BREAST REDUCTION (REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY)
Women with large breasts may experience back, neck, and shoulder pain, rashes beneath the breasts, and indentations on the shoulders from their bra straps. Some women are extremely self-conscious of the size of their breasts. Breast reduction surgery removes excess glandular tissue and skin from the breasts. The areola, which is the dark skin around the nipple, is also reduced in size. The goal is to produce breasts that are smaller, lifted, and more proportional to the patient’s body.
Initial Consultation for Breast Reduction Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss with you your objectives and expectations from surgery. This will involve a complete medical history and an examination of the breasts and body. Dr. Hyman will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have.
Breast Reduction Procedure
The techniques used for breast reduction involve either an anchor incision (the incision encircles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast) or the vertical short scar incision (incision line around areola and vertical line downwards only). The particular technique selected depends upon both the amount of breast tissue to be removed and your individual measurements. With both techniques, excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed and the nipple-areolar complex is moved into its new position. The skin from both sides of the breast is then brought down and draped over the lifted and reshaped breast. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes between two and four hours. This is done in the hospital or in Dr. Hyman’s private ambulatory surgery facility, and most patients are able to return home that day.
Post Breast Reduction Surgery
Following surgery, the breasts may remain swollen for several weeks, although most patients report minimal pain. A light support bra and dressings will be placed during surgery. An underwire bra may be worn four weeks after surgery. Most sutures placed are dissolvable and will not require removal. Most patients take 4-5 days off work. Light activity including walking is permitted the day following surgery. Strenuous activity is permitted three weeks following surgery.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.