Breast Reduction

Large breasts can be burdensome and make it difficult to complete simple tasks or certain activities. They can be painful and affect your posture from the constant strain. Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size and volume of your breasts to make them more proportionate to your body. This procedure provides both alleviation of physical strain as well as an increase in self-confidence when women are finally able to wear the clothing they want to without worry.

Our office is located in Bethesda and our Maryland board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge have over 50 years combined medical experience. Patients come from all over the country to have procedures performed by our surgeons. Our office is very close to Washington, D.C. and is right across the border of Virginia.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure performed on women with large breasts (a condition medically known as macromastia) that may be causing a variety of medical problems such as back and neck pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and bra strap grooving on the shoulders.

During breast reductions, the breasts are lifted, excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola can be reduced in diameter to make them more proportionate. Very often this can be done using a minimal incision technique that eliminates the long scar under the breast. Breast reduction surgery delivers one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of all breast surgery procedures.

Ideal Candidates For Breast Reduction

Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who are in good health but struggle with symptomatic macromastia or emotional distress caused by their large breasts. Women who suffer from negative symptoms due to macromastia experience physical aches and pains due to their large breasts. Macromastia most typically causes back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, and permanent indentation in the shoulders due to the heavy strain on bra straps.

Exercising can be a hard feat for women with macromastia as their breasts tend to “get in the way,” let alone the difficulty in finding a properly fitting sports bra. And rashes tend to develop under the breast fold from constant skin rubbing.

Sometimes, women may have one breast that’s larger than the other and seek breast reduction for aesthetic symmetry. While for others, macromastia causes emotional distress from social discomfort and unwanted attention. No matter if physical, mental, or aesthetic reasonings, a breast reduction at Cosmetic Surgery associates will decrease the size of your breasts to your desired aesthetic appearance. Not only will you look good, you’ll feel good too.

Methods Used During Breast Reduction Procedures

All breast reduction procedures are based on a pedicle. This means the blood supply to the nipples remains intact during the procedure while the appropriate amount of surrounding breast tissue and skin are removed to achieve desired reduction. This also helps to protect the functionality and sensation of the nipples. There are two pedicle methods: inferior and superior. This too will be decided during your consultation. The areola can be reduced in size during your breast reduction to make it aesthetically proportionate to your new breast size.

Vertical (Lollipop) Incision

Mimicking the shape of a lollipop, the vertical incision method uses 2 incisions. One is made around the border of the areola, while the other runs from the base of the areola down to the bottom of the breast. The appropriate amount of breast skin and tissue is removed to reach the desired size, and the incisions are then closed. The breast becomes slightly lifted from this procedure, giving you a proportionate-sized bust at a youthful height.

Anchor Incision

Making the shape of an anchor, this method uses 3 incisions to achieve great reduction. One incision is made around the areola border, the second runs vertically down from the areola base to the breast crease, and the third is made along the breast crease. The anchor lift is reserved for those who require a severe reduction in size or have lost a significant amount of weight.

 

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Consultation

During your private consultation with one of our accredited surgeons in Bethesda, MD, you will describe the physical and/or emotional strain macromastia is causing you. Our surgeons will perform a thorough examination, and both you and your doctor will determine the best method for optimal results.

Your surgeon will go over pre-operative instructions, post-operative instructions, and write prescriptions for the necessary medications you will need both before and after your procedure. They will also explain the healing process from start to the end of your recovery period. Please feel free to ask questions at this time, it is important that you are aware of all aspects of the procedure and are fully comfortable with your decision.

The world-renowned surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery Associates are highly trained in breast procedures and their combined years of experience means you can achieve excellent results that fulfill your aesthetic desires.

Preparation for Breast Reduction

Each patient will receive personalized preparation instructions, but below are general instructions all patients should follow.

• In some cases, a preoperative mammogram is necessary for breast reduction patients in addition to other assigned evaluations and tests depending on your age and medical history.
• Please stop smoking and any anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home as you will not be able to drive following a breast reduction procedure. It is best for someone to stay overnight with you.
• Pick up any medications your surgeon prescribes you so you have them readily available when needed.
• Have any necessary recovery items at counter level since your range of arm motion will be limited for several weeks.
• On the day of your surgery, please wear a loose fitting top that you do not need to pull over your head to remove.

Breast Reduction Process

Breast reductions are performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes three hours depending on the extent of surgery needed and whether you opt to undergo additional procedures.

When you arrive, your surgeon will mark the incision locations while you are sitting up as your breast shape will change when you lay on the operating table. This step is important in delivering your specific aesthetic goals. Once anesthetized, your surgeon will make the incisions, remove the appropriate amount of breast skin, fat, and tissue, and the incisions will be closed with sutures. A breast lift is often performed as well to lift the newly contoured breast to a more youthful, proportionate position.

Complementary Procedures

Breast Lift

Generally, breast lifts are performed along with breast reductions to improve the size, shape, and elevation of the breasts. The same incision can be used to accomplish the lift, removing the extra amount of skin needed for sufficient lift.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that uses suction to remove fat from various parts of the body. It is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States, with the number of liposuction patients continually rising. It can be performed on the:

• Arms
• Chin
• Chest
• Back
• Abdomen
• Waist
• Hips
• Thighs
• Buttocks

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a flat, slim midsection. It can be performed at the same time as breast reduction, another mommy makeover option. Liposuction can also enhance the results of a tummy tuck, creating a smaller, defined midsection.

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Recovery

Recovery varies between patients, but your surgeon will give you a personalized recovery plan to optimize your results.

It is normal for your breasts to feel tender and sensitive, and your nipples may feel slightly numb following your breast reduction. These sensations should subside on their own. Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate discomfort. Although you may not feel up to it, walking is important to prevent blood clots.

You will not be able to shower for 2 days, but sponge baths are okay. When sleeping, keep your head and back elevated. You will most likely return to work and social activities in about two weeks. Do not partake in strenuous activity for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure proper healing. Rest is the key to a full, successful recovery.

After they are fully recovered, breast lift patients often experience a great increase in self-esteem and self-confidence when they find that their clothes fit much better and they are able to exercise worry free and pain free.

FAQs

Scheduling Your Breast Reduction Consultation

If you have been thinking about breast reduction surgery we recommend reaching out to our office to set up a consultation with one of our Maryland board-certified plastic surgeons. Our office is just 20 minutes from Chevy Chase and 10 minutes from Rockville and Potomac. During this consultation, the surgeons will go over the procedure in detail, answer all of your questions, and determine if you are a good candidate and if this procedure is the best option to meet your cosmetic goals. Please feel free to schedule a private consultation today!