Download and print before-and-after Breast Reduction instructions here.
Large breasts can be the root of physical problems such as back or shoulder pain. The weight of big breasts can make the straps of a bra cut into the skin. Their heaviness also means that physical activities and exercise are uncomfortable. Stereotypically, a large chest may be considered sexy, but the truth is, disproportionately big breasts can draw unwanted attention, decreasing a woman’s self-esteem. Luckily, the issues that accompany a large chest can often be resolved with a breast reduction procedure.
Procedure Snapshot
| PROCEDURE SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| What is the pain level after the surgery? | Mild to Moderate |
| Anesthesia type (if applicable) | General anesthesia |
| Duration of Surgery | 3-4 hours |
| Where will scaring for this procedure be? | Lollipop incision: circling around the areola, running downward from the nipple |
| Timeframe to begin showing final results | 2-3weeks |
| When is the patient able to return to regular activities? | 1 week |
| When is the patient able to resume exercise? | 2-3 weeks |
| Cost of surgeon’s fee | $7,000 – $9,000 |
Breast Reduction at the Naderi Center
A Reduction Mammoplasty, or more commonly referred to as a breast reduction, is a surgical technique designed to reduce the volume of a large chest. The procedure can also eliminate sagging and drooping breast tissue. Gravity and aging tissues can cause the weight of large breasts to sink downward on the chest. As the breast tissue loses its elasticity, the areolas may stretch, altering their shape. The breast reduction at the Naderi Center is intended to restore a youthful, raised chest that will help a woman regain confidence in her body.
It may be time for a breast reduction if:
- You are struggling with pendulous breasts.
- One breast is larger than the other.
- The skin along the breast crease stays irritated or chapped.
- Discomfort from a heavy chest restricts physical activities.
- Tight bra straps cause indentations along the shoulders.
- The large size of the breasts makes you uncomfortable with your appearance.
Dr. Erica Anderson specializes in aesthetic procedures for the breasts and body. She strives to provide women with a natural looking chest, which is both comfortable and proportionate to their body shape. Each reduction mammoplasty will be tailored to the patient’s unique needs.
The Ideal Candidate for a Breast Reduction
Any woman may be a good candidate for a breast reduction, especially if she is struggling with a large, weighty chest. The reduction mammoplasty procedure can be performed at any age, although the best candidate will be a woman with fully developed breast tissue. Patients should be in generally good health, with reasonable expectations for their results. Women should have a keen understanding of the breast reduction process and the recovery requirements. It is also recommended that potential candidates for the reduction mammoplasty be a non-smoker. Women looking for assistance with smoking cessation should discuss this factor with Dr. Erica Anderson during the consultation appointment.
Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Anderson
The first step for a reduction mammoplasty will initially call for a breast reduction consultation. Dr. Anderson will take this time to get to know the individual patient’s physical situation, as well as her desired results. She will take a full medical history and perform a physical evaluation. Next, Dr. Anderson will explain the techniques for breast reduction and any questions will be answered at this time. If the reduction mammoplasty is determined to be the best option, Dr. Anderson will draw up a detailed surgical plan. At this time, the exact price of the breast reduction will be established, and a patient coordinator will review all of the payment options.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr. Anderson performs the breast reduction procedure at several nearby accredited surgical centers, on an outpatient basis. The reduction mammoplasty will take from three to five hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction, and if any additional procedures are included. General anesthesia is used.
The surgical procedure will begin with an inverted T incision: circling the areola, running downward from the nipple, and then across the natural curve of the breast crease. From here, Dr. Anderson will excise unwanted glandular and fatty tissue, while also eliminating excess skin. Large, heavy breasts can cause the areolas to stretch, so once the corrections have been made, Dr. Anderson will resize the nipple, if needed. Finally, the nipple and areola will be given it a higher, more proportionate placement on the breast. Once the remaining skin and tissue have been tightened, Dr. Anderson may utilize liposuction to further sculpt the breasts. Finally, the incisions are sutured and a surgical bra put in place.
Potential Complications of the Breast Reduction
The Reduction Mammoplasty has been performed by plastic surgeons for decades, and complications associated with the technique are minimal. It is a surgical procedure, therefore leaving a small chance for problems to occur. The risks of a breast reduction can include infection, scarring, excessive bleeding, delayed healing, and chest asymmetry.
Women should only put their trust in a skilled cosmetic surgeon, such as Dr. Anderson. A reputable provider will lower the chance of complications and give the most satisfying reduction mammoplasty results.
Recovery from a Breast Reduction
Women should expect the recovery from a breast reduction to take from one to two weeks. Most people are ready to return to work in five to seven days, sometimes less. Exercise, heavy lifting, and strenuous activities need to be postponed for six to eight weeks, to allow the breasts to properly heal.
There will be some mild to moderate discomfort following a reduction mammoplasty, although this will resolve over the first several days. Dr. Anderson will take care of the discomfort by prescribing needed medications during this time period. A specialized, surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks.
A scar will result from the breast reduction procedure. This will run along the incision lines: around the areola, down the mid-breast, and along the breast crease. Over time, the scar may fade somewhat, although it will remain visible. Most patients are so pleased with their reduction mammoplasty results that they are not unhappy with the scarring, which can be concealed under clothing. The breast reduction is known to have the highest patient satisfaction rating of all cosmetic procedures.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Erica Anderson to find out if a breast reduction is right for you.
Known as a leader in cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, the Naderi Center has been serving patients in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. area for more than 10 years. Contact one of the Naderi Center’s two offices for more information, or to schedule your breast reduction consultation. A patient coordinator can be reached at our Herndon, Virginia office at 703.481.0002 and at our Chevy Chase, Maryland office at 301.222.2020.
Breast Reduction FAQs
What is a breast reduction?
The breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of heavy, pendulous breasts. The surgery can relieve strain on the back, neck, and shoulders by making the breasts a more proportionate, comfortable size.
How is Dr. Anderson’s breast reduction performed?
Dr. Anderson begins the breast reduction by making an inverted T-incision (around the nipple, down the breast, and horizontally across the breast crease). From here, she will remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. If needed, she will use liposuction to better sculpt the breasts. The nipples can be reshaped and repositioned before sutures are placed.
Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction?
You may make a good candidate for a breast reduction if you are in overall good health, do not smoke, and are unhappy with the size of your chest.
How long does Dr. Anderson’s breast reduction procedure take?
The length of a reduction mammoplasty will depend on the individual patient. On average, Dr. Anderson’s breast reductions will take between three and five hours to complete.
When can I return to work after my breast reduction procedure?
Patients are generally ready to return to work three to five days after their breast reduction.