Women who have had breast reductions are some of the happiest patients plastic surgeons see! In addition to making the breasts smaller and lighter, the tissues are lifted to create a more youthful, perky shape.
Many women with large breasts suffer for years from back, neck, and shoulder pain, deep grooving in the shoulders from bra straps, and skin irritation. Large breasts make it painful to be active and exercise, difficult (and expensive!) to find bras that fit, and impossible to fit well in certain types of clothing.
A breast reduction can address the root cause of these symptoms by making the breasts smaller, lighter, and more lifted. During surgery, portions of the breast tissue and skin are removed and reorganized, and the nipple is repositioned to sit over the center of the new breast mound.
While many women seek out reduction to relieve their symptoms of pain and heaviness, an incredible benefit is the boost to one’s appearance and fit into clothing. It matters what your breasts look and feel like after surgery! A beautiful breast reduction is possible.
During your consultation, Dr. Shore will take the time to listen to your goals and wishes, to achieve results that are not just smaller, but beautiful as well.
Scarring is a necessary trade-off for a breast reduction, and the recommended scar pattern will vary from person to person. The most common scar pattern used is the anchor pattern scar. All scars sit at and below the level of the areola, so they are hidden within full coverage bras, low cut tops, and bikinis.
While scarring is permanent, the scars are given lots of TLC after surgery with topical creams, tapes, and gels, so that they remain soft, flat, thin and faded.
Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure. Local anesthetics are used during surgery to minimize the need for pain medication afterwards. Drains are sometimes used. A stabilizing bra is placed before awakening, and you will wear this 24/7 for several weeks after surgery. (It may be removed to shower and launder the bra.)
Arm movements are initially limited to light, slow movements below the shoulders. Return to desk work can happen after about one week, and full return to all exercise happens at six weeks. Low impact activity, such as walking, is encouraged starting the day after surgery. At two weeks, surgical tapes are removed and scar care is started.
The final results are apparent at 3-6 months, with the final traces of swelling and scar settling happening at one year after surgery. While the results are permanent, it is important to remember that our bodies change with time.
Life events, such as weight chance, pregnancies, breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and aging will exert changes on the tissues, so that your new breasts will evolve with you.
