Breast Reduction: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Important considerations before a breast reduction

There are several important things to keep in mind before the breast reduction surgery.

When discussing your options and your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon make sure they were both on the same page.

Breast reduction surgery should not just make the breast smaller but more attractive as well. Another priority is to minimize the incisions as much as possible.

In our practice, 95% of our breast reductions are performed through a periareolar incision or the lollipop incision.

Our patients appreciate the smaller and limited incisions and the better shape than we can obtain from these decisions versus the anchor. (Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

Of all the surgeries I have done over the years, including breast augmentation, breast reduction remains the one with which patients have been most happy postoperatively. When done properly, you fit clothes better, look great and no longer have the weight pulling on your neck and back.

To explain this latter to your husband, put a bag of flour in a sack with a string attached and have him wear it for a while. As far as what to ask the surgeon, discuss the method, the scar, the longevity of the results and post operative care.

Also, ask to look at postop pictures. You might also take your husband with you to the appointment. This allows him to ask his questions directly. (Robert T. Buchanan, MD, Highlands Plastic Surgeon)

You should first try to be in your optimal level of fitness and have a stable weight. Try cradling your breasts in your arms to see if the discomfort is relieved.

If it isn’t, it might be related to intrinsic spinal problems. There are numerous techniques but ask if the surgeon has experience with limited scar techniques such as liposuction reduction and vertical scar reduction. Must have.

Bring in pictures to show what your goals are. Ask to speak to other reduction patients ratheer than just look at photos. In general, reduction is one of the most gratifying procedures to a patient. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Most plastic surgeons would agree that breast reduction patients are our happiest patients. That said there are concerns – in particular the scars and the possible loss of nipple sensation and the inability to breast feed.

The scars go around the nipple, straight down and under the breast. I try to make the scar under the breast as short as possible. The scar from the nipple down does really well in almost everyone and the one around the nipple /aerola complex also usually does well.

While women have breast fed after a reduction i would recommend if you are planning to get pregnant again soon you wait until you are done having babies and then have the surgery. (Susan E. Downey, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Reduction will literally remove the weight off your chest, lift and make your breasts more perky and correct severe back pain. The only consideration is the scarring. Breast Reduction patients ARE among the happiest patients in our practice because the operation transforms their lives. (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)

Considerations before a breast reduction

The first thing to do is go to the best plastic surgeon in your area who does many breast reductions. Ask them all of your questions, look at lots of photos and ask to speak to a couple of patients.

After that, you will know if you are ready for your reduction. It’s not an emergency so take the time you need to do your research. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Considering breast reduction

If you plan additional pregnancies and breast feeding, you may want to delay you surgery. If not, obtain a consultation with one or more BC plastic surgeons.

She/he should be able to tell you what to expect as well as the benefits/risks. You might also ask to speak with a past patient who can personally tell you to expect. (John Whitt, MD (retired), Louisville Plastic Surgeon)

Breast reduction with no regrets

Most patients who need and want a breast reduction surgery are very happy. If you have neck, back, shoulder and breast pain secondary to large breast a reduction may be indicated. You should ask to see before and after pictures of patients that your surgeon has personally operated on and ask how he preforms the surgery.

Sometimes the insurance will cover the surgery and sometimes not. You also want the surgeon to leave enough tissue to make an attractive breast mound. (Walter D. Gracia, MD, Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon)

The benefits to your daily life and quality of life are many. The trade-off is the scarring involved.