Breast Reduction

Dr. Bray, Jr. serving Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is for a woman experiencing health problems and/or extreme self-consciousness associated with very large, heavy breasts. The goal is to give the woman a more attractive contour with smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. She will then benefit from freedom of health problems associated with large breasts and an improved self-image.

Medical problems associated with very large breasts include back and neck pain caused by the excessive weight, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave shoulder indentations. Large, heavy breasts also contribute to poor posture, and can interfere with normal daily activities such as exercise. Excessive breast size may also lead to a decreased sense of attractiveness and self-confidence.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or in the hospital. The surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

Dr. Bray Jr. performs most of his breast reductions with a short scar vertical reduction. In this procedure the incision is made around the areola and a vertical incision is made extending from the areola vertically toward the fold of the breast. In cases where there is significant skin laxity or very large ptotic breasts an additional incsion may be required in the fold underneath the breast. In all cases the nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired location and the excess breast tissue is removed. After the surgery the incisions are covered with a light dressing.

Afterward, the breasts are placed in a surgical bra that will hold them symmetrically during initial healing. Initial discomfort subsides daily and can be controlled with oral medications. Scars will fade in 6-18 months. Surgery will likely reduce, but not eliminate the ability to breast-feed.

The result may be further enhanced by liposuction of the axillary area to reduce excess fat deposits. This is commonly covered by insurance. Our staff will assist you in obtaining preauthorization.

How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

To prepare for breast reduction, follow Dr. Bray, Jr.’s pre-surgical instructions carefully.  Some of those recommendations include the following:

• Stop Smoking: Stop as soon as possible (at least several weeks before surgery-please review with Dr. Bray), as it can affect healing. 
• Avoid Blood Thinners: This includes some medications or supplements that may increase bleeding risk.  Please discuss your medications with Dr. Bray before you stop your medications in order to determine the medications that may need to be held. You may need to get clearance from the prescribing physician to determine when and if you can stop a blood thinner.  
• Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Diet

• Stay Hydrated

• Arrange Help: Ask a friend or loved one to drive you home after your breast reduction. You should also arrange to have someone stay with you for a few days after surgery.
• Create a Recovery Area: Arrange your recovery area ahead of time. Place plenty of comfortable pillows, and ensure everything you need (TV remote, medications, drinking water, your phone, and other essentials) is within immediate reach. Set some loose clothing out to wear, too. 
• Meal Planning: Prep some meals ahead of time. Any healthy meal you can easily remove from the refrigerator or freezer and heat up is ideal.

Recovery: What to Expect after Breast Reduction

When performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, breast reduction is a safe procedure. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.

Much of the swelling and bruising disappears in the first few weeks following the surgery. Breasts may appear slightly mismatched, or have unevenly positioned nipples. Their new shape will be apparent within 6 months to a year, and will depend on hormonal fluctuations, weight changes and pregnancy.

Although your surgeon will make your scars as inconspicuous as possible, some permanent scarring is inevitable. Smokers are more likely to experience poor healing and wider scars. The scars will be red and lumpy in the months following the surgery, but the redness will fade and in time the scars will be less obvious. The good news is, your bra or bathing suit will cover whatever scars remain, and most likely, the scars will not prevent you from wearing low-cut tops.

Cost & Financing for Breast Reduction

The cost of breast reduction depends on many individual factors, including procedure complexity and whether you’re having other surgeries simultaneously. 

Some insurance plans may cover medically necessary breast reduction due to back, neck, or shoulder pain. 

During your consultation our team will discuss pricing, payment plans, and financing options. 

Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: Which Is Right for You?

Breast reduction removes excess skin and breast tissue to make a significant reduction in the size of the breasts. The breasts are usually lifted during a breast reduction. A breast lift also usually involves removal of excess skin and breast tissue but does not tend to reduce the size of the breast as much as a breast reduction. 

If you have symptoms such as back and neck pain, rashes under the breasts, or shoulder grooving due to large breasts, then a breast reduction may be the best option. 

If you’re mainly concerned about sagging and loss of shape, then a breast lift may be better suited for you. In addition, a breast lift may also include a breast implant if you are interested in increasing your breast size.

Ability to Breastfeed

Because the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, breast-feeding may no longer be an option.

Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)

The End Result

Breast reduction produces the most dramatic results of all plastic surgeries. It ends the physical discomfort of large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned, and clothes fit better. Your new image will take some getting used to, as much as you desired the change. Give yourself—and your family and friends—time to adjust to the new you and, like most women, you will enjoy the benefits.

Breast Reduction FAQs

How do I know if I am a candidate for a breast reduction?

If you have back, neck, or shoulder pain from large breasts or struggle with rashes, posture issues, or difficulty exercising, you may be a good candidate. Or, if you don’t have physical issues but feel unhappy with the size of your breasts, you could be a good candidate.

How much breast tissue removal leads to a noticeable change?

This can vary with each woman, but even small reductions can significantly improve comfort and appearance.

What’s the best bra to wear after breast reduction surgery?

Dr. Bray, Jr. recommends the right bra post-surgery. You’ll first wear a compression garment, then transition into a soft, supportive bra without wires. 

How long will swelling last after breast reduction?

Swelling peaks in the first week and gradually subsides over the next several months. Final results including the appearance of scars may take a year or more.

Will my nipples be repositioned during breast reduction?

In most cases, Dr. Bray, Jr. repositions the nipples to a more elevated location.

How soon after childbirth can I get a breast reduction?

It’s important to give your body time to normalize and heal.   Generally, women should wait several months after they stop breast feeding to consider breast surgery.

What are the signs of complications after a breast reduction?

Watch for severe pain, excessive swelling, infection, or unusual discharge, and contact our office if you experience unusual issues.

Will I lose nipple sensitivity after breast reduction?

Some temporary numbness is common, but nipple sensation usually returns within a few months. However, some patients will have permanent loss of nipple sensation.

Can I combine breast reduction with another cosmetic procedure?

Yes, many women choose combination procedures. Mommy makeover, which usually includes a breast procedure and a tummy tuck, is a common example.