Medically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed for women whose breast size has become particularly problematic and/or inhibitive to their lifestyle. Large breasts, while desired by many, can actually present some women with troublesome challenges and even pain.
When a woman’s breasts are too large for her proportions, she may experience pain, not only in her chest, but in her neck, back and shoulders, as well. Oversized breasts can lead to difficulty in finding clothing and can even make a woman appear much heavier than she actually is. As such, it is not uncommon for women suffering in this way to seek surgical options to alleviate the problem.
About Reduction Mammaplasty
Many women are naturally curvy, with some embracing their feminine figure and others who feel as though their large breasts are a hindrance to their quality of life. An oversized bust could be the result of genetics, weight gain, or pregnancy. For women who desire a smaller bra size, breast reduction surgery can help them regain comfort and confidence with themselves.
Booth Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, can help you achieve the body proportions you desire. Dr. Justin Booth is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to providing the utmost care to women looking to achieve their ideal appearance.
If you are interested in learning more about reduction mammaplasty, or any of the other offerings from Booth Plastic Surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation. Call us at (512) 755-8478.
Benefits
Breast reduction surgery offers women the opportunity to safely have their breast size reduced in a way that will yield immediate results. In doing so, pain is systematically alleviated and discomfort is diminished.[1] No longer will these women be made to suffer the embarrassment, pain and/or inhibitions that they may have once felt on a daily basis.
Breast Reduction Benefits
- Safe and effective procedure
- Smaller breast profile
- Less physical discomfort
- Increased clothing selections
- Enhanced self-esteem
- More balanced body proportions
- Improved quality of life
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Candidates
In order to be considered a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, you must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, we would like to stress that this is an elective surgery and the decision to proceed should be made by you and you alone. Breast reductions are not meant to fulfill the wishes of another. It is also important that you are in good physical health prior to surgery and that you refrain from smoking cigarettes, as poor health could adversely affect your ability to recover. Common complaints among women seeking breast reduction surgery include:
- The belief that your breasts are too large, causing you constant worry, anguish, stress, etc.
- You have and/or are currently experiencing pain in the back, neck or shoulders due to the heavy weight of your breasts
- You have developed skin irritations beneath the folded crease of your breasts
- Your physical activity has been limited by the size and weight of your breasts
- The size of your breasts have stretched your skin and possibility left stretch marks
- Your breasts hang particularly low on your body
- The stretched skin on your breast has caused enlargement of your areolas (the colored skin surrounding your nipples)
- Even when your breasts are supported, your nipples fall below the crease of your breasts
- Your bra straps leave abnormal indentations on your body from the weight of your breasts
Consultation
During a personal consultation with Dr. Booth and his team, you will have the opportunity to share your aesthetic goals as well as the experiences driving you to consider a breast reduction. During this appointment, your doctor will inquire about your health and medical history. After a conversation about your desires, the doctor will provide you with detailed information about breast reduction surgery, being sure to address all of your questions and concerns. After which, a physical exam of your breasts will be performed.
This thorough assessment will help your doctor determine if you are an appropriate candidate for breast reduction or if your needs may be better met by an alternative procedure. If reduction mammaplasty is right for you, you will be provided with a breakdown of costs related to your procedure.
If you would like to learn more about breast reduction and if it is right for you, call Booth Plastic Surgery at (512) 755-8478 to schedule your informative consultation.
Preparation
To help you best prepare for surgery, you will be provided with instructions specific to your case during your consultation and pre-operative appointment. While we understand that each patient has very unique needs, there are some general guidelines you should follow to ensure your safety.
Smoking should be avoided for at least one month prior to your procedure. If you are currently taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements and prescription blood-thinners, your Dr. Booth may adjust your medication regimen to promote optimal circulation. You will also need to have an adult drive you home after surgery and remain with you for at least 24 hours. Any medicines prescribed by Dr. Booth should be filled before surgery day. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about your surgery preparation.
Procedure
If you are looking to reduce the size of your breasts and restore them to a size and shape that is conducive to your natural body, Booth Plastic Surgery can help.
There are a number of different techniques that can be utilized to complete the process, and finding the method of approach that is right for you will be one of the first things discussed with your surgeon. Depending on the current size and shape of your breasts, one reduction technique may be better than the other. We will spend as much time discussing your options with you as is necessary to ensure that you feel informed and comfortable with your decision. The process itself involves removing excess fat, glandular tissues, and skin in order to effectively minimize the size of the breasts. The procedure will make the breasts more proportional to the rest of a woman’s body.
Surgical Process of Reducing Your Breasts
For many of our female patients, knowing what to expect provides comfort to those considering surgery. We will gladly discuss the details of the procedures with you at length, and we have also provided some general information below that can be reviewed prior to meeting with a surgeon from our office.
As mentioned above, the surgery involves removing excess fat, skin and glandular tissue from the breast.[2] It is sometimes possible to use liposuction in addition to the excisions. Generally, you can expect the following:
- General anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable during the procedure
- An incision will be made; there are several methods of incision, including making a circular pattern, an anchor shape or a keyhole shape. You and your surgeon will decide together which method is best for you.
- Tissue and fat will be removed and the skin and breasts will then be repositioned. If necessary, the skin around the perimeter of the area will be excised as well.
- The incision will be closed, effectively minimizing and reshaping the breasts in the process. You will have sutures layered deep inside of the breast tissue which will help support the new shape of your breasts.
Recovery
Immediately following your breast reduction procedure, you will experience discomfort, bruising and swelling. These symptoms will subside over time and completely diminish in the weeks and months following your surgery. Scars from the incisions will fade as well, leaving you with a satisfactory new breast size. You will be expected to wear a surgical bra during the recovery period to help support your breasts and reduce swelling.
Results
The results of your breast reduction surgery will be immediately noticeable! Your breasts will be smaller and you will be able to feel the difference. You will be more comfortable in your body and will become an enthusiastic participant in vigorous activities once more! Your body will be more proportionate and you may feel more confident in your overall appearance.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Texas?
Breast reduction is a highly personalized procedure. As each patient is different, so the final cost may reflect this variation. After you meet with Dr. Booth, you will be provided with a final price for your procedure. If the procedure is being performed for health reasons, your insurance may cover a portion of your breast reduction surgery.
FAQ
Yes it is. Reduction mammaplasty is a safe procedure when performed by trained and experienced cosmetic surgeons. Only a board-certified plastic surgeon has the skills and experience to minimize risks and maximize your results. Your experienced surgeon will make sure your health, anatomy, and desires are in line with the demands of the surgery. Their assessment will keep you safe before, during, and long after your procedure.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2020). Breast Reduction: Reduction Mammaplasty. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Breast reduction surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246