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Breast Reduction
Overly large breasts can interfere with many different aspects of your daily life. If you’ve experiencing negative effects of large breasts, then a breast reduction can help.
What is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to reduce the size of the breasts. It can be performed with a few different techniques based on your needs. Surgical removal is often best for patients who have excess breast tissue, while liposuction may be best for patients who have excess fat. In many cases, a combination of both is used. There are also a few different incision patterns that can be used based on the degree of correction required:
- Circular incision (around the areola)
- Keyhole incision (around the areola and down to the chest wall)
- Inverted T or anchor incision (around the areola, down to the chest wall, and horizontal along the breast crease
The anchor pattern is the most extensive option and is best for very large breasts while the circular incision can achieve minimal correction. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine the right option for you during your consultation.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Good candidates for breast reduction are healthy women who experience symptoms from having very large breasts. These can include:
- Back pain
- Chafing
- Skin rash
- Bra strap indentations
- Difficulty breathing or exercising
- Emotional distress
- Difficulty finding fitting clothing
Breast reduction is sometimes included in a mommy makeover procedure or part of a body contouring after weight loss package. In order to get best results from a breast reduction, you should be at a healthy and stable weight, fully recovered from childbirth, and have fully developed breasts.
What Happens During a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is performed using general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will perform an incision and remove breast tissue and fat from the area. The remaining skin will be lifted, and any excess will be removed. Finally, your incisions will be closed, and you’ll be fitted with a special surgical bra for your recovery. Once complete, you can return home.
Breast Reduction Recovery and Results
Breast reduction requires 1-2 weeks of downtime, during which you’ll need to limit your activity and avoid sleeping on your side or stomach. You should plan to wear your surgical bra as much as possible since it will support your breasts and relieve tension from your incisions. You’ll be given detailed instructions on taking prescription medications, caring for your incisions and drains, and following up with your plastic surgeon. If you have children or pets, you should enlist help for a few weeks since you’ll be unable to lift objects above your head during your recovery period. It can take a few months for residual swelling to subside, but you’ll enjoy long-term results with a breast reduction as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s possible to require another breast reduction later on, but your plastic surgeon can help you determine your best options.
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A breast reduction can transform your quality of life and your confidence. To meet with our plastic surgeons and learn more, contact our Draper, UT office by calling or filling out our online form.
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