Breast Reduction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boulder, CO
Reduction mammoplasty, more commonly known as breast reduction surgery, is a procedure which reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue and skin. The areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) may be reduced and repositioned as well. Breast reduction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
- 3 How is the procedure performed?
- 4 Options to enhance the procedure
- 5 Planning for your surgery
- 6 Preparing for your surgery
- 7 Where your surgery will be performed
- 8 Types of Anesthesia
- 9 After Your Surgery
- 10 Schedule your Appointment
Before and After Photos
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
Candidates for reduction mammoplasty must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Many patients choose breast reduction in order to achieve a greater sense of freedom in their physical activities, clothing styles, and to improve self-confidence. Additionally, some patients choose breast reduction to alleviate chronic pain, including neck, back, and shoulder pain. Reduction mammoplasty may also reduce headaches, shoulder-grooving from bra-straps, and may help alleviate upper extremity nerve problems due to posture problems.
NOTE: You may not be a candidate for surgery if you smoke, have recently quit smoking, or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications depending on the kind of procedure performed.
How is the procedure performed?
The technique chosen for your breast reduction surgery will be determined by your anatomy, your surgeon’s preferences and your desired results.
The most common procedure involves a three-part incision. First, an incision is made around the areola. Another is made vertically, from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision is made horizontally beneath the breast, following the natural curve of the breast crease. The excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola is usually reduced in size. Skin from above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.
Options to enhance the procedure
Dr. Roesner may recommend combining a tummy tuck and/or liposuction with the procedure to improve body contour, especially on the sides of the breasts.
Planning for your surgery
First, schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you’d like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.
DURING YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION
- Provide a complete medical history. Include information about any previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and all medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
- Expect your surgeon to conduct a physical examination of the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of skin and placement of the nipples
- Measurements and photographs will be taken for your medical record.
- Be prepared to discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.
Preparing for your surgery
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. A pre-operative information packet will be provided that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. You may also want to make arrangements for someone to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.
Where your surgery will be performed
Dr. Roesner has surgical privileges at North Suburban Medical Center, Rose Medical Center as well as St. Anthony Hospital. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis; however, in cases where additional procedures are performed – you may expect an overnight stay
Types of Anesthesia
General anesthetic is used so that you will sleep and remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.
After Your Surgery
It is very important that you follow physician’s instructions. This will promote healing and improve progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Breast Reduction Surgery Post-operative Instructions
- Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Follow balanced diet.
- Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
- Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
- Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
- Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it causes fluid retention.
- If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
- Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Activities
- Start walking as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
- Do not drive until you have full range of motion with your arms.
- Unless stated on this form, discuss your time off of work with your surgeon.
- No overhead lifting, strenuous sports or sexual activity for 3-6 weeks.
Incision Care
- You may shower 48 hours after removal of the drainage tubes.
- Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
- Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
- Keep steri-strips on; replace if they come off.
- Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
- No tub soaking while sutures or drains are in place.
What To Expect
- You are likely to feel tired and sore for 1-2 weeks
- Normal sensation to the breast cannot be restored: in time, some feeling may return.
Appearance
- Most scars will fade substantially over time 1-2 years.
- Reconstructed breast may feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than natural breast.
- Reconstructed breast may not match natural breast.
Follow-up Care
- If surgical drain was used, it will be removed in 1-2 weeks.
- Most stitches are removed in 7-10 days.
When To Call
- If you have increased swelling or bruising.
- If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
- If you have increased redness along the incision.
- If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
- If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
- If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
- If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
- If you have loss of feeling or motion.
Schedule your Appointment
And Meet Directly With Dr. Roesner to Discuss a Treatment plan to meet your Aesthetic and Skincare Goals.
Schedule AppointmentConsult fee is $100 – which will be applied to the cost of the procedure
(If scheduled within 90 days).
