Breast Reduction

Why Get a Breast Reduction?

Having large breasts can be desirable, but when they are too large for your frame, they can detract from your quality of life. A breast reduction can help alleviate pain and discomfort from heavy breasts that put a strain on your neck, shoulders, and back. It can also allow you to move around more comfortably, especially while engaging in exercise or recreational activities. The size of your breasts will be reduced, and the tissue reshaped to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance that complements your body. Dr. Flugstad and Dr. Rivet of Denton Plastic Surgery will work with you to find just the right size.

Breast reduction, or in medical terms, a mammoplasty, is a reconstructive surgical procedure that reduces the size of overly large breasts. Women with very large breasts are often plagued with back, neck, and shoulder pain or suffer from skin irritations. This surgery is performed to relieve physical discomfort and for aesthetic reasons.

Are You a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Breasts that are too large for your body can cause discomfort and physical limitations, such as:

• Inhibiting your ability to exercise
• Causing stress on your body that affects your comfort in work or recreation
• Creates obstacles in life’s activities including exercise, sports, playing with your children, or wearing standard clothing sizes
• Self-consciousness caused by overly heavy, sagging breasts

If you suffer from any of these uncomfortable issues and want a more balanced, attractive figure, our team at Denton Plastic Surgery will develop a surgical plan to create breasts that look and feel comfortable.

This surgery is not performed on adolescents, as it is important to wait until the breasts are fully developed, usually at about age 18. At that age, a patient is also mature enough to understand the procedure and what to expect with regard to incisions, scarring, and recovery time.

What Is the Cost of a Breast Reduction?

There is not a standard cost when it comes to breast reduction, as surgery is tailored to each individual. For many patients, breast reduction may be covered by your health insurance. There are numerous factors that can impact pricing, including:

• Your geographical location – surgery may be priced differently than procedures performed in other communities.
• The experience level of your surgeon
• The complexity of the surgery
• If any other procedures are being performed
• Any facility or anesthesia fees
• Post-surgical garments or medications
• Insurance coverage

If surgery is being performed due to medical necessity rather than cosmetic purposes, insurance may cover some costs. During your consultation, our doctors can give you a more accurate estimate based on your surgical plan.

How Do I Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Dr. Flugstad and Dr. Rivet have helped many women achieve a better self-image and live healthier, more active lives through breast reduction surgery at their private, exclusive clinic.

We offer all of our clients a personalized care plan where we educate them on what to expect in a breast reduction procedure, recovery, risks, and results. In many cases, breast reduction surgery is covered by insurance. Our administrative staff will be happy to help you determine eligibility with your insurance company.

Before you are scheduled for surgery, you will meet with our surgeons for an in-person consultation. Our surgeons will measure and mark your breasts and describe how your vision for your breasts can be achieved with a customized breast reduction surgery.

What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery?

Your breast reduction surgery will involve the following steps:

• Your procedure will be performed while you are under general anesthesia.
• Horizontal and vertical incisions are made so they are partially hidden by the natural contours of your breasts.
• The nipple and areola are moved, without detaching them from the underlying structure to a new and higher position, central and facing forward.
• Excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat are removed.
• The remaining skin and breast tissue are reshaped to achieve a beautiful, rounded breast mound.
• In some cases, liposuction can be performed to improve the definition of the breasts, often at the sides where excess fat may linger.

Correction of the nipple position and areola size are additional benefits of breast reduction. If your areolas are overlarge and not appropriate for your new, smaller breast size, they can be reduced for a more aesthetic, youthful look.

What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Every surgery, no matter how common, comes with some level of risk, and breast reduction surgery is no different. Discuss any concerns with your surgeon and ensure that you understand the risks and the safety processes in place.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

Post-surgery, many patients report immediate relief from shoulder, neck, and back pain. As with any surgery, some recovery and discomfort are to be expected. In the weeks following your surgery, and throughout your healing process, you should be prepared to:

• Experience soreness, bruising, and swelling for about one to two weeks following surgery
• Wear a supportive post-surgical bra at all times while your incisions heal
• Take it easy for a couple of weeks and avoid lifting anything heavy, reaching, stretching, or other activities that could put a strain on your incisions until given the okay by your doctor
• Numbness in the nipples and skin is common for a few months after surgery and may be longer-lasting in some rare cases

The team at Denton Plastic Surgery will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance and support post-surgery. We can also help control discomfort with pain medication prescribed on an individual basis.

What Is Involved in Breast Reduction Recovery?

Our goal is to reshape your breasts to fit your body, helping your posture, confidence, and overall quality of life. It may take some time for you to adjust to your new shape and size, but our patients report that along with a newly-shaped figure comes improved self-confidence.

Gone are the physical and emotional discomforts of large breasts. Your body will be more balanced and proportional, and depending upon the extent of the reduction, you should be able to wear standard clothing and bra sizes and can look forward to adding to your wardrobe with clothing that now fits your lovely, reshaped bust.

If large breasts are causing you discomfort, contact us now to learn more about breast reduction.

If you are ready to schedule your breast reduction consultation or want to get more information, contact our office at (940) 287-3795.