Breast Reduction

Heavy and large breasts can have a negative impact on a woman’s physical and mental health. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that reduces and reshapes your breasts, rendering them more proportional to the rest of your body.

It is a common procedure that improves the aesthetic appearance of the breast, while also relieving the physical and emotional aspects of overly large breasts. This procedure should ideally be performed after a woman has completed having children as it may affect their ability to breast feed.

While most women considering cosmetic breast surgery wish their breasts were larger than they naturally are, many women will attest that extremely large breasts can be too much of a good thing. Breasts that are too large for a woman’s frame can lead to back and neck pain, breathing problems, stooped shoulders, and stretched skin. Even in the absence of these complications, some women consider their breasts too large in proportion to their frames to be considered aesthetically pleasing. Given the cosmetic and potentially serious medical considerations, breast reduction surgery is often a wise course of action. In this procedure, incisions are made as inconspicuously as possible and then excess fat and mammary gland tissue are removed. The structural reconstruction of a more ideal breast shape than entails suturing of the breast mound into a conical shape and onto the muscle fascia for support. The excess skin is removed and sutured back together to give the patient a firmer, shapelier, and lifted bust.

Good Candidates for Breast Reduction Have:

Large Breasts

Large, drooping breasts that are disproportionately large compared to the rest of your body frame

Downward Nipples

Large, sagging breasts with nipples that are pointed downwards

Asymmetry

Asymmetrical large breasts

Pain

Large breasts that create neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Grooves

Large breasts responsible for painful grooves on shoulders from bra straps

Posture

Large breasts, affecting their posture and limiting their ability to exercise

About the Procedure

The approach Dr. Goravanchi will take for your breast reduction will depend on several factors. There are a few incision options available, and the right technique for you will depend on your unique anatomic needs and desired outcome. Some examples of common breast reduction incision patterns include the Benelli (donut), the vertical (lollipop), and the anchor. In rare cases, liposuction may be an option; however, this method reduces fatty tissue, not breast tissue. Liposuction alone may also cause some skin laxity, potentially resulting in a sagging effect that might need to be addressed with a breast lift. However, VASER LipoSelection® is sometimes used in combination with a breast reduction to contour the sides of excessively wide breasts wall while leaving the vascular and nerve supply to the breasts intact. During your initial consultation, Dr. Goravanchi will discuss your goals and develop a customized treatment plan based on your expressed wishes and unique anatomy. During this meeting, you will learn the details about the operation, incisions, and recovery experience so you are well informed about the entire procedure.

Breast reduction is designed to do more than just make the breasts smaller. This procedure can also make the breasts more symmetrical and modify the size, shape, and position of the areola—the area around the nipple. While a few incisions will be necessary, Dr. Goravanchi strives to minimize the appearance of scars. Most women report such high satisfaction with the result they admit they don’t even notice the lines.

Recovery Following Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery typically will be an outpatient operation, which means you should be able to return home the same day. In some cases you may need to spend the night in the hospital. Drains may be utilized, and Dr. Goravanchi will provide specific instructions before and after the procedure about how to care for your bandages. After the surgery, you will notice some swelling, tenderness, and bruising, which is normal. We will prescribe medication to manage the pain and make the recovery as comfortable as possible. You should rest and take time off work and regular duties for about one week, though individual experiences vary. For instance, some women are comfortable returning to normal, non-strenuous activity after a few days. It’s important to listen to your body and not overexert yourself before you’re ready.

After your operation, you should avoid high-impact exercises for approximately one month, or as long as Dr. Goravanchi recommends. To optimize scar healing, Dr. Goravanchi will utilize a pulse-dye laser on your incisions in the office and recommend topical silicone gel products. Our medical team provides advice and specific recommendations during your follow-up visits.

The difference in breast size may be immediately noticeable after surgery; however, swelling will take several months or longer to fully subside. Many women report an instant sense of relief and increased comfort shortly after the operation, although this, too, can take some time. Dr. Goravanchi is committed to your care through final recovery, and you’re encouraged to speak with us if you have any questions during the healing period.

Schedule Your Consultation

For more information about breast reduction, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. We are happy to answer your questions and help you in any way we can.