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Breast Reduction


Exceptionally large breasts can cause more than just feelings of embarrassment; they can cause physical discomfort and medical problems as well. Breast reduction surgery removes fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them proportionate with the rest of the body. The goal of breast reduction is to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer. Breast reduction can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark-pigmented region surrounding the nipple).

Please contact our skilled plastic surgeon if you have questions about breast reduction, or if you would like to schedule a consultation.

Key Breast Reduction Terms to Know

Breast reduction is among the most popular and rewarding cosmetic surgeries performed today, yet there are many patients who do not have a strong understanding of the procedure. Our team understands there are many phrases related to plastic surgery that patients may be unfamiliar with, which is why we’ve provided a brief overview of commonly used terms with regard to breast reduction:

  • Symptomatic macromastia: A condition in which a patient experiences an abnormally large breast size, causing symptoms that range from back, neck, and shoulder pain to skin irritation, bra strap indentations, and difficulty being active.
  • Reduction mammaplasty: The clinical name for the breast reduction procedure, which is performed to ease physical discomfort and/or obtain a more balanced, proportional look.
  • Ptosis: Drooping or sagging of the breasts, often causing a hanging or pendulous appearance.
  • Areolas: The pigmented tissue encircling the nipples.
  • Gynecomastia: An umbrella term for overdeveloped breast tissue in men. While medically harmless, the condition often causes insecurity and psychological distress, as well as physical symptoms like puffy nipples and breast tenderness.

Having a good idea of what the procedure can accomplish and what you hope to gain from surgery typically increases the likelihood of mutual doctor-patient satisfaction after breast reduction. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani will answer all of your questions and concerns during a consultation to help ensure you’re well-informed about the procedure.

How Does Breast Reduction Work?

Breast reduction is performed to make the breast size more proportional to the rest of the body — this is achieved by reshaping the breasts, removing any redundant skin, fat, and glandular tissue contributing to an overly large bust. Not only does this make the breasts lighter and more manageable, but it also somewhat “lifts” and repositions the breasts for even greater improvement. Part of the procedure also involves correcting stretched areolas, which often become elongated over time as the breasts grow more pendulous.

While many women interested in breast reduction struggle with symptoms and health issues related to their breasts, the procedure can also be performed simply because a patient wants a smaller breast size. Whether your motivations behind pursuing breast reduction are cosmetic, functional, or a combination of both reasons, surgery is completely personalized to achieve each person’s goals.

What Can Breast Reduction Do For Me?

Women with disproportionate or dominating breasts often must contend with a number of concerns that can lead to embarrassment, limited mobility, and decreased physical activity, including:

  • Pain in the shoulders, back, and neck
  • Bra strap indentations in the skin
  • Skin chafing and irritation
  • Labored breathing
  • Problems with posture
  • Ill-fitting clothing
  • Difficulty exercising
  • Unwanted attention

Breast reduction is designed to resolve or significantly improve these symptoms, allowing patients to achieve a lighter, more manageable breast size that appears proportionately to their body frame. The procedure also usually includes some extent of a breast lift, helping to restore the shape and contour of the breasts. In addition, the nipples and areolas can be resized to achieve a more balanced look with your new breast size. This breast enhancement surgery maintains extremely high satisfaction rates, with many women considering breast reduction one of the most rewarding cosmetic procedures available.

Adjunctive Health Benefits of Breast Reduction

For many patients, the potential benefits of breast reduction extend far beyond cosmetic enhancements. Thanks to the procedure’s ability to remove excess fat, skin, and breast tissue, individuals who receive breast reduction typically enjoy benefits to their physiological health and well-being as well. Depending on your motivations for pursuing surgery, the breast reduction procedure can offer:

  • Less back pain: The weight of overly large breasts can strain the lower back, causing discomfort that may range from body aches to outright pain. Removing tissue contributing to an excessive breast size has been known to alleviate lower back pain and improve one’s quality of life.
  • Reduced skin inflammation and chafing: Rashes under the breasts, bra strap indentations, and chafing caused by friction are common symptoms of a large breast size, which breast reduction can help resolve by removing excess skin.
  • Improved posture: Attaining a more manageable breast size tends to reduce stress on the spine, often improving posture and spinal alignment in the process.
  • More active lifestyle: Part of why breast reduction results can be so rewarding is the procedure’s ability to make exercise easier and more enjoyable. In turn, patients usually become more active after surgery and feel like they’ve gained a new lease on life.

The complete scope of benefits possible with breast reduction vary from patient to patient. Once Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani is able to personally assess your concerns in a consultation, he can give you a better understanding of what types of results you can expect from your procedure.

Who Is A Candidate For Breast Reduction?

If you suffer from physical or psychological discomfort as a result of heavy, oversized breasts, a breast reduction may be right for you. This procedure is designed to reduce the size of breasts to make them more manageable and comfortable as well as to improve body and breast proportion. Those considering surgery should generally be:

  • Healthy enough to undergo the procedure and withstand the recovery period
  • Willing to temporarily refrain from smoking before and after surgery
  • Able to maintain realistic expectations about the outcome
  • Bothered by their excessive breast size — not just the pendulousness (drooping) of their breasts

Breast reduction can also help with asymmetry issues, wherein one breast appears to be a different size than the other. To ensure you’re a good candidate for breast reduction, your medical history and cosmetic goals will be evaluated in a consultation. A customized treatment plan will then be developed to best suit your needs and achieve your desired outcome.

Breast Reduction For Teens

Due to the stressors that large breasts can pose on one’s health and well-being, breast reduction can be considered a medical necessity in some cases. As a result, the surgery can be accessible to teenage patients who experience physical pain, discomfort, self-consciousness, an inability to find clothes that fit properly, or difficulty living an active lifestyle as a result of their breast size. For teens and adolescents who are candidates for surgery, studies show that the procedure can have positive impacts on an individual’s self-confidence, as well as their ability to enjoy life uninhibited by the burdens of overly large breasts. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani’s goal is to ensure our younger patients interested in breast reduction are properly educated on all aspects of surgery, including the benefits, risks, recovery, and anticipated long-term results of the procedure. By obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire breast reduction process, it is Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani’s hope that teens can make a well-informed decision about their choice to undergo surgery. Please contact our practice to learn more about the best age to pursue breast reduction. Our office can provide more detailed information about the indications for surgery in younger patients.

How Is The Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?

The breast reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can take up to three hours to complete. Surgery begins with an incision around the areola that continues below the natural curve of the breast. Excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed. The nipple and areola are then placed in their new positioning. The remaining skin is tightened to form the new shape of the breast. While this technique is the most common — called a “lollipop” mastopexy or vertical reduction — there are multiple methods that can be used:

Periareolar: Sometimes called the “donut” technique, this approach uses an incision placed around the areola. This approach is only effective for patients with a very small amount of ptosis (droop), and may not be right for everyone.

Vertical: The most common breast reduction technique, the “lollipop” or “short scar” reduction is, as described above, a combination of the periareolar incision and a vertical incision that runs from the areola to the inframammary fold.

Inferior pedicle: Also known as the “anchor” reduction, this technique uses the same incisions as the “lollipop,” as well as a third incision that runs horizontally along the inframammary fold. This allows for the greatest reduction of excess tissue, and may be necessary for some patients who have severe ptosis.

In most cases, Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani is able to perform breast lift surgery with the lollipop technique. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani will determine which option offers you the best results based on your anatomic characteristics and desired outcome.

What Is Recovery From Breast Reduction Like?

After your breast reduction procedure, you will have gauze dressings and a supportive bra will be applied. Although you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort after breast reduction, these side effects will subside as your breasts heal. We will also provide prescription medication to manage any pain and provide the easiest recovery experience possible. Although everyone heals at their own speed, most women are able to return to light activity, including work, after about two weeks. If you have strenuous duties, this estimate may be extended or you may have to limit your responsibilities for the first several weeks. Intense exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. After a few months, you should be mostly healed and have a good idea of the final outcome. A minor amount of swelling should continue to improve, and the scars should also fade in color and level out.

How Long Do Breast Reduction Results Last?

Breast reduction is designed to provide lifetime results and patients generally enjoy their lighter, more manageable breast size indefinitely. The aging process will not stop after breast reduction, but the physical and aesthetic improvements achieved with the procedure — such as a more proportionate breast size and reduced back pain — should remain constant. That said, certain factors and life events can affect the breast contours over time. For example, a fluctuating weight can increase skin laxity, potentially causing the breasts to droop to some extent as the breasts lose elasticity. The best way to combat this possibility is usually to maintain a stable weight by living a healthy lifestyle.

Having a child and/or breastfeeding after breast reduction can also change the shape of the breasts, as women often lose volume to some extent due to the natural tissue changes that occur during pregnancy. Although these factors can affect the overall appearance of the breasts, the reduced breast size patients originally sought to achieve from their surgery should not be significantly altered.

What Will My Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?

The placement of the incisions will depend on your individual treatment plan. Most patients who have a breast reduction use the “lollipop” technique. Therefore, the scars will be located around the areola and vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the skin). The healing process following breast surgery is an essential part of achieving your desired outcome, including having the least noticeable scars possible. It’s important to understand that these marks will never fully disappear; however, most women heal very nicely and the lines are relatively unnoticeable.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

Although your true cost estimate cannot be calculated until your unique needs are assessed in a consultation, the average cost of breast reduction in Orlando is around $7,000, according to patient reviews from Realself.com. While this figure is not necessarily a reflection of the rates at our practice, it can serve as a general approximation until Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani sees you in person.

The price of breast reduction will ultimately depend on the surgical technique used, the extent of concerns to be addressed, applicable insurance coverage, and the overall complexity of your personalized procedure. Your geographic location and the expertise of your plastic surgeon also generally influences the cost of cosmetic surgery. Rest assured that our team will provide you with a personalized quote and full breakdown of your procedural expenses after your consultation. We accept several major payment methods and work with a premier healthcare lending company to allow our patients to pay for treatment over time. With plastic surgery financing provided by CareCredit®, qualified applicants can choose from an array of payment plans with low monthly installments to accommodate their budget and make breast reduction more affordable. Please contact our office for any questions you may have about the price of a breast reduction.

Will I Need A Breast Lift With My Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction typically achieves some of the benefits of a breast lift to a certain extent. The removal of redundant skin, fat, and breast tissue can provide a moderate lift to the breast aesthetic, and the nipples and areolas can also be repositioned to a more central location if desired. With that said, the primary goals of a breast reduction are not to elevate the breasts to a higher location on the chest wall; therefore, patients seeking a smaller breast size in conjunction with more extensive rejuvenation may require a combination breast lift and breast reduction procedure. During a consultation, Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani can help you determine whether additional breast lift surgery will be necessary to realize your cosmetic goals. In general, breast reduction patients who experience moderate to severe breast sag and desire a firmer and more projected breast appearance may achieve more effective results by undergoing a breast lift simultaneous to their reduction.

Can I Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?

In many cases, the answer can be “yes.” Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani often performs breast reduction using techniques designed to preserve lactating function. However, the ability to breastfeed after surgery will ultimately depend on your goals for the procedure and the extent of aesthetic concerns addressed. If the nipples are removed and repositioned, it is possible that breastfeeding function may be impaired. It is vital that you communicate your desires for future breastfeeding to Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani so he can take measures to avoid damaging the milk ducts, nerves, and glands. It should be noted that a significant portion of women are unable to naturally breastfeed. If you did not originally have the ability to nurse before surgery, breast reduction cannot change this outcome.

Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani generally recommends undergoing breast reduction when there are no future plans for breastfeeding. From a cosmetic perspective, nursing can cause increased breast skin laxity and breast sag that may compromise the aesthetic achieved with breast reduction surgery.

Is Breast Reduction Without Surgery Possible?

Unfortunately, there is currently no non-surgical treatment or natural remedy that can mirror the results of breast reduction. While there are certain breast reduction exercises that claim to lessen the chest mass, creating an effective and noticeable decrease in breast size often involves removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat. Consequently, these workouts typically fail to address the redundant breast tissue and skin laxity that often cause the appearance, as well as the physical stressors, of large and heavy breasts. To make the breasts more proportionate to your body size for a substantially lighter and more comfortable outcome, a breast reduction remains the most powerful solution. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani can evaluate your concerns in a consultation to let you know the full scope of your treatment options.

Complements to Breast Reduction

For Orlando patients wanting a more transformative or dramatic outcome, breast reduction results can be complemented by other breast and body contouring procedures. If you have additional concerns besides the size and weight of your breasts — such as excess skin accumulation around the body — you may benefit from the following treatment options:

  • Mommy Makeover: Breast reduction can be made part of a Mommy Makeover for patients who want to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding. For women who have had children, heavy and stretched breast tissue is frequently accompanied by excess fat, lost breast volume, and weakened internal musculature. A Mommy Makeover can help address all of these concerns with one all-encompassing treatment plan.
  • Breast Lift: If the amount of excess glandular tissue and fat contributing to your breast size is extensive, you may consider receiving mastopexy at the same time as your breast reduction to further rejuvenate the bust.
  • Post-Weight Loss: Post-weight loss surgery can be an ideal complement to breast reduction if you’re bothered by loose or hanging skin around the abs, thighs, upper arms, or buttocks. This is a common effect of major weight loss, which may leave the skin unable to contract around a patient’s newer, slimmer body contours.

At The Aesthetic Surgery Centre, we offer a range of cosmetic procedures to give patients many different options to achieve their goals. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani can listen to your concerns and help you develop a combined treatment plan, if desired, to accentuate your breast reduction results.

Is Breast Reduction Safe?

Breast reduction comes with a chance of potential complications, just like any other surgical procedure. The decision to undergo surgery is extremely personal and only you can decide whether the benefits of breast reduction outweigh the risks. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani will inform you of the possible complications associated with the procedure, which generally include infection, negative reactions to the anesthesia, breast asymmetry, hematoma, contour irregularities, and loss of sensation, among other safety risks. While no treatment or surgery is risk-free, the best way to maximize your health and safety is to extensively research breast reduction and enlist a highly qualified, experienced plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. A board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon like Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani knows how to intervene in the unlikely event of complications, and will never recommend breast reduction if you’re not an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Additional Breast Reduction Faqs

How can I reduce swelling after breast reduction?

Swelling is expected after breast reduction surgery, but most inflammation will typically resolve within the first two weeks of recovery. While it’s normal for your breasts to feel swollen, you can accelerate the rate at which your body heals by lowering salt consumption and increasing your water intake. Try to incorporate antioxidant- and protein-rich foods into your diet, such as fish, eggs, fruit, and leafy greens. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani also suggests avoiding smoking and alcohol during the recovery, as both can slow down the healing process. If swelling begins to cause significant discomfort, a cool compress can help alleviate your symptoms.

What bra should I wear after breast reduction?

Breast reduction patients should avoid wearing an underwire bra during the recovery process. Underwires often redistribute the weight of the breasts and irritate the skin, therefore a special surgical bra—or a sports bra that opens in the front—is generally the best garment to support the breasts and facilitate your new contours.

Does breast reduction make you lose weight?

While breast reduction can remove excess fatty tissue in the chest contributing to an overly large breast size, this differs significantly from weight loss. You should not pursue breast reduction surgery under the expectation that it will lower your weight; however, many patients are able to live a more active and healthy lifestyle after the procedure, with positive changes in their diet and exercise habits often reflected in their weight.

How do I sleep after breast reduction?

Sleeping exclusively on your back for at least six to eight weeks after breast surgery is pivotal to reducing the stress on your incisions and optimizing the final result. Laying on your side or stomach too soon can compromise the new contours achieved during breast reduction and cause the breasts to stretch or bleed. Additionally, sleeping on the breasts can aggravate swelling and prolong your recovery. For this reason, the best sleeping position to encourage the healing of your body is laying face-up on your back.

How many cup sizes will I go down to after breast reduction?

The amount of reduction achieved during the procedure is unique to each patient — your personal goals, existing breast composition, and needs will determine your post-surgical breast size. It’s important to remember that cup size can be a subjective measurement depending on each store and bra manufacturer. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani will ultimately advise you on the extent of reduction necessary to achieve the outcome you desire. In general, the goal is to alleviate the symptoms of overly large breasts while ensuring the results look as natural and proportionate as possible.

Will my breast reduction look natural?

Given Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani’s exceptional experience in breast procedures and specialized training in aesthetic plastic surgery, patients who receive breast reduction at The Aesthetic Surgery Centre are generally immensely pleased with how harmonious and natural their enhancement turns out. The before-and-after photos in our gallery of previous breast reduction patients can give you a more comprehensive understanding of the outcomes possible with this procedure. While results vary from patient to patient, Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani is a board-certified plastic surgeon considered one of the top breast surgeons in the country.

What can I expect after breast reduction?

After breast reduction, patients typically find that the physical strains and emotional discomfort caused by their dominant breast size are significantly improved, if not eliminated altogether. Women who could not comfortably lead an active lifestyle due to skin irritation and back/shoulder pain are often motivated to live much healthier than they did before surgery, sometimes leading to positive changes in their weight and physical stamina. In this way, breast reduction can help individuals enjoy an elevated quality of life. Some women also experience improvements in their posture, and may no longer struggle with achiness stemming from the weight of their breasts. That said, results are not universal and the outcome of breast reduction is unique to each patient.

Is liposuction enough to reduce my breast size?

Performing breast reduction in a manner that allows the outcome to look natural and proportionate in relation to your body frame requires much more than liposuction surgery. To correctly reshape and resize the breasts, it’s necessary to remove excess skin, breast tissue, and fat along with addressing stretched, elongated, or drooping nipples. Since liposuction is simply a method of selective fat removal, the procedure alone will not replicate the beautiful results characteristic of breast reduction.

Does breast reduction hurt?

Patients are fully anesthetized during the breast reduction procedure, so you should not feel anything at the time of surgery. During the recovery period, discomfort is often described as mild to moderate and typically subsides as the healing process continues. Part of the reasons why so many patients pursue breast reduction is actually to alleviate pain caused by overly large breasts, with most individuals able to live more comfortably in their own skin following the procedure.

Will Medical Insurance Cover The Cost of A Breast Reduction?

Medical insurance coverage varies from plan to plan, so we recommend you discuss this possibility with your insurance agent. Oftentimes, partial or full coverage is available as long as certain criteria are fulfilled. This may include trying non-surgical and conservative methods initially, losing weight, or removing a certain amount of breast tissue. In the event you need additional options, we work with a reputable financial lender that offers affordable rates to qualified applicants.

Large breasts can limit physical activity, restrict your ability to wear certain types of clothing, and cause discomfort and embarrassment. If you are troubled by large breasts and think that breast reduction may be right for you, please contact the Aesthetic Surgery Centre today.

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