What is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess glandular tissue, breast fat and skin to create a smaller, more shapely breast. There are a variety of ways to achieve a breast reduction that usually include a breast lift to give breasts a more youthful look. During the procedure, your excess breast tissue, fat and skin will be removed along with moving the nipple and areola to a higher, more forward position. The breast tissue and skin that remains is then reshaped and closed and if needed, the areolas can be reduced to a more proportional size. If your breasts are asymmetrical or have other irregularities, these can usually be addressed during a breast reduction procedure.
When Breasts Interfere With Your Life
Do you have large breasts that prevent you from enjoying everyday life or fitting into clothes that would otherwise look great on you?
Breast reduction surgery may not be right for everyone but could be an ideal choice if you:
- Take pain medication regularly for chronic back, shoulder or neck pain
- Routinely have skin conditions under your breasts
- Are at a healthy weight but your breasts still feel heavy
- Experience difficulty exercising or sleeping due to the discomfort of your large breasts
- Are left with shoulder indentations from your bra straps supporting heavy breasts
- Feel self-conscious from having overdeveloped breasts
If you are not at a healthy weight, your breasts are not fully developed yet or you plan to have children in the future, you may want to consider postponing your breast reduction and lift. This is because your final result may be adversely affected if you experience significant weight changes.
Choosing your Plastic Surgeon
The most important decision you will make regarding a breast reduction is the selection of your plastic surgeon. At Schaffer Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Schaffer, performs individually tailored breast reduction procedures with expertise and artistry. His dedication to surgical excellence and vast experience in breast reduction surgeries will be apparent in your results.
Recovery Time
As with most surgical procedures, it is also important to consider recovery time. Because breast reduction is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to recover in the comfort of your own home. However, patients can expect their breasts to feel painful, tender, sensitive, swollen or bruised for the first week or two after surgery. During your recovery, you will need to avoid wearing underwire bras, lifting anything heavy, or exercising. Depending on the nature of your job, you may need to take several days off work. Dr. Schaffer will be able to offer more information on your unique needs for downtime based on your individual health and lifestyle situation.
Breast Reduction Revision Surgery
Benefits of Breast Reduction Revision Surgery
Breast reduction revision surgery is a procedure performed on a patient who may not be satisfied with their initial breast reduction results. It can enhance existing results to better align with your personal goals or correct issues that stemmed from an incorrect surgical approach during the initial procedure.
Reasons To Undergo a Revision After a Breast Reduction
You may want to consider a breast reduction revision if:
- You do not feel that your initial results align with your goals
- The results of your original procedure do not complement your body type
- You are experiencing repetitive disabilities after recurrent breast enlargement
Breast Reduction Cost
Schaffer Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. It's a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments. Apply today.
Your Breast Reduction Consultation
Your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Schaffer is when you will be able to have all of your questions answered regarding breast reduction surgery. Dr. Schaffer will also assess your candidacy for the procedure based on your current health status, health history, medical records and learning more about your lifestyle. Potential risks of the procedure will be discussed with you along with projected outcomes.
If you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery, Dr. Schaffer will examine your breasts and may take note of their measurements, shape, skin quality and placement of nipples and areolas. If you have one breast that is significantly larger than the other or heavy breasts that sag, with the nipples and areolas pointing downward, Dr. Schaffer will discuss options for correction with you.
As a patient of Schaffer Plastic Surgery, your breast reduction surgery will be conducted at our private state-of-the-art surgery center, which is nationally certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities for adhering to the highest standards of safety. The facility is located across the street from Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama and offers ample, convenient parking and a well-appointed waiting room for your family’s comfort.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schaffer today to learn more about how you can improve your quality of life with a breast reduction. We’re envisioning smaller, lighter, firmer, perkier and shapelier breasts in your future.