Breast Reduction

Women with large, heavy breasts which are out of proportion to their bodies can suffer from many different physical complaints, including back, neck and shoulder pain. Skin irritation and rashes, poor posture, difficulty exercising, problems finding clothing that fits properly, and reduced confidence are also common concerns that women with this condition experience. Breast reduction surgery, medically referred to as reduction mammoplasty, can help to address these and other issues that arise from having excessive breast tissue. Dr. Robert Schlenker, an aesthetic fellowship trained and board certified plastic surgeon, utilizes the most advanced
techniques available to provide exceptional results in a caring and compassionate environment. With this procedure, many patients discover a renewed sense of physical well-being and find greater enjoyment in their daily activities.

What can breast reduction achieve?

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. This procedure can also remove excess skin that causes a condition called ptosis (or sagging breasts), re-shape the breast tissues, and reduce the size of enlarged areolas (pigmented area around the nipple). Liposuction of adjacent areas, including the armpits and lateral chest, can also be performed to enhance the outcome of your breast reduction. Taking into consideration your specific needs and cosmetic goals, Dr. Schlenker will develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve a smaller, more manageable breast size.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?

Patients considering a breast reduction will have large breasts that are out of proportion to their bodies and negatively impacting their lives. If you are experiencing physical and/or emotional discomfort due to the size of your breasts, breast reduction surgery may be right for you. Candidates for surgery must be in overall good health, be a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations about the post-operative result. An additional consideration is whether medical insurance will partially or completely cover the cost of treatment. Every insurance policy is different, and coverage often depends upon meeting certain criteria and/or obtaining pre-authorization through your insurance company. Dr. Schlenker will discuss all of these issues and address any other concerns that you may have during your initial consultation.

Breast Reduction Options

There are several techniques that can be used to perform a breast reduction, and the best approach will be determined by the size and shape of your breasts and the amount of tissue and skin that needs to be removed.

The most common incision options are:

Vertical Breast Reduction
Sometimes called the “lollipop” incision, the short-scar vertical breast reduction is ideal for moderate reductions and results in the least amount of scarring. This technique uses two incisions, one around the areola and a second running vertically from the areola down to the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest). This is also a commonly used method for breast lift surgery.
Wise Pattern Breast Reduction
The “anchor-shaped” incision, or inferior pedicle, is used for very large breasts that require removal of more tissue and skin in order to achieve an adequate reduction in breast size. This approach uses the same two incisions as the vertical technique plus an additional horizontal incision placed along the inframammary fold.

Many factors will play a role in determining the most appropriate surgical technique, and Dr. Schlenker will select the ideal treatment plan based on your individual needs and desired outcome.

What is the breast reduction procedure like?

Surgery can take between two to four hours to complete depending on which breast reduction technique is required and the amount of excess tissue to be removed. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to return home the same day as the operation. Dr. Schlenker will provide post-operative instructions that will explain the recovery process, as well as any other details that you will need to know. There will be several follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is going as expected and we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions when they arise.

How long will recovery after breast reduction take?

Most patients take between one to two weeks off from work and other responsibilities to recover from the surgery. You should also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises for at least four to six weeks, and Dr. Schlenker will let you know when it is appropriate to resume specific activities. It is normal to have some bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the treated areas, and prescription medication will be provided to manage any pain and discomfort. While some initial changes will be visible after surgery, it may take several months or longer before the swelling resolves and your breasts settle into their final shape. Patients that had suffered from chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders often experience an immediate improvement of symptoms due to their smaller, lighter breasts.

For more information about breast reduction surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlenker, please contact our experienced medical team today.