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Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

A breast reduction reduces fat, glandular tissue and excessive skin, resulting in smaller, lighter and firmer breasts that are better-shaped in proportion to the rest of the body.

Large breasts may cause a woman to experience various medical problems caused by the excessive weight of the breast tissue. Problems with back and neck pain posture, posture, and skin irritations are common with this condition. Bra straps often leave indentations in the shoulder area.

The breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, operation is similar to the breast lift. The amount of tissue removed determines whether the operation is cosmetic or reconstructive. A breast lift removes only a small amount of tissue. A patient may want the breasts reduced just one cup size. In these cases it would be considered cosmetic surgery and not covered by insurance. Different insurance companies have different criteria but usually require a certain amount of tissue to be removed to relieve symptoms.

Some of our patients only want a small reduction or do not have insurance coverage and we can perform a self pay reduction in our accredited surgical suite. If insurance coverage is pre approved, the surgery is usually done at a hospital.

Breast reduction has been reported as having a 95% rate of relief of neck and upper back pain. Many patients are extremely happy after the surgery.* To get a better sense of your potential results, look over the breast reduction before and after photos in our photo gallery.

*Individual results may vary.

Types of Breast Reduction

A small breast reduction can be done by liposuction alone. This is best is there is very little droop because the reduction of fat can result in more droop, but occasionally less droop if the skin was tight and some weight is reduced. This is not covered by insurance.

We have offered a short scar breast reduction for over 10 years. The incision is a “L” shaped scar that avoids the medial cleavage portion of the scar. This technique was first popular in Europe. It does take some time to settle and does have a slightly higher touch up rate. There is more fullness superiorly with this technique. It is best for smaller reductions or those with narrower body frames.

The traditional inverted “T” reduction is the most commonly performed breast reduction in the United States. This is best for removal of large amounts of breast tissue.

During the procedure, areolae reduction and repositioning may be necessary to help the areolae better fit the new contours of the breasts.

For all breast reductions, you must quit smoking, as the nicotine can cause disastrous complications with healing of the nipple and other tissue.

During the recovery process, follow post-surgical care directions diligently. Bruising and swelling are common but are only temporary and will fade in time.

Risks

There are trade offs for the breast reduction: scars, nipple numbness, and potential inability to breast feed. There can be differences in size or shape of the breasts or nipple areola area that require touch up surgery. There can be healing problems, hematoma (bleeding), infections, stitch reactions, and even nipple necrosis (rare in non smokers). The surgeon will discuss these risks in detail.

Breast reduction is one of our most common reconstructive operations. Patients who have the procedure for neck and back pain have very high rates of satisfaction.

Breast Reduction Patient Experiences

  • “Achieved results perfectly matching what I envisioned. I was met with friendly answers to all my questions along the way as well.”
    – J.O., Breast Reduction
    Individual results may vary


    “The staff here are amazing!! They treated my like family since day one. I could not have asked for a better experience.”
    – L.M. – Breast Reduction
    Individual results may vary


  • “The staff is amazing and made sure I was comfortable and well informed through the entire process. Highly recommend!”
    – K.S., Breast Reduction
    Individual results may vary


Find Out More with a Consultation

Set up a consultation with Genesis Plastic Surgery to find out more about getting a breast reduction in Davenport. Contact our office today to take the first step and arrange your appointment.

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