Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction surgery can help women feel more comfortable in their bodies, both aesthetically and physically. Most commonly, women undergo breast reduction surgery to decrease the size of large or overdeveloped breasts in order to ease physical discomfort caused by the weight of the breasts. To learn more about this procedure, we invite you to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with a skilled surgeon at one of the East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery offices in Hoboken, Ridgewood, and Livingston. Our specialization in breast procedures and the ECAPS Center for Breast Reconstruction have made us the premier practice for breast procedures in New Jersey.
What happens during breast reduction surgery?
There are several different techniques for breast reduction surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will determine which methods will help you achieve your goals based on your body shape and breast tissue.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if one or more of the following are true:
- Your breasts are fully developed and you are in good physical condition to withstand major surgery
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts may be too large
- Your physical activity is limited due to the size and weight of your breasts
- Your breasts hang low, and/or have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin
- One of your breasts is noticeably larger than the other
- You have back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- You have indentations in your shoulders from bra straps and/or skin irritation in the breast creases
During your one-on-one consultation with a surgeon at one of our ECAPS offices in New Jersey, breast reduction candidates will go over these considerations in order to ensure that your surgery is a success. You should be prepared to discuss your full medical history during your consultation, including any medical conditions, previous surgeries or treatments, drug allergies, current medications, and use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances.
Breast Reduction Surgery Before & After
View MoreBreast Reduction Procedure Considerations:
The following factors are also important to consider prior to undergoing breast reduction surgery:
- Age: Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age, but for the best possible outcome it is suggested that you wait until breast development has stopped completely.
- Pregnancy: It is important to inform your cosmetic surgeon if you are considering having children in the future. Pregnancy can cause unpredictable breast changes and may affect the long-term results of your breast reduction. Also, certain breast reduction techniques have better results than others if you wish to breastfeed in the future.
- Weight Loss: Your plastic surgeon will likely suggest that you complete your weight loss goals before you undergo any breast surgeries. Weight loss can affect your final results.
Surgery and Recovery
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia at one of the hospitals ECAPS is associated with, meaning you can get your breast reduction in Ridgewood, Hoboken, Livingston or wherever in New Jersey you are most comfortable. The surgery usually takes between two and three hours. Following surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and you may be asked to wear a surgical bra and drain tubes may also be necessary to prevent the accumulation of fluid.
You should be able to walk immediately following surgery, and will be up and about for your normal activities within a day or two after surgery. Your breasts will be sore and tender to the touch for at first, and it is imperative that you do not lift, bend, pull or push anything or engage in any strenuous activity for at least two weeks after your reduction. Stitches are usually absorbable and disappear over the period of a few weeks. Swelling and discoloration will occur and you may experience loss of sensation in the nipple area. This may take up to a year to return to normal.