Reduction mammaplasty, commonly referred to as a breast reduction surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that has helped women all over the world build a more positive body image and has helped to do away with adverse health complications caused by large breasts. The procedure is designed to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts to deliver smaller, lighter, and more proportional breasts.

It is common for women with large breasts to suffer from various physical complications such as neck, shoulder, and back pain since the breasts are heavier. Other issues include rashes in the fold of your breasts and even nerve pain. To combat these issues, a reduction mammaplasty is the ideal solution.

What to Expect During the Reduction Mammaplasty Procedure

During the reduction mammaplasty procedure, your surgeon will administer either a general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Incisions will have to be made on or around your breasts to take out all the unwanted fat, skin, and tissue. Incisions can be made either around your areola, around your areola and straight down to your breast crease, or with an anchor-shaped incision.

Based on your goals and your current body condition, your surgeon will decide on the best incision option. After this, the surgeon repositions your nipple and areola. The size of your areola may also be minimized depending on your initial goals. Once that step is completed, the underlying excess breast tissue is removed, after which, it is lifted and reshaped to meet your aesthetic goals.

In case of extremely huge and sagging breasts, the nipple and areola may have to be removed completely and moved to a new, higher position.

Once the necessary corrections are made, your doctor will close the incisions and your breasts will start to take on a new shape. Your surgeon will layer sutures deep within your breast tissue so that they can properly support the new shape of your breasts. Although the incision lines are permanent, they can significantly fade and become less prominent with time.

Recovering from a Reduction Mammaplasty Procedure

Since this is an invasive procedure that can significantly alter the shape of your breasts, you will need to take time off to properly rest and recover. You must take at least a week or two off work and refrain from strenuous physical activities for at least a month after your surgery for smoother, faster healing.

It is normal to experience slight discomfort and fatigue for some time after the procedure, but this will subside in time. Your doctor will provide you with painkillers to take care of such discomfort if it becomes too much to handle.

The results of the surgery are visible right after the procedure, but you will have to wait for a few months for complete healing and for the swelling to reduce to see the final results. Your surgeon will tell you when to come in for follow-up appointments to make sure your healing progresses properly.

Ideal Candidates for the Reduction Mammaplasty Procedure

If you are suffering from the negative effects caused by large breasts such as pain in your neck, shoulders, or back, or you suffer from rashes and irritation in the fold of your breasts, then a reduction mammaplasty is perfect for you. You will need to be in good general health and have realistic expectations to be considered for the surgery. It is also important that you have a support system in place to help you get through the recovery part of the process.

Contact Our Office

Interested in learning more about the reduction mammaplasty surgery? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Park. With his guidance and care, you can achieve the breast shape and size you desire.