Large and heavy breasts can sometimes create a significant burden for many women. Because of shoulder or back pain, breathing difficulties, skin irritations, and other medical complications, many women will decide to have breast reduction surgery.
Our skilled Atlanta plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast reduction surgery. If you are interested in this procedure, Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart can assess your breasts and build a customized treatment plan to meet your goals.
- Anesthesia: General
- Potential Benefits: Dramatically smaller and more proportionate breasts; less prominent areolas; relief from various physical concerns (e.g. back pain and breathing problems); enhanced confidence and self-esteem
- Longevity of Results: Typically long-lasting (provided patient maintains a healthy lifestyle following surgery)
- Recovery: Patients can usually return to work in one to two weeks and resume more strenuous activities in four to six weeks
Am I A Candidate For Breast Reduction Surgery?
If you have extremely large and heavy breasts that create obstacles in your daily life, breast reduction surgery may be what you need to attain the size and contour you want. This surgery can be helpful for women who experience stress and emotional anxiety or are not able to lead a fulfilled and active life because of the heaviness of their breasts. If you also deal with ongoing skin irritation (as well as back or neck pain), this surgery can eliminate these medical conditions.
Additionally, breast reduction patients will notice a lifted and lighter appearance and an overall more youthful-looking bustline.
Those interested in breast reduction surgery should be at a stable weight. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to quit in the weeks before the procedure and during your recovery.
Complementary Procedures to Breast Reduction Surgery
Depending on your unique desires, breast reduction surgery can be accompanied by various cosmetic procedures. Most commonly, liposuction of the lateral chest and axilla will be combined with a breast reduction to reduce the size of the chest wall and fullness along the bra roll. Alternatively, your breast reduction may be complemented by a body procedure (such as tummy tuck surgery or liposuction), a facial contouring option (e.g., a facelift or eyelid lift), or even one of our sought-after non-surgical solutions. No matter your individual case, our team will build a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your dream aesthetic.
“I am so very pleased with my experience at PSGA. Dr. Hart is very caring gentle and well informed, the staff is outstanding helpful and I feel very fortunate to have connected with them."
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
A breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. It typically takes about two to four hours to complete. During the procedure, your surgeon will focus on maintaining a healthy blood flow to the nipple areola complex. Generally, incisions are placed on the inside of the breast using absorbable stitches. There are variations to this incision pattern that can be used depending on breast size and aesthetic goals. That said, an “anchor” incision – also called a vertical “T” – is one of the most commonly used techniques. This incision is made around the areola and extends down to follow the natural curve and crease of the breast.
During surgery, a draining tube may be placed to control bleeding and swelling. Excess breast tissue can be removed with liposuction, and loose skin can be excised as desired. Part of breast reduction surgery involves reducing the areola to a smaller, more proportionate size. Once the breast and/or areola are resized and reshaped, a “lift” is performed so the breast sits higher on the chest.
What Can I Expect from Breast Reduction Recovery?
For the first several weeks after breast reduction surgery, patients will wear a surgical bra or compression garment. Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks and may begin exercising in four to six weeks. The visible results of a breast reduction are typically immediate, with patients returning quickly to normal pre-surgery activities and lifestyle.
How Long Do Breast Reduction Results Last?
The results of breast reduction surgery should remain in place as long as the patient does not experience significant weight fluctuations. For this reason, Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart encourage patients to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine after breast reduction surgery. Additionally, because pregnancy and breastfeeding can disrupt the results of surgery, it is often ideal for patients to pursue a breast reduction after they have completed their families.
Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cause Scarring?
As with any major cosmetic surgery, breast reduction is liable to cause scarring.* That said, our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring as much as possible. In many cases, our surgeons use a state-of-the art tension offloading device called the BRIJJIT®. If used, these devices are placed during your operation and will remain on for six weeks, making scar therapy considerably easier.
That being said, scars that do appear can often be hidden with the right clothing; further, they usually fade and become less noticeable in the years following the procedure.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
Pricing for breast reduction surgery at Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta is contingent upon the techniques used; other procedures incorporated into care; anesthesia fees; postoperative bras or compression garments; and other factors.
For more information regarding the cost of your experience, please visit our plastic surgery financing page or reach out to our team. Please also note that we offer eligible patients the option to pay through CareCredit® or ALPHAEON® CREDIT.
To learn more about breast reduction, we welcome you to contact Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta.
