A breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size and/or weight of large and/or heavy breasts to produce a more appealing breast contour that is proportionate to the patient’s body. This is accomplished by reducing the bulk and overall weight of the breasts.

In addition to making the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and sagging, stretched skin, a cosmetic surgeon can also enhance breast symmetry and eliminate breast sagging.

Benefits of a Breast Reduction

A breast reduction with Dr. Fortes offers significant potential benefits, including:

• Back, shoulder, and neck pain relief
• A more aesthetic and comfortable bra fit
• Better breast proportions
• A more balanced and youthful appearance
• Better fit for activewear and swim suits
• Reduction of nipple/areola size to improve overall appearance
• Increased confidence

Types of Breast Reductions

There are a few different breast reduction techniques that each have their own advantages.

Vertical Breast Reduction

Patients with significant sagging and moderate breast reduction needs are typically excellent candidates for a vertical breast reduction. This requires two incisions: one around the perimeter of the areola and another extending vertically from the areola’s base to the crease beneath the breast. This pattern of incisions permits a cosmetic surgeon to remove excess fat, skin, and breast tissue, internally reshape the new, reduced breast, and elevate the breast to a more youthful position.

Inverted-T Breast Reduction

Three incisions are necessary for the inverted-T breast reduction: one around the perimeter of the areola, one vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and one along the breast crease. When a patient requires a larger breast reduction and/or has substantial sagging or asymmetry to correct, cosmetic surgeons typically employ this technique.

Liposuction

In some instances, liposuction alone can achieve a patient’s breast reduction objectives. Liposuction for breast reduction offers a number of advantages, including a quicker and less intrusive procedure, minimal scarring on the breast, and long-lasting results. Liposuction-only breast reduction is ideal for women with firm skin elasticity, minimal or no sagging, and whose enlarged breasts are primarily due to excess fatty tissue.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. After making incisions using one of the aforementioned methods, your cosmetic surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, as well as elevate and reposition the nipple and areola. Using absorbable sutures, the remaining breast tissue and skin will be reshaped and closed. The areolas can also be reduced to a more proportionate size during the procedure.

Breast Reduction Recovery

After a brief period of time in supervised recovery, you will be able to return home the same day and complete your recovery in the convenience of your own home. You will receive a surgical bra and pectoral bandages, and your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to alleviate the discomfort you will experience in the days following your procedure.

Following a breast reduction, it is essential to adhere to your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions. The length of time it takes to recover from breast reduction surgery depends on the extent of surgery and your body’s natural healing process. It is advised that you have a responsible adult with you for the first day or so after surgery, but you will be able to get up and walk around yourself on the same day.

A few days after surgery, you will be able to take a shower, but you will still need assistance getting clothed due to limited chest and shoulder mobility.

Within a week, the majority of patients report feeling well enough to drive and to resume their previous level of activity. In order to allow your incisions sufficient time to recuperate, your cosmetic surgeon will typically advise you to take it easy for three to four weeks.

Breast Reduction Consultation

If you feel burdened by large and heavy breasts and would like to find out if a breast reduction with Dr. Fortes is the correct solution for you, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can review the procedure, discuss the advantages, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for a breast reduction.