Breast reduction surgery, clinically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce excess breast fat, skin, and glandular tissue. The procedure may be performed by a cosmetic surgeon to achieve a breast size in proportion with the rest of the body and minimize the discomfort associated with oversized breasts.
Excessively large breasts can not only make a woman unhappy about her physical aesthetics, but may also cause hindrances in leading an active lifestyle. Pain and discomfort in the breast area, limitations in performing exercises or playing vigorous sports, and inability to wear certain types of clothing are some of the common problems faced by a patient with over sized breasts. It is possible to correct this condition effectively with cosmetic surgery, particularly in cases where the stubborn fats and tissue cannot be reduced with exercise and diet.
Who is Qualified for Breast Reduction?
Dr. Hubbard evaluates the patient’s general health condition, breast anatomy and aesthetic goals before recommending breast reduction to patients. The following attributes typically make a good candidate for breast reduction:
- The patient is dissatisfied with the excessively large size of her breasts.
- Physical activity gets curtained due to breast size.
- Pain in the neck, shoulders and back is commonly experienced because of over sized breasts.
- Breasts appear low hanging and pendulous, causing the skin to stretch, and resulting in indentations from bra straps.
- The areolas are enlarged due to stretched skin.
- The patient is in fabulous health and has realistic expectations.
- The patient does not smoke or is committed to quitting smoking several weeks before and after the procedure.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction plastic surgery procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Incisions are made in pre-determined locations in an inconspicuous manner. Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed through the incisions surgically. In some cases, the cosmetic surgeon may also combine liposuction with breast reduction surgery to achieve more comprehensive outcomes.
The incision may be made in a circular manner around the areola, or a keyhole pattern may be used. Sometimes the plastic surgeon may decide to make a vertical incision or an anchor shaped incision. Through the incision the underlying breast tissue is reduced, shaped, and lifted. The nipple is repositioned and the size of the areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
Once the overall breast size has been reduced, the incisions are brought together to reshape the breasts. Sutures are placed deep inside the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breasts. The incisions are then closed with the help of surgical tape, skin adhesives, or sutures. Incision lines tend to fade away with the passage of time.
The Results
Results of breast reduction can be seen immediately, but the full effects will appear as the swelling and bruising resolves and incision lines fade. The final outcome is long lasting, and most patients will be able to experience freedom from pain and physical restrictions.
Dr. Bradley Hubbard is an experienced plastic surgeon performing breast reduction procedure for patients in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and surrounding communities. For more information schedule a consultation by clicking here or calling 214-370-4813