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A breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the heaviness and sagging of large breasts. A breast reduction is a highly satisfying procedure for many women, as it can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain and allow a patient to enjoy a more active life. If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and are interested in this procedure, please contact us.
Breast reduction can make the breasts more proportionate to the body, lifting them higher on the chest and reducing size. Because overly large breasts are often very heavy, breast reduction patients are among the happiest of plastic surgery patients. A breast reduction can allow a woman to fully take control of her body and life.
Overly large breasts can truly hinder a woman’s life. They can obstruct her ability to exercise or play sports. They may cause clothing to fit improperly or cause her embarrassment.
In some cases, they may even stand in the way of a career choice. Due to these reasons, many women decide to undergo breast reduction to feel more comfortable with their body and live the life they want.
Dr. Kreithen may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. You should also try to reach your ideal body weight prior to surgery. Breast reduction surgery sometimes requires an overnight stay in the hospital. While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
During your initial consultation with us, it’s very important to discuss your expectations. Every patient and every surgeon has a different idea of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts, so clarity is key in the early stages. During your consultation, Dr. Kreithen will examine and measure your breasts. He will also take photographs for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) Dr. Kreithen will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.
You will also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned, as they will be moved higher during the procedure and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts. Dr. Kreithen will describe the procedure and recovery process in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand everything. This includes the scarring that will come as a result. When your consultation has ended, you will meet with our patient coordinator. You will be given an estimate of the cost, and you will have the option to schedule your surgery if you would like. You’re also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation. Because Dr. Kreithen realizes the importance of such a big decision, he will be happy to meet with you a second time if needed.
In a breast reduction, the breasts are reduced in size. Glandular tissue, fat, and skin will be removed, and the breasts are also typically re-contoured. The areolas and nipples may also be moved to better match the new position of the breasts. The result is breasts that are smaller, lighter, and firmer.
A typical breast surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes between 1 and 3 hours. Most breast reduction procedures are performed as an outpatient procedure.
Your surgeon will begin by making an anchor-shaped incision or keyhole-shaped incision around the areola. From this incision, the surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple will then be re-positioned. The remaining tissue will be pulled to form a more attractive contour for the chest, and the incisions will then be sutured. Liposuction (usually performed through the armpit) may be included to sculpt the breast curvature.
In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.)
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and possibly along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the horizontal part of the scar. Occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.
Patients should expect the recovery from a breast reduction to take from 7 to 10 days. After surgery, patients will need to wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over gauze dressings. After 24 to 48 hours, the bandage will be removed; however, the surgical bra will be worn for several weeks. This will control swelling and help with healing. Small drain tubes may also be worn for several days to reduce the amount of fluid and blood.
You may feel some pain for the first couple of days — especially when you move around, laugh, or cough — and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain if necessary. If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry.
Your bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you’ll continue wearing the surgical bra 24 hours a day for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in 1 to 3 weeks.
If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and you’re considering a breast reduction, you may be a perfect candidate. The best candidates for a breast reduction are those who:
Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be 6 to 12 months before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.
Dr. Kreithen will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that breast reduction scars may be extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
Please note that your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months.
You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Although you may be up and about in a day or two after your surgery, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for 3 to 4 weeks.
You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell. You should also avoid anything except for gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.
Dr. Kreithen will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks, but you’ll have much less stamina a couple of months and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and walking until your energy level returns. You’ll also need a good athletic bra for support. It’s not safe to drive a car within 24 hours of taking pain medication, as your reflexes and alertness may be altered.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you’ll need time to adjust to your new image — as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you’ll be pleased with the results.
Dr. Joshua Kreithen is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a specialist in the area of cosmetic body procedures. He is well known in Sarasota, Tampa, and beyond for his excellent surgical skills. Plastic surgery is our main focus at HKPS, and we have privileges at local hospitals to accommodate patients needing general anesthesia and/or overnight stays. (We also have a state-of-the-art, AAAASF-certified outpatient surgical facility.) We provide comprehensive plastic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, and our center is a one-stop-shop for all things aesthetic. Besides being a gifted surgeon, Dr. Kreithen is also an artist who will deliver beautiful results. If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and are interested in breast reduction, we welcome you to contact us for a consultation.
The procedure will result in permanent scarring, although these may be easily covered by a swimsuit or clothing. The scars will fade some as your breasts continue to heal. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. There are newer techniques that leave less scarring, and during your consultation, Dr. Kreithen will determine if you’re a candidate for one of these newer procedures.
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of side effects. In breast reduction, side effects can including bleeding, infection, swelling, numbness, asymmetry, pigmentation changes, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.) Working with a board-certified surgeon will be your best defense again unwanted complications, as well as closely following your surgeon’s directions for both before and after surgery.
Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it’s medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. You will need to check your policy. Dr. Kreithen will also write a pre-determination letter if required.
Your breast reduction will most likely be performed at our state-of-the-art operating room at our Sarasota location at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery. If you’re admitted to the hospital, your stay will be a short one.
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