Breast Reduction: A Step By Step Look

Breast reduction (“Reduction Mammaplasty”) is a very common form of surgery, particularly among women. The procedure is designed to achieve a breast size in proportion with the rest of the body, as well as eliminate the physical discomfort and emotional insecurities caused by overly large breasts.

During your consultation, your doctor will work with you to determine the best plan of treatment for you, based on a number of factors including the condition of your breasts and your desired goals.

Let’s explore the steps of the breast reduction procedure and find out just what happens during the surgery.

  1. Anesthesia. Since breast reduction is an invasive surgery, anesthesia is required, either through intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will determine which option best suits you.
  2. Incision. The surgeon will then make the incision in the breast. The Lejour, or Vertical Reduction technique significantly minimizes the scars left by breast reductions. The technique eliminates the scar below the breast, which occurs in traditional breast reductions. This also avoids scarring on the side or center of the chest, which tend to be seen in a bathing suit or low-cut shirt.
  3. Tissue Removal and Repositioning. After the incision is made, the nipple (which remains attached to its original blood and nerve supply) is repositioned. If necessary, the areola (the dark ring surrounding the nipple) is reduced by removing skin at the perimeter. In addition, breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. In extreme cases for very large breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be transplanted to a higher position on the breast. This technique is known as a free nipple graft.
  4. Closing of Incision. Once the fat and tissue have been removed, the incisions are brought to together to reshape the smaller breast. Sutures are layered within the breast to provide support, in addition to the stitches, skin adhesives or surgical tape that close the surface of the skin. The scars where the incisions are made are permanent, however they usually  fade over time, and can be covered up by a bra, bathing suit or shirt.
  5. Results and Recovery. The results of the breast reduction surgery will be noticed immediately, and will continue to improve as time passes. Patients are likely to experience swelling, bruising and soreness for a few days following surgery. Bandages will be removed after two days and replaced by a surgical bra, and stitches will be removed by the doctor during a follow-up visit in two or three weeks. Additional follow-ups are necessary to ensure proper healing.

Breast Reduction on Long Island

Are you interested in learning more about Breast Reduction? Contact us today! We are located in Huntington Station, Long Island, New York, and can be reached directly at (631) 424-6707. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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