When we talk about cosmetic breast procedures, the topic that usually pops up in everyone’s mind is breast augmentation. This surgery is used primarily to increase the size of a woman’s breasts. But interestingly, more than 33,000 cosmetic breast reductions were performed throughout 2020, according to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
As it turns out, even in a society that places a high beauty value on a large bust, there is a substantial number of women who are unhappy with the largeness of their breasts. So much so that they seek out surgical correction. But how reliable is breast reduction? And what are the details about the procedure?
At its core, breast reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. This procedure is performed for many different reasons, including aesthetics and the need to relieve pressure and pain from a patient’s back.
Regardless of the reasons for the surgery, breast reduction has proven to be a safe and reliable method to achieve those goals. As cosmetic surgery has become increasingly less taboo in recent decades, the number of breast reductions performed has increased. This is even more true as the popularity of overly large breasts has given way to a more subtle, harmonious aesthetic appearance.
There is a host of different reasons that breast reductions are performed. Here are a few of the most common:
Since breast reduction is a surgical procedure, it can be performed on anyone who is healthy enough to undergo surgery. General wellness encompasses a few different factors, such as:
Some other factors and conditions can prevent candidacy, but they are few and far between. During your initial consultation with one of the medical professionals in our office, we will be able to let you know with certainty if breast reduction is safe for you.
Regardless of other factors, every potential patient who is considering this surgery should maintain realistic expectations about what it can achieve. We always recommend reviewing before and after photos, asking as many questions as possible and doing ample amounts of research prior to the procedure, so you don’t find yourself disappointed by an otherwise successful surgery.
Dr. Hisham Seify is a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, serving the greater Orange County area. With an impressive background that includes advanced fellowships and prestigious awards, Dr. Seify is committed to delivering the highest standards of patient care. His approach emphasizes attentive listening to patient concerns and offering customized surgical solutions with meticulous attention to detail. Specializing in both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Seify strives to make each patient’s experience positive and transformative.
Prior to coming into your procedure, you will be given a list of pre-operative instructions by your surgeon. These instructions include personalized steps you will need to take based on your health, medications and specific surgical goals. You don’t need to worry about understanding them all on your own — our team here at Newport Plastic Surgery will go through all of these instructions with you ahead of time.
Most patients can expect to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, but other instructions could include changing medications or orders to stop smoking entirely. Smoking can significantly impact the safety of your procedure and recovery and seriously damage your results.
Breast reduction surgery is performed under either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. During your consultation and pre-operative appointments, the best option for you will be decided ahead of time.
This procedure not only removes volume from the breast but also eliminates excess tissue at the same time. Based on your specific conditions and goals, one of three excision techniques can be used: the circular, lollipop or anchor technique.
This technique is used for patients who only have a mild amount of correction performed. A single incision is made around the nipple, where the surgeon will then remove the appropriate amount of fat and tissue.
This approach includes the same incision that is made on the circular incision plus an addition cut down the lower center part of the breast, creating a “lollipop” shape. This provides your surgeon more access to remove tissue and fat and is best suited for patients with moderate levels of removal.
The anchor technique makes the same lollipop shape plus another incision directly across the bottom fold of the breast. This provides the greatest amount of access to the breast structure and is reserved for patients with severe amounts of needed tissue removal.
When you wake up from anesthesia, you will likely already be wrapped in compression garments and other bandaging. Many women are also given a support bra that protects the incisions from tearing under pressure. In some cases, your surgeon may also place a tube inside the operated area to help prevent excess fluid from building up.
The first week of recovery is the most impactful. It is very common to experience minor pain, discomfort, redness, swelling, bruising and other discoloration at this stage of your recovery. Luckily, most patients are able to mitigate these side effects with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
For the next six or so weeks, all of these symptoms will continue to improve and your final results will become more noticeable. You are free to contact our office as often as you want to check in on your recovery process. You will also have a series of follow-up appointments to ensure that your results will be optimal and your recovery will be safe.
Your breast reduction results are permanent, and you can expect to have a significantly reduced breast profile, leading to a more balanced aesthetic figure, less back and nerve pain, better clothing options and a host of different other benefits. While the results of this procedure are long-lasting, no treatment can prevent the development of future breast sagging or the increase of breast size from weight fluctuation. The best way to ensure you maintain your results is to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
While you will be able to see your scarring after your procedure, our team will do everything we can to make sure they are as inconspicuous as possible. The incisions will be made within natural folds to be hidden, and over time, the scarring will fade away and become less noticeable.
If you are ready to learn more about how breast reduction can provide you with the aesthetic of your dreams, or if you would like to move forward with scheduling a consultation, give Newport Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Associates a call at (949) 251-1502 or fill out our online contact form. We are looking forward to being
*This information about Breast Reduction Surgery was reviewed by Dr. Hisham Seify. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.
While the procedure is generally safe and effective, it does come with potential risks and complications. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of breast reduction with your surgeon to determine if it is the right choice for you.
Some of the risks associated with breast reduction surgery include:
If you are considering breast reduction surgery in Orange County, it is important to do your research and choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast surgery. Ask for referrals from friends or family members who have undergone the procedure, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and concerns. Your surgeon can help you determine if breast reduction is right for you and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
The cost of a breast reduction surgery can vary significantly based on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, location, and specific surgical requirements. Various factors include facility fees, anesthesia charges, and any additional necessary medical care. For a precise estimate tailored to your unique needs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.
Breast reduction can be combined with many different procedures, including:
The decision to undergo breast reduction surgery is typically based on medical and personal considerations rather than a specific breast size requirement. Candidates for breast reduction surgery often experience symptoms such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts, difficulty with physical activities due to breast size, and emotional discomfort related to breast size.
After undergoing breast reduction surgery, it is uncommon for breasts to return to their original size. The procedure involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a smaller, more proportionate breast size. However, factors such as significant weight gain, pregnancy, and natural aging processes can potentially lead to changes in breast size over time. Maintaining a stable weight and discussing any plans for pregnancy with your surgeon can help minimize these effects and preserve the results of the surgery. Overall, while minor changes may occur with age or life events, the reduction in breast size achieved through surgery is generally long-lasting.
While weight is a consideration for breast reduction surgery, it is one of several factors we evaluate. Our team assesses your overall health, breast size relative to your body, and specific symptoms related to large breasts when determining candidacy. While maintaining a stable weight before surgery can optimize safety and outcomes, being overweight does not necessarily disqualify you from the procedure. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual circumstances and determine the best approach for achieving your desired breast size and overall well-being.
Breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery varies depending on surgical technique, tissue removal, and individual anatomy. While some women can breastfeed successfully, others may face challenges due to the potential impact on milk ducts and nerves. This can be discussed further at your consultation.
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