Breast Reduction in Orange County

Name: Breast Reduction
Brand: Farbod Esmailian
Rating: 4.9 (101 reviews)

While breasts are a prominent feature of a woman’s body, they can be overbearing if they are too large. Many women suffer from overly large breasts that affect their comfort as well as their appearance.

There are a number of musculoskeletal issues that can come from large breasts, such as back pain, neck pain, and poor posture. Dr. Esmailian is a specialist breast reduction surgeon in Orange County, allowing women to enjoy a life free from cumbersome mammaries. Some related procedures include breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.

Breast Reduction Overview

Breast reduction, otherwise known as reduction mammaplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to remove tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts when these have become excessive. Many women choose to have a breast reduction to relieve discomfort that comes from the weight and size of their breasts. Other women may receive a breast reduction to improve the proportion of their breasts to the rest of their body. In any case, candidates for breast reduction surgery will experience a boost in their quality of life following the procedure.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Once our board-certified anesthesiologist applies the anesthesia, Dr. Esmailian will begin the breast reduction procedure. The first step is the incision. In breast reduction, the shape of the incision will depend upon the amount of tissue to be removed and patient preference.

During your consultation period, Dr. Esmailian will thoroughly review the incision options so you can make an informed decision. Incision options for breast reduction include:

A circular incision that traces the outer edge of the areola
A lollipop incision, which circles the areola and goes straight down to the breast fold
An anchor incision, which goes down the front to the breast fold and up either side of the fold

Once the incision is made, Dr. Esmailian can remove the underlying breast tissue. He uses expert techniques to lift and shape the remaining tissue so that the breasts sit higher on the chest. Each step of the procedure will be done exactly as the two of you have discussed.

Once Dr. Esmailian is satisfied with the amount and shape of the underlying tissue, he will close the incision. The first step is using sutures below the surface to support the newly reduced breast structure. He will then close the outer skin with precise sutures that produce minimal scarring. Once the surgery is over, the results are immediately clear. As weeks pass, the breast will settle into its new shape and the scars will fade. Dr. Esmailian will request that you come back in for follow-up appointments so he can check on the healing process.

A Premier Breast Reduction Surgeon – Dr. Esmailian

As a premier breast reduction surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Esmailian has the knowledge and experience to help women achieve their goals in breast reduction. His care and empathy are crucial to understanding the needs of his patients. Please call us today to schedule your initial consultation for breast reduction.

Before & After Breast Reduction

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About Your Breast Reduction Surgery

Many women in Orange County who have extremely large breasts have to limit their activities and are unhappy with their overall appearance. For these women, finding clothes that fit properly can be nearly impossible, they have permanent grooves where their bra straps sit, poor posture because they try to compensate for the size of their breasts; furthermore, they suffer from persistent shoulder, neck, and back pain. In severe cases, women can have numbness and tingling in their hands. All of these issues can be addressed with a breast reduction surgery with Orange County Plastic surgeon, Dr. Farbod Esmailian.

Breast Reduction Helps Women With Extremely Large Breasts

Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs breast reduction procedures to help women (and men) who want to reduce the size of their breasts. The goal of a breast reduction is to make the breast size proportionate to the patient’s body; thus, decreasing the physical issues and limitations caused by exceptionally large breasts in women and helping men feel more confident about their appearance. Breast reduction surgery is life changing, not only helping patients in a physical manner but also mentally as well.

Patient Testimonials

I can't emphasize enough how grateful I am for Dr. Esmailian. I had considered getting a breast reduction for years but was always too nervous. After doing a ton of research to find a surgeon I trust, I found Dr. Esmailian. I am SO grateful. The office staff are all so nice and welcoming. This was the best decision I have ever made. I still can't believe what a great job he did. My back pain is gone and I could not be happier with the results! I feel like a brand new person, I'm forever grateful to Dr. Esmailian! I highly recommend him!!

J.M.

I was referred to Dr Esmailian from a long time friend and was so impressed with the work I had seen that I actually flew from another state to have my procedure done. I was initially concerned about being out of state but his staff was so helpful every step of the way. Not only am I super impressed with his customer service, but he did a phenomenal job on me and it was better than I could have ever expected! SUPER SUPER HAPPY

S.S.

Insurance Companies Cover Breast Reduction Surgery

Although there are no regulations stating how large breasts must be to warrant a breast reduction, insurance companies frequently cover surgery for women displaying symptoms of macromastia. Macromastia is the medical term for large breasts.

There are several aspects that insurance company reviewers look at to determine if the procedure will be covered by the insurance plan. At the time of the initial visit at Dr. Esmailian’s Orange County plastic surgery office, photos will be taken as well as measurements and a history. All of the information is submitted to the insurance company and the reviewer will determine if this is part of the policy and if it is medically necessary.

Symptoms Of Macromastia Can Include:

Difficulty Sleeping
Shoulder Grooving
Rash
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Back Pain
Trouble Exercising
Lack of Confidence/Low Self Esteem (In Intimate and Social Situations)

Following Breast Reduction, Patients Can Be More Active

According to David B. Sarwer, PhD, who is a psychology professor and consultant for Human Appearance at Perelman School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, patients who have breast reductions tend to be very satisfied with the results. Sarwer believes the procedure profoundly impacts the way a patient feels; in addition, after a breast reduction in Orange County, patients can participate in activities that they previously had to avoid.

Breast Reduction Outcome Study

A Breast Reduction Outcome Study involving 73 patients finds that a breast reduction offers women numerous benefits:

93 percent of the respondents reported an improvement in the way their breasts looked
85 percent noticed an increase in their self-esteem
84 percent had better posture
77 percent increased their activity level
31 percent reported improved intimate relationships; whereas, 65 percent reported no change

Prior to the breast reduction, only 9 percent of the patients were free of back pain; however, following the breast reduction, 59 percent of the patients were free of back pain. Ninety-five percent of the patients felt that having a breast reduction was the perfect solution to their problem.

Details Of Breast Reduction Surgery

The procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery. Depending on how large of a reduction is being performed, the surgery may take 3-4 hours to be completed. Patients are sent home with a surgical bra in place, which may be removed in 48 hours to shower. All the sutures that are placed are internal and there is no need for removal. There are drains that are placed which will be removed at the first postoperative follow up.

The results are evident immediately with relief of the discomfort and the weight. Most patients resume full activity in 4 weeks. Patients are usually instructed to wear a regular bra in 2 months and the final result may take 3-4 months to be evident. If your breasts are affecting your ability to remain active and causing you to feel insecure about your appearance, contact Dr. Farbod Esmailian’s office in Orange County today.

Men With Gynecomastia Can Also Benefit From Breast Reduction Procedures

Gynecomastia is a condition that causes swelling of the breast tissue in boys and men. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 30,000 men with gynecomastia had procedures performed to reduce the size of their breasts. Dr. Esmailian performs breast reduction procedures to help men who have gynecomastia.

Orange County Breast Reduction Surgery

Some of the women who have oversized breasts are happy to have them; whereas, others are not. The weight of extremely large breasts can cause a variety of issues, including neck pain and back pain. Women experiencing problems due to their oversized breasts should consider having a breast reduction procedure (aka reduction mammoplasty). Men who have larger breasts than they prefer may be good candidates for a male breast reduction. Dr. Farbod Esmailian specializes in procedures related to the breast, including breast reductions. He is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has been serving Orange County for more than 10 years. His experience, dedication, and skill have placed him as one of the top plastic surgeons in and around Orange County.

Reasons Women In Orange County Choose To Have Breast Reduction Surgery

Many women who have extremely large breasts suffer from a variety of physical problems. In addition, overly large breasts can affect a woman emotionally. Women in and around Orange County choose to have Dr. Esmailian perform their reduction mammoplasty procedures to address the physical and emotional issues that are linked to the size of their breasts. During a breast reduction procedure, Dr. Farbod Esmailian removes excess tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts. He then lifts the breasts to a higher, more youthful-looking position on the chest and tightens the skin.

Physical Problems Women Frequently Experience With Oversized Breasts Include:

Skin irritations and/or rashes beneath the breasts. These irritations/rashes may itch or feel sore. It is the continuous skin-on-skin contact between the underside of the breasts and the upper abdomen that cause these rashes to develop.
Nerve pain or numbness. The breasts can press on nerve pathways causing pain and/or numbness in the fingers, arms, and hands.
Difficulty breathing while lying on their backs.
Headaches/Migraines.
Neck and back pain due to the weight of their breasts.
Difficulty performing everyday activities because their breasts are so large that they get in the way.
Permanent, deep grooves on the area of the shoulders where the straps of the brassiere dig in because of the weight of their breasts.
Shortness of breath caused by the overly large breasts constricting their diaphragms; thus, making it difficult for them to take a deep breath.
Poor posture, which can eventually cause a spinal deformity.

Emotional Issues Frequently Experienced By Women Who Have, But Do Not Want, Oversized Breasts Include

A feeling of self-consciousness about the way they look.
Frustration because of the difficulty they experience trying to find clothing that fits properly.
Feeling embarrassed when they are around others because people tend to stare at their breasts. This feeling of embarrassment can lead to a lack of self-confidence.
Aggravation because the size of their breasts limits their ability to participate in activities that they would enjoy (e.g., jogging, exercising, horseback riding, etc.).

Reasons A Woman May Postpone Her Breast Reduction Procedure

Following a reduction mammoplasty, breastfeeding can be a challenge; therefore, a woman who has yet to start her family or still plans on having more children may want to wait until she has completed her family to have a reduction mammoplasty.

A woman who intends to lose weight by implementing an exercise program and eating healthy may want to wait to have her reduction mammoplasty because as she loses weight, the weight loss may naturally reduce the size of her breasts.

There are times when a teenager has overly large breasts and wants to have a reduction mammoplasty. It is possible to perform this procedure for a teen; however, if her breasts are still developing, she may need to have another reduction performed in the future.

Benefits That Can Be Achieved With An Orange County Breast Reduction

Following a reduction mammoplasty, the patient’s breasts will sit higher on her chest. By repositioning the breasts higher on her chest, the patient enjoys more youthful-looking breasts. In addition, her breasts will be nicely balanced, perkier, and more proportionate to her body. Most of Dr. Esmailian’s reduction mammoplasty patients state that the changes he made to their breasts during surgery have helped them feel more confident about their appearance. In addition, patients say that they feel much better physically now that the pain caused by the weight of their breasts is gone.

Since their breasts are smaller, these women can now enjoy wearing the clothes that they have wanted to wear for a long time. Clothes that now fit beautifully because of their smaller breast size. Furthermore, once they have fully recovered, these women can participate in the physical activities that they previously had to sit on the sidelines and watch.

What Makes A Woman A Good Candidate For A Reduction Mammoplasty In Orange County?

A healthy woman, close to her recommended weight who is bothered by her overly large breasts with realistic expectations as to what a reduction mammoplasty can accomplish for her, may be a good candidate for a breast reduction procedure with Dr. Farbod Esmailian.

If you are experiencing any of the painful or bothersome symptoms associated with oversized breasts, and you would like to learn more about how Dr. Farbod Esmailian can help you find relief, contact his office to schedule a consultation.

A Breast Reduction is Not Recommended for Women Who

Are extremely obese.
Use products that contain nicotine.
Have a chronic condition like diabetes.
Have cardiac issues.
Are concerned about having scars on their breasts.

A Consultation for a Reduction Mammoplasty In Orange County, California

Dr. Esmailian needs to know about your medical history. If you are currently taking any medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, or treatments, please let him know. If you have any allergies to latex or medications, please let the doctor know. Also, if you use products containing nicotine, participate in recreational drug use, and/or drink alcohol regularly, please inform Dr. Farbod Esmailian. Each question is asked to ensure your safety and provide you with optimal results; therefore, it is essential that you are candid when answering these questions. If you have previously had a mammogram and/or a breast biopsy, please bring the written report with you to your consultation.

Please be prepared to discuss the reasons that you are interested in having breast reduction surgery. Dr. Esmailian will want to know what breast size you would like to have once your surgery is complete. He will examine your breasts, take measurements and photographs to place in your medical record. All photographs remain in your medical record and are considered part of your medical file; therefore, these photos are not used for any other reason without your permission (e.g., before and after examples). Should you decide to go ahead with your breast reduction, Dr. Farbod Esmailian will use this information and the photos as references while he creates your personalized treatment plan.

Preparing For Your Breast Reduction Procedure In Orange County

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office or send us a message via our web page.

Routine Medical Tests May Be Ordered

Prior to your procedure, you may need to have a variety of lab tests performed. Dr. Esmailian may ask you to have a baseline mammogram as well.

Why It Is Essential To Stop Using Nicotine-containing Products Before And After Surgery

Nicotine inhibits the body’s ability to heal, so if you use products that contain nicotine, you need to stop using them for at least four weeks before your procedure and four weeks after. Doing so can reduce your likelihood of experiencing complications related to your incisions significantly.

Certain Medications And Herbal Supplements Must Be Avoided

There are certain medications and herbal supplements that thin the blood. Just like nicotine, these products must be avoided prior to your surgery; therefore, be sure to let Dr. Farbod Esmailian know all the medications and supplements you take.

On The Day Of Your Procedure, You Will Need A Driver

Dr. Farbod Esmailian performs breast reductions as outpatient procedures, so you will return home the same day you have your surgery. Since you receive general anesthesia during your reduction mammoplasty, you will not be permitted to drive for at least 24 hours. As such, you need to bring a driver with you on the day of your procedure. Please choose someone that you trust.

Ask Someone That You Trust Implicitly To Remain With You For A Few Days After Your Procedure

Dr. Esmailian prefers that his patients have someone remain with them for a few days following their breast reduction procedures.

Breast Reduction Techniques

The Lollipop Technique (Aka Short-scar Or Vertical Breast Reduction)

Patients who are experiencing some sagging and would just like to reduce the size of their breasts by about cup are good candidates for a lollipop breast reduction. This technique requires two incisions: The first incision is created around the areola and the second incision extends from the bottom of the areola to the crease at the base of the breast. After making these incisions, Dr. Esmailian removes excess fat, tissue and skin. He then uses his experience and skill to reshape the patient’s breast to the smaller size she desires. When this technique is used, most of the scars are on the lower portion of the breast (below the nipple-areolar complex). Any resulting scars are not visible while wearing clothing and they typically remain hidden beneath swimsuits as well.

Inverted-t Technique (Aka Anchor Or Larger-scar Breast Reduction)

This technique is designed to address a substantial amount of sagging and lopsided breasts. In addition, this technique is ideal for women who would like to reduce the size of their breasts by several cup sizes. The inverted-T breast reduction technique requires three incisions. This technique involves creating a lollipop incision and then a horizontal incision along the crease located beneath the patient’s breast. While performing any of the reduction mammoplasty techniques, Dr. Esmailian uses his experience, artistic skill, and vision to improve the overall shape, position, and size of the patient’s breasts. In addition, he reduces the size of the nipple-areolar complexes.

The Nipple-areolar Complexes

The Nipple-Areolar Complexes – The dark skin surrounding the nipple is referred to as the areola, the nipple and areola together are referred to as the nipple-areolar complex.

When the breasts are large and pendulous, the skin of the nipple-areolar complex stretches; thus, increasing its size. As part of the breast reduction procedure, Dr. Esmailian addresses the oversized nipple-areolar complex by reducing its size to correspond with the patient’s new, beautifully-contoured, smaller breasts.

Scarring: What Patients Need To Know

While creating the patient’s treatment plan, Dr. Farbod Esmailian chooses the method that will provide the patient with the results she desires and the fewest scars. To reduce noticeable scarring, Dr. Esmailian places all the sutures internally, within the patient’s breast. These sutures are absorbable and never need to be removed.

What To Expect On The Day Of The Procedure

The breast reduction procedure can last up to four hours. The time of the procedure depends on the patient how much of a reduction needs to be performed.

Pre-Op

While the patient is in pre-op, Dr. Esmailian will create specific markings on her breasts. These markings serve as a guide for him during the breast reduction procedure. If the patient has any last-minute questions or concerns, these need to be discussed at this time.

Patients receiving general anesthesia may experience nausea; therefore, to combat this side effect, Dr. Esmailian can provide the patient with anti-nausea medication. If you know that you do experience this side effect, please let him know prior to your procedure.

The Procedure

After the general anesthesia is administered and the patient is comfortably asleep, Dr. Esmailian can begin the breast reduction procedure. The technique he uses (i.e., Inverted-T or Lollipop) is based on the patient’s specific needs. The nipple-areolar complex usually remains attached to the breast; however, in very rare instances, the complex must be removed and then reattached higher on the breast, referred to as a free graft. Once Dr. Farbod Esmailian has removed all the excess fat, tissue, and skin, he uses internal sutures to close the incisions. These sutures are absorbable and will not be removed. A tube (i.e., drain) is placed under each arm. This drain helps reduce inflammation by allowing excess fluid to exit the body.

This drainage is expected and a normal component of the reduction mammoplasty recovery process. Dr. Esmailian removes these drains at the patient’s follow-up visit. The incisions are bandaged and a compression bra is placed. The patient must wear the compression bra continuously for the first 48 hours after her surgery. Once 48 hours have passed, the patient may remove the bra to shower; however, it must be re-applied directly afterwards. This compression bra is used to help reduce inflammation and provide support for the newly contoured breasts. Dr. Esmailian may provide the patient with pain medication and antibiotics. As time passes, the resulting scars fade; however, these scars will never disappear completely. There is a scar treatment program that Dr. Esmailian recommends and this will be discussed at the office follow ups.

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Recovering From An Orange County Breast Reduction

Dr. Esmailian recommends that his patients take five days off work or school. However, the amount of time it takes to recover depends on the patient.

The majority of Dr. Farbod Esmailian’s patients state that they felt slightly sore for a couple of days following their surgery.

The first few days after a reduction mammoplasty the patient should expect her breasts to be slightly bruised, inflamed, and swollen. In the first week of surgery patients must avoid lifting anything weighing more than 5 pounds.

For at least four weeks, patients need to refrain from performing strenuous activities. In addition, patients should not lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for at least four weeks after their breast reduction procedure.

After their surgery, patients should avoid wearing brassieres that have underwires for a few months.

To ensure patients are aware of their limitations, they receive specific recovery instructions before they are released from the recovery area to head home.

Your Reduction Mammoplasty Results

A successful reduction mammoplasty relieves the symptoms that you experienced due to the size of your breasts. Most patients feel the positive effects of this weight reduction immediately following their procedure (e.g., back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, etc.). Although you will see a difference directly after your procedure, you should expect the inflammation to remain for quite some time.

Final results are typically visible between four to six months post-op. The results achieved with an Orange County breast reduction are permanent; however, factors such as weight loss, aging, and weight gain can affect the size, and shape of your breasts.

Potential Complications And Risks

As with every surgery, there are risks. Although These Incidences Are Rare, Risks And Complications That Patients Need To Consider Include:

The possibility of experiencing a severe allergic reaction to the materials used during the reduction mammoplasty procedure.
Pronounced scarring
Excessive bleeding
Infection
Loss of sensation in the nipple-areolar complex.
Removal of the nipple-areolar complex due to a complication.
Having difficulty with, or being unable to breastfeed.
Having nipples and/or breasts that are unevenly shaped.

While some of these issues can be addressed with another procedure, choosing a breast specialist like Dr. Farbod Esmailian reduces your likelihood of experiencing one of these complications.

What are My Payment Options?

Dr. Farbod Esmailian accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Cashier’s checks.

I Would Like To Have An Orange County Breast Reduction Are There Financing Options Available?

Yes, Dr. Esmailian wants his patients to feel good about the way they look and no longer have to deal with the physical and emotional pain associated with having overly large breasts: For this reason, he offers several financing options.

Will My Insurance Company Cover My Orange County Breast Reduction?

Many health insurance companies will cover portions of a reduction mammoplasty if the patient is having the surgery to address medical issues such as neck pain, back pain, and/or shoulder pain, etc.

If you are having a breast reduction for medical reasons, to find out if your insurance will cover part of your procedure, contact them directly and ask if they cover a reduction mammoplasty that is being performed for medical reasons. If you are considering a breast reduction in Orange County, California, contact Dr. Farbod Esmailian’s Los Alamitos office today.

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast procedures, Dr. Esmailian has the experience, artistic vision, and skill to provide you with the smaller, beautifully-contoured, and uplifted breasts that you desire. His artistic ability, caring demeanor, and dedication to providing his patients with superior results have made him a top plastic surgeon in Orange County. To schedule your initial consultation, please call (562) 999-3472. If you would rather contact the office online, click here to access our online form. Dr. Farbod Esmailian’s office is located at 10861 Cherry Street #108, Los Alamitos, California.

Breast Reduction FAQ

What Criteria Indicates That A Breast Reduction Is Medically Necessary?

What Can I Do To Prove To My Insurance That My Breast Reduction Is Medically Necessary?

Do All Insurance Companies Cover Breast Reduction Procedures?

How Much Pain Should I Expect To Experience After My Breast Reduction Procedure?

After My Breast Reduction, Will I Have To Wear The Surgical Bra While Sleeping?

Once I Can Take Off My Recovery Bra, What Kind Of Bra Should I Wear?

What Causes Dead Tissue And Unsightly Wounds After A Breast Reduction Procedure?

Is There Any Way To Avoid The Scars Associated With A Surgical Breast Reduction?

Since I Cannot Avoid The Scars From A Surgical Breast Reduction, What Can I Do To Minimize Their Appearance?

Are There Any Sutures That Need To Be Removed After The Surgery?

Which Activities Must Be Avoided Following A Traditional Breast Reduction Procedure?

What Are The Signs Of Infection Following A Breast Reduction?

Is There Anything I Can Do To Reduce The Size Of My Breasts Naturally?

Are There Any Chest Exercises Can I Do To Reduce The Size Of And Lift My Breasts?

How Is The Scarless Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?

If I Want My Breasts To Be Smaller And Sitting Higher On My Chest, Do I Need To Have A Reduction With A Lift?

Once My Breast Reduction Is Complete, Can The Tissue Grow Back?

Can I Reduce My Breast Size By Exercising My Pectoralis Muscles?

If I Lose Weight, Will My Breast Size Decrease?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Breast Reduction Via Liposuction?

Should I Lose Weight Before Undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery?

How Small Can I Make My Breasts With A Breast Reduction Procedure?

Can I Have A Breast Lift And A Reduction Mammoplasty During The Same Surgery?

Is A Breast Reduction Procedure Painful?

What Criteria Indicates That A Breast Reduction Is Medically Necessary?

Patients need to have signs and symptoms that are consistent with enlarged/heavy breasts. These include back and neck pain, shoulder pain and grooving from the bra straps, rashes under the breast fold, and numbness of the hands. Then the height and weight ratio are looked at and body surface area is determined (BSA). The insurance company will look at the BSA of the patient and compare it to a chart they have which determines how much breast tissue (weight in grams) has to be reduced for that particular BSA. They look at the measurements taken as well as the signs and symptoms and photos. It is them when a determination is made.

What Can I Do To Prove To My Insurance That My Breast Reduction Is Medically Necessary?

Information given to your primary care physician would help bolster the request for a breast reduction surgery. If any visits of nonsurgical intervention (chiropractor) have been utilized, those should also be included in the chart. Ultimately the main criteria that are used are the BSA (body surface area) and the scale that the insurance company evaluates the patient's BSA to.

Do All Insurance Companies Cover Breast Reduction Procedures?

Most insurance companies will cover the procedure if it is medically necessary. However, some policies may have exclusion criteria. In the policy of the particular patient, it will be listed that breast reduction procedures are not a covered expense.

How Much Pain Should I Expect To Experience After My Breast Reduction Procedure?

Breast reduction surgery does involve large incisions that are placed on the breast when it is compared to breast augmentation surgery, where the procedure can be performed thru a small incision. However, breast reduction surgery patients do very well from a pain standpoint. Patients have immediate relief of pain from the reduction, and the pain from the procedure becomes negligible.

After My Breast Reduction, Will I Have To Wear The Surgical Bra While Sleeping?

We require that patients wear their surgical bra as much as possible during the healing phase, which includes to bed. This is usually for the first 2 months. After this time most patients start wearing a regular bra, however, I always recommend to sleep with some form of a bra (sleep bra) to help provide long lasting results.

Once I Can Take Off My Recovery Bra, What Kind Of Bra Should I Wear?

Once the incisions have healed and some of the sensation has returned and the breasts have settled, I allow patients to resume wearing a regular bra. This generally happens at around 2 months after the surgery. Some patients may have to wait a bit longer, some will be able to start wearing a bra sooner.

What Causes Dead Tissue And Unsightly Wounds After A Breast Reduction Procedure?

Wound healing problems become prominent in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, patients who are obese, and patients who continue to smoke before and after surgery. We screen our patients who are diabetics by performing a simple blood test called HbA1c. This test lets us know how well the patient’s blood sugar has been maintained for the past 3 months. Patients that are obese will need to lose weight prior to surgery, not to reduce the size of their breasts, but to decrease the chances of having wound complications after the surgery. Patients who smoke will need to stop smoking for 4 weeks before the surgery and 4 weeks after the surgery to prevent wound healing issues.

Is There Any Way To Avoid The Scars Associated With A Surgical Breast Reduction?

The only way to avoid the incisions that are required to perform a breast reduction is to have breast reduction via liposuction. This is similar to liposuction performed for other parts of the body. However, very few patients are good candidates for this procedure. The majority of patients will need incisions on their breasts. If the scars are taken care of after the procedure, they can heal in a very inconspicuous way.

Since I Cannot Avoid The Scars From A Surgical Breast Reduction, What Can I Do To Minimize Their Appearance?

Scarring from a breast reduction depends on three factors: the surgeon, the patient, and the aftercare. The surgeon: can minimize scarring by the techniques used in the operating room. Tissue handling and the suturing that is performed are imperative to proper wound healing and minimizing the scarring. The patient: everyone heals differently and how one particular patient heals has a lot to do with their body and the location of the scars. There can be scars that heal poorly on other parts of the body and will heal great on or around the breast. Lastly, the aftercare is also part of the healing process and scar treatment is imperative to allow the incisions to heal their best. Scar treatment should be performed for 12 months to get the best possible outcome. I refer to scar healing by the rules of 33: 33% depends on the surgeon, 33% depends on the patient, and 33% depends on the aftercare.

Are There Any Sutures That Need To Be Removed After The Surgery?

All the suturing that is done is done with absorbable sutures and they are placed internally. This means that the sutures will eventually dissolve and go away on their own without having to be removed. This provides the least amount of scarring and prevents the anxiety and discomfort that is related to having sutures removed.

Which Activities Must Be Avoided Following A Traditional Breast Reduction Procedure?

Activities to avoid during the first 4 weeks are anything that can raise your blood pressure. This really means any physical activity should be avoided during this time, even if is working out the lower body. Raising the arms to wash one’s hair is fine, but we really want to avoid raising the arms above the head.

What Are The Signs Of Infection Following A Breast Reduction?

Although infections after breast reduction are very rare, any surgery can result in an infection. Some of the signs and symptoms of infection include fevers, warmth to the area, excessive swelling and pain. Some serous fluid drainage is normal for the first couple of days, but drainage that is foul smelling or thicker in consistency is not normal.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Reduce The Size Of My Breasts Naturally?

There is no magic pill or lotion that can decrease the size of the breasts. Diet and exercise is the only non-surgical way to help decrease the size of the breasts, but even in those cases, patients who are in need of a breast reduction will not necessarily reduce the size of their breasts with weight loss. Weight loss before surgery is recommended if the patient has a higher BMI. The recommendation for losing weight is not to decrease the size of the breast but to decrease the complication rate.

Are There Any Chest Exercises Can I Do To Reduce The Size Of And Lift My Breasts?

There is no breast or chest exercise that can help lift and/or reduce the size of the breasts. Chest exercises that help develop the pectoralis muscle will not raise the breasts. If you are in need of a breast reduction, there really is no other option outside of surgery.

How Is The Scarless Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?

There really is no such thing as scarless breast reduction surgery. Any surgery will leave scars but it is just a matter of how the scars are placed and how they will heal.

If I Want My Breasts To Be Smaller And Sitting Higher On My Chest, Do I Need To Have A Reduction With A Lift?

A breast reduction will reduce the size of the breasts but it will also result in a lift. The breast will be tighter and lifted with a reduction in the size of the areola. A breast lift will only lift the breasts leaving them the size they are.

Once My Breast Reduction Is Complete, Can The Tissue Grow Back?

In general, we consider for an average female the breast to be made up of half fatty tissue and half glandular tissue. The younger the patient the more glandular tissue they will have and the older the patient the less glandular tissue and more fatty tissue the patient will have. Therefore, if there is weight gain, depending on where the patient gains their weight, the breast may increase in size after a breast reduction. In most cases as long as the patient has a stable weight, this is unlikely to occur.

Can I Reduce My Breast Size By Exercising My Pectoralis Muscles?

The pectoralis muscle gives very little volume to the breast and does not really affect breast size. Therefore, exercising the pectoralis muscle to enlarge breast size or try to reduce breast size will not work. The best option for breast reduction is initially to be at a stable weight and then undergo breast reduction surgery.

If I Lose Weight, Will My Breast Size Decrease?

Depending on how much weight is gained or lost, the breast may grow or reduce in size respectively. This is one of the main reasons that we would like the patient to be at a stable weight prior to surgery so that once we have reduced the size of the breast there is not too much fluctuation in the size afterwards.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Breast Reduction Via Liposuction?

Liposuction breast reduction is a great procedure for the right candidate. It involves making a few small incisions and the fat is removed via liposuction cannula. Patients who are a good candidates are those that have a very good skin tone, so once the fat is removed their skin will adapt and contract maintaining a perky youthful appearance. In general, we would like the patient to not have any ptosis when performing this procedure as there are no incisions placed on the breast to lift the breast up as there is in a traditional breast reduction.

Should I Lose Weight Before Undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery?

The key to a successful surgery is to be an ideal weight and a BMI that will not put you at a risk for complications, in particular healing issues and infection. Therefore, if you are overweight, it is best to lose the weight that is required to get you toward an ideal BMI and then undergo the procedure. Most patients who happen to lose the weight will still need a breast reduction surgery. The weight reduction is purely to lower the chances of complications.

How Small Can I Make My Breasts With A Breast Reduction Procedure?

The breast can be made as small as desired but in certain cases, this would mean a free nipple graft would be needed. This means the nipple/areola (NAC) are removed, the reduction is performed and then the NAC is sutured back to the breast mound. This will result in complete loss of sensation. Otherwise, there is a limit to how small the breast can be made because a small amount of breast tissue has to remain (called a pedicle) to feed the overlying NAC. In these cases, it just depends on how much breast tissue the patient has to begin with. In cases where the NAC is left intact, but just moved, the chance of loss of sensation is minimal.

Can I Have A Breast Lift And A Reduction Mammoplasty During The Same Surgery?

Every breast reduction procedure (aside from reduction via liposuction) has two parts to the surgery. The first part is the reduction of the size of the breast and the second part is performing a lift. The lift results in a breast mount that is placed higher on the chest wall as well a newly positioned nipple and areola complex, higher up in the chest as well.

Is A Breast Reduction Procedure Painful?

A breast reduction procedure is less painful than a breast augmentation procedure that is performed with the implants behind the muscle. Breast reduction surgery rarely causes a significant amount of pain even though the incisions are larger than a breast augmentation procedure. This is because breast reduction surgery addresses the breast fat and glandular tissue and does not involve any muscle manipulation. It is the muscle fibers that carry a large amount of nerve fibers which can lead to pain and discomfort. However, the recovery period for a breast reduction is a bit longer because of the large incisions and the time for them to heal.