Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)
Decrease the weight of the breasts and restore them to a youthful position on the chest.
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast size and achieve a more proportionate breast contour. The surgery aims to alleviate physical discomfort and improve self-image for women with overly large breasts.
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who: - Have excessively large breasts that cause physical discomfort or emotional distress - Are in good overall health and maintain a stable weight - Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure - Have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery
Before and Afters
- Relief from physical discomfort, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Improved posture and easier participation in physical activities
- Better-fitting clothes and increased clothing options
- Enhanced self-image and confidence
- More proportionate breast size and shape
- Anesthesia
The patient is placed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation for comfort during the surgical procedure. - Incision
The surgeon makes an incision around the areola and down the breast, sometimes extending along the breast crease. The incision pattern depends on the amount of tissue to be removed and the desired breast shape. - Tissue removal
Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to reduce the size of the breasts. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position. In some cases, the areola may need to be reduced in size. - Breast reshaping
The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to create a more uplifted and contoured appearance. The skin is then closed with sutures around the areola, down the breast, and along the crease under the breast. - Closing the incisions
Sutures are used to close the incisions, which may be layered deep within the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breasts.. - Results
The results of breast reduction surgery are immediately visible, though it may take several months for the breasts to settle into their new shape and for incision lines to fade. Patients can expect to enjoy smaller, more proportionate breasts that are better suited to their body frame.
While there is good evidence that a breast reduction should not affect your ability to breastfeed, it is important to know that not all women can breastfeed. I recorded a video going into detail about this specific issue.
Some patients are eligible to get a breast reduction through their insurance provider. If you have symptoms of back and neck pain, bra strap grooving, rashes in the fold under the breast, or psychological distress, that can support your case for medical necessity to the insurance companies.
Your desired post-operative breast size will be a discussion we will have during your consultation. While there are physical constraints to how small we can make you, or how large we can leave you, a patient’s desired size is within the range of possible outcomes greater than 99% of the time.
A consultation is usually a 30-60 min appointment in our offices depending on the complexity of your procedure(s). You’ll meet with Dr. Conlon to talk about your goals and what you want to accomplish with your plastic surgery. Together, you’ll talk about the right procedure or set of procedures to achieve your desired look. Dr. Conlon will walk you through the steps you’ll take before, during, and after the procedure.
You’ll also talk about pricing, logistics, and all the important details that ensure you have everything you need to feel confident about your plan.
We’ll work with you during your initial consultation to go over prices based on your specific case and needs, but when we confirm our price, it includes all pre-op, surgical, anesthesia, and post-op care. You can rest assured there will never be any surprises.
Start by booking a consultation. It’s focused on you, completely confidential and private, and entirely pressure-free.