incision is created around the outer edge of the areola.
The Lollipop Incision: Is created around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This technique is often used for patients with a moderate degree of sagging.
The Anchor Incision: This incision is created around the areola and vertically down the breast crease, with an additional incision along the breast crease. This option is often used for breasts with a significant amount of sagging.
Through the incision, excess breast skin and fat will be removed. If the breasts are asymmetrical, more tissue may be removed from one breast than the other to even them out. The remaining skin and fat will then be reshaped to create a more youthful breast shape. Sutures will be layered deep within the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breasts.
Dr. Silvia Kurtovic is the most wonderful surgeon I could ever have asked for. I had breast cancer and two reconstruction surgeries following the original mastectomy. I was never happy with the results of either surgery. I came to see Dr. Kurtovic and was ever so pleased with the way she showed she truly cared and her professionalism was outstanding. she really listened to what I wanted with consideration of my emotions regarding my breast cancer and previous surgeries. Dr. Kurtovic did another reconstruction surgery of my breasts just two months ago and I could not be more thrilled with the results. She is an amazing talented and compassionate doctor that I would recommend highly.”
Following breast reduction surgery, dressings will be placed on the incisions, and a special support bra may need to be worn to help minimize swelling and support the breasts during recovery. A small tube may also be placed under the skin to drain any excess fluids that may collect. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort may occur but will dissipate over time. Extensive exercise or physical activity should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions regarding how to care for your surgical site during recovery, how to properly take any medications that are prescribed to you, and when to follow up to check on your recovery progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?
Dr. Mahabir will likely instruct patients to not consume alcohol for up to 5 days after surgery to prevent the risk of excessive bleeding.
Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?
In a breast reduction surgery, an incision is made around the nipple areola complex, and this can cause temporary numbness or reduction in sensation after surgery. Over time, most patients develop a return of normal nipple sensation, and it is rarely permanent.
Do you lose weight after breast reduction?
Many women who see us interested in breast reduction surgery, often report difficulty with exercising and being comfortable in a sports bra. The surgery itself removes a significant amount breast tissue which can reduce a patient’s weight by a couple of pounds. What happens in the months after surgery, is often much more dramatic. As patients experience more ease and freedom in their upper body, they can finally participate in physical activities they were avoiding due to the discomfort of their large breasts, and this can result in a permanent long term weight loss.
Does breast size affect weight?
No, its the other way around. When you gain weight, you do so proportionally throughout the body, including the breasts. With breast reduction, only up to a few pounds of tissue are removed depending on the procedure and patients needs.
Does insurance pay for breast reduction?
Health insurance may cover breast reduction surgery when a woman with excessively large breasts is shown to have developed negative health effects and no improvement after a course of medical therapy which usually includes physical therapy and weight loss.
Does weight gain increase breast size?
Yes, if you have a breast reduction but then gain weight, your breasts will also grow in proportion to the rest of your body. Every patient is different, however, as some women gain weight in other areas excluding their breasts after surgery and they can preserve their results.
Has anyone had a second breast reduction?
It is not common for patients to require a second breast reduction surgery. However, patients who have had breast reduction surgery when they were very young or patients who undergo significant weight or body changes after surgery, may find they are considering a second surgery if they are no longer happy with their results.
How can I reduce my cup size?
If youre looking for a dramatic way to cut down on cup size, surgical breast reduction is likely your best option.
How dangerous is breast reduction surgery?
When performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir at Tucson Plastic Surgery, breast reduction surgery is safe and effective.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Most patients find they can breast feed after a breast reduction surgery like those women who have not undergone the procedure. However, since there is a smaller amount of breast tissue after a reduction, patients may not produce the same amount of breast milk as they would prior to having breast reduction surgery.
Is my nipple removed in a breast reduction?
In a breast reduction, the areola is made smaller, and nipple-areola complex lifted to a more youthful and elevated position. The nipple-areola complex remains attached to the underlying breast tissue and is not typically removed. In rare clinical scenarios, where a patient has severe breast enlargement and a very low nipple position, the nipple-areola complex may need to be removed as a free graft.
How do you know when you need a breast reduction?
You may need breast reduction if you have large breasts that are causing you chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain, have a negative body image due to your breast size, or are having trouble fitting in clothing
How do you shower after breast reduction surgery?
You shouldnt shower for the first 48 hours after surgery. After that, you can take a full shower being careful not to lift her arms over your head. Dont aim the shower spray directly at your breasts, instead allow water to run indirectly over your surgical incisions.
If you are interested in learning more about breast reduction to help improve your physical and mental health, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today! Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our plastic surgeons, during which a unique treatment plan can be created for you.