Breast Reduction Surgery Overview

Breast reduction surgery can be a transformative experience, offering relief from physical discomfort and boosting confidence. This procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, reshaping the breasts to create a natural, balanced appearance.

For many women, this surgery means the freedom to move more comfortably, wear clothing with confidence, and enjoy an improved quality of life. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything involved, from your initial consultation to what happens on surgery day.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to alleviate the physical and emotional challenges caused by large breasts. Ideal breast reduction candidates include those who experience:

• Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain from excess weight
• Physical limitations or discomfort during physical activity
• Skin irritation or rashes beneath the breast fold
• Self-consciousness or difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably

During breast reduction surgery, I’ll reduce the size and weight of your breasts by removing excess tissue and fat. At the same time I will reshape and lift them for a balanced look. Many women find this procedure offers long-term relief from pain, along with greater mobility and self-confidence.

Consultation for Surgery

During our consultation, my focus is understanding your goals and expectations to create a personalized surgical plan. We’ll review your medical history to confirm candidacy, discussing any past or current health conditions that may impact treatment and recovery.

We’ll then explore your specific goals, whether it’s relief from discomfort, symmetry, or aesthetic improvement. I encourage you to share any questions or concerns about the procedure, recovery, or outcomes, so you feel confident moving forward.

Once we’re aligned on your goals, I’ll recommend the techniques best suited to achieve your desired results with minimal scarring. Together, we’ll determine the ideal tissue removal and reshaping options.

Throughout, my goal is to ensure we’re aligned on a realistic plan, and by the end, you’ll know how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Surgery day is a significant milestone in your journey. My team and I will ensure that you feel comfortable, informed, and supported every step of the way. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you can expect, from preparation to post-surgery care.

Preparation

When you arrive at the surgical center, you’ll be greeted by my dedicated team. They will guide you through the process and review the surgical plan with you one final time.

Before heading into the operating room, I’ll use a surgical marker to outline the areas on your breasts where tissue will be removed and reshaped. This careful marking is key to achieving balanced, symmetrical results that match your goals and body proportions. These markings act as a roadmap during surgery, ensuring precision in both tissue removal and reshaping.

This preparation period is also an opportunity for you to ask any last-minute questions, and I’ll review each step to reassure you that you’re in expert hands.

Anesthesia

To ensure your comfort, we’ll normally use general anesthesia throughout the procedure. Our skilled anesthesia team will administer the anesthesia, and you’ll be fully asleep and completely unaware of the surgery as it happens.

The anesthesia team monitors your vital signs (including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels) closely throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. Knowing you’ll be completely comfortable during surgery helps many patients feel more at ease as they head into the operating room.

Techniques

Based on our consultation and your unique needs, I’ll select the most appropriate technique for your surgery. Each technique has specific incision patterns to achieve different levels of reshaping and reduction. Here’s a closer look at the primary techniques I may choose:

• Anchor (Inverted-T) Technique: This technique involves three incisions – around the areola, vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast fold. It’s ideal for those needing substantial reshaping or tissue removal, offering the most access for sculpting and contouring.
• Lollipop (Vertical) Technique: The lollipop technique requires two incisions – around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. It allows for moderate reduction and reshaping with fewer incisions, ideal for those seeking a more limited reduction.
• Donut (Peri-Areolar) Technique: With a single incision around the areola, the donut technique is best suited for patients needing a minor reduction. This technique results in minimal scarring and is effective for subtle reshaping.
• Liposuction Only: If your breast enlargement is due to excess fat rather than excess tissue, it is possible that we can do a more minimally invasive liposuction-only procedure to achieve your goals.

Each technique has unique benefits, and during your consultation, we’ll discuss which approach will create the most natural, balanced results for your body.

Tissue Removal and Reshaping

Once the incisions are made, I’ll carefully remove excess tissue, fat, and skin to achieve the desired breast size. Throughout this process, my goal is to create a natural, well-proportioned shape that aligns with your frame.

I’ll sculpt the remaining tissue, focusing on symmetry and achieving an even, balanced look on both sides. If you have breast asymmetry, I’ll address it by removing tissue strategically, ensuring both breasts look as symmetrical as possible.

This step requires careful attention to detail, and I shape each breast individually, keeping your overall body proportions and your specific goals in mind.

Nipple Repositioning

To complete the reshaping, I’ll lift and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful location on the breast. This step is essential for achieving a natural look, as it aligns the nipple position with the new breast shape. In many cases, I’ll also reduce the size of the areola if necessary, ensuring it is in proportion to your reduced breast size.

Repositioning the nipple and areola is a delicate part of the surgery, and I take great care to ensure they align symmetrically and naturally on both breasts, enhancing the overall aesthetic result.

Closing Incisions

Once the tissue removal, reshaping, and nipple repositioning are complete, I’ll carefully close the incisions with sutures that support the healing process and help minimize scarring. For some patients, small drainage tubes are placed near the incisions to help prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling in the initial recovery period.

Finally, I’ll apply dressings to protect the incisions and a support garment to stabilize your breasts, minimize swelling, and keep you comfortable in the first few days of healing. This supportive garment also helps to keep your new breast shape secure as the tissues begin to settle.

Post-Surgery: The First Day

After surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where my team will monitor you as you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll feel drowsy initially, and there may be some swelling or soreness, which is normal. Before you leave, I’ll give you specific instructions for post-operative care at home. Following these guidelines closely helps ensure a smooth recovery:

• Wear a support garment to minimize swelling and support your breasts
• Rest and limit movement to promote healing and minimize discomfort
• Avoid lifting or strenuous activities for the first few days
• Take prescribed medications to manage any discomfort

Our team will be available to answer questions as you recover, ensuring you feel supported throughout the healing process.

Combining Breast Reduction with Other Procedures

Breast reduction surgery is often combined with other procedures for a more comprehensive transformation. These may include:

• Breast Lift: While most breast reductions include lifting, some patients may need additional lift techniques to achieve their desired upper breast fullness.
• Liposuction: Targeted liposuction around the sides of the breasts or arms helps create a smooth, contoured silhouette.
• Tummy Tuck: For those seeking body contouring, combining a tummy tuck with breast reduction can create a balanced, streamlined shape, especially beneficial after significant weight loss.

If you’re interested in combining procedures, we’ll discuss the best options during your consultation to achieve the results you want.

Learn More

Choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery is a significant step, and I’m here to provide support and guidance at every stage.

If you’re ready to learn more, reach out to Breast Reduction Surgeons of Long Island to schedule a consultation. My team and I are dedicated to helping you achieve relief, confidence, and a shape that makes you feel your best.