How Can Breast Reduction Help Me?
Overly large breasts can develop during adolescence or due to weight gain or pregnancy. Dr. O’Toole understands that women consider breast reduction for many reasons and tailors the procedure to each patient.
Schedule a ConsultationAm I Candidate for Breast Reduction in Pasadena, CA?
Breast reduction is appropriate for adult women who are physically healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations of their results. Candidates experience one or more of the following:
- Emotional insecurity and embarrassment due to their breasts
- Tension and pain in the back, neck, and chest
- Grooves in the shoulders from the pressure of bra straps
- Skin rashes between and/or underneath the breasts
- Difficulties participating in sports and physical activities
- Headaches due to neck and back tension
- Asymmetrical breasts
Procedure
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Anchor technique includes incisions made around the areola, down to the underside of the breast, and along the breast crease
- Excess fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and skin are removed
- Nipples may be moved to a higher position
- Incisions are closed with fine sutures
What are your Concerns?
Recovery
Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure. However, as it is performed under general anesthesia, you must have someone present to drive you home and stay with you for the first night. A surgical bra is worn to reduce swelling, increase your circulation to prevent blood clots, and aid in the healing process. This bra should be worn for a few weeks; Dr. O’Toole will let you know when it is appropriate to switch to a sports bra or regular underwire bra. Most women return to work and their regular activities after two weeks. All strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Cost
Breast reduction is a procedure that requires surgical training, skill, and experience. The cost of your breast reduction will reflect that. You will be provided with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation that will include anesthesia fees, surgical fees, facility fees, and the price of any combined procedures.
Pain
Breast reduction is performed using general anesthesia to allow for a painless procedure. Patients will experience swelling, bruising, and soreness once the anesthesia wears off. Oral pain medication can be taken to relieve any discomfort, and all side effects should dissipate within a few weeks.
Scarring
As with all surgical procedures, scarring will develop at the incision sites. Patients can help minimize the appearance of post-operative scarring by keeping their wounds out of the sun and avoiding any tension that may place a strain on the incisions. All scarring will fade with time.
Results
Breast reduction results will show once the post-operative swelling resolves. Your results will be long lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight. Factors such as additional weight gain or pregnancy may affect the quality of your results. After your breast reduction, you can enjoy a more balanced body contour with less physical and emotional discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is breast reduction the same as a breast lift?
A breast reduction is not the same surgery as a breast lift; however, breast reduction is often performed in conjunction with a lift to correct significant sagging. Breast lift surgery is performed through the same incisions as reduction and is an ideal combination procedure. Breast lift surgery removes excess skin and tissue and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest.
-
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?
Breast reduction uses an incision around the areola that may affect the amount of milk you can produce. However, many women who have undergone breast reduction can still breastfeed. If breastfeeding is important to you, let Dr. O’Toole know this beforehand to determine if alternative techniques may be applied. No woman will know for sure if she can breastfeed until she tries.
-
Can breast reduction also be performed on men with excess breast tissue?
A male breast reduction procedure, known as gynecomastia surgery, is performed for men with excess breast tissue or fat. This treatment uses liposuction, Smartlipo™, or tissue and skin excision to reduce the appearance of enlarged male breasts.
-
What are the potential complications of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is generally safe, and most patients never experience any lasting side effects or complications. While rare, risks can include:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Changes in skin or nipple sensation
- Breast asymmetry