Breast Reduction Procedure
Many women with large breasts (macromastia or gigantomastia) complain of neck pain, back pain, bra strap grooves, and/or intertriginous rashes. A well-performed breast reduction can eliminate these symptoms and result in more beautiful breasts.
Breast
reduction in Reno, Nevada
Women in the Reno and Tahoe, who are area experiencing pain and discomfort from large breasts, should schedule a consultation to learn more about breast reduction at our Charles P. Virden, MD plastic surgery office in Reno, Nevada. As an experienced breast surgeon, Dr. Charles Virden, a board-certified plastic and reconstruction surgeon, has helped hundreds of women improve their breasts and boost their body image through his specialized breast reduction technique. Dr. Virden’s surgical approach results in fewer scars and provides long-lasting benefits so that patients can enjoy their new body for years to come. Breast reduction is one operation that can provide immediate relief. Coupled with a 95% satisfaction rate, breast reduction is a very rewarding procedure for the patient.
Reductive Enhancement
The term “reductive enhancement” may seem to be a bit of a conflict in terms; reduction meaning to make “smaller,” and enhancement meaning to “enlarge.” This procedure was developed to improve the appearance and result after a breast reduction. It’s usually applied when a breast enhancement is performed in conjunction with breast reduction. Essentially, extra tissue is removed so the volume can be replaced by an implant. This results in a smaller breast with better and longer lasting upper breast fullness.
Historically, most types of breast reduction procedures are prone to bottoming out and lack upper breast fullness. During this new procedure, additional native breast tissue is removed and is replaced with a silicone breast implant as in breast augmentation. In those patients who desire a smaller breast and also want upper breast fullness (an overall rounder breast), a reductive enhancement likely will provide a more aesthetically pleasing breast. The reductive enhancement procedure takes approximately 3 hours, and is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients are up and about within 2 to 3 days after surgery.
Ideal Breast Reduction Candidates
When your neck and back hurt, it reduces your quality of life. When you are in pain, your movements are limited, your posture is slumped, and you generally do not feel well. Women with large breasts experience this on a daily basis. Some women, through no fault of their own, cannot correct this issue with diet and exercise alone. If you experience the following symptoms from large, heavy breasts, you may be an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery:
- Irritation and rashes on the skin underneath the bra
- Diet and exercise unsuccessfully decreasing the size of the breasts
- Disproportionate breasts to the body frame
- Weight of the breasts causes pain in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Bra straps grooves in the shoulders
- Limitations on activity because of the size of the breasts
- Poor posture
What to expect during your breast reduction
Using state-of-the-art surgical techniques that limit the risks of surgery, our plastic surgeon will skillfully remove excess skin and suction out tissue to reshape the breast. During surgery, it is common to use one of the following incision approaches:
- An incision around of the areola
- A vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast line
- A horizontal incision on the breast line
Liposuction is generally used to safely remove fat tissues from within the breast. Excess skin will be removed, and then a breast lift is usually needed to attain a healthy looking result. It is common for women requesting this procedure to go down 1 – 2 cup sizes.
After a 2 – 4-hour breast reduction surgery, you will wake up in recovery and feel immediately lighter in the chest area. You will be instructed on how to properly care for your incisions to limit scarring. After being sent home wrapped in a surgical compression garment and special post-operative bra, it is advised that you take it easy for the first few weeks after the surgery. Expect to feel less sensation in your nipples, as they will take up to a year to recover and resume sensitivity. It is suggested that breast reduction patients not return to work for 7 – 10 days, and wait 6 – 8 weeks before resuming physical activities.
anticipated results
Breast reduction surgery can dramatically change the lives of our patients, resulting in smaller breasts that makes everyday activities easier. All patients will leave the surgical facility in a post-operative bra designed for breast surgery patients that is provided by our office. The bra offers compression to speed recovery and a front closure without underwires for patient comfort. Patients can purchase more of these bras from our office to prepare for their recovery. In the few months and weeks following the procedure, it is advised for you to continue wearing comfortable bras and limiting strenuous activity. Once exercise can be worked back into your day-to-day life, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Breast reduction surgery is a long-lasting cosmetic surgery, however, the results can be negatively impacted by weight gain and/or pregnancy.
Life with smaller breasts
Picture what your life could look like free from pain, constant rashes, and stares from people because of your large breasts. Call today for a consultation. Our team will answer all of your questions, concerns, and educate you on aftercare instructions.