Overly large breasts can interfere with daily life and cause medical issues, including acute back and neck pain. Some women may also experience self-consciousness or have difficulty finding properly fitted bras and clothing.
The goal of a breast reduction – sometimes referred to as reduction mammoplasty – is to produce breasts that are smaller, lifted, and more proportionate to the body. Breast reduction can address the medical symptoms associated with overly large breasts while improving self-image and confidence.
Dr. Elisabeth Potter carefully personalizes a surgery plan to meet your specific needs. Your breast health history will be reviewed, and you may be scheduled for a baseline screening mammogram prior to surgery.
Patients are placed under general anesthesia. During the surgery. Dr. Potter will make three incisions around the areola, down to the bottom crease of the breast, and then along the natural curve of the breast crease. Following the incision, Dr. Potter will remove excessive fat, tissue, and skin, and position the nipple and areola higher. Usually, the areola and nipple remain attached to the original blood and nerve supply, preserving sensation and the ability to breastfeed.
Skin removed from above the nipple is moved down to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be required to improve the shape and position as well. Finally, sutures are layered within the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breast, and the incisions are brought together.
Breast reduction surgery takes between two and four hours.
There are some risks associated with breast reduction surgery, including unfavorable scarring, breast asymmetry, excessive firmness of the breast, inability to breastfeed (often temporarily , loss of tissue, and fat necrosis. If complications are serious enough, a second revisional surgery may be necessary.
Breast reduction surgery can often be performed as an outpatient procedure, so patients aren’t required to stay overnight at the hospital. Following the surgery, dressings and bandages are required to make sure the incisions heal properly. To make sure blood and fluid drain properly, a small tube may be placed in each breast in the days immediately following the surgery.
Most patients may resume light daily activities the following day. Strenuous exercise, however, should be avoided for approximately one month. Patients typically return to work in one to two weeks. It is common to experience swelling and soreness of the breasts and chest muscles, but these symptoms should resolve within a few weeks.
One to two weeks following the surgery, stitches may be removed. Scars from the incisions will be visible, but will fade over time, and can usually be covered by a bra or swimsuit.
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If you’re interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery, or any of the procedures Dr. Potter performs, contact Dr. Potter through the online contact form, or call (512) 601-4759.
