Women who experience physical pain or emotional discomfort associated with overly large breasts may be candidates for breast reduction surgery. Techniques such as surgical excision and liposuction are combined to remove fat, skin, and glandular tissue, lift and reshape the breasts, and reduce the size of the areola.
Goals of breast reduction are to:
- Achieve symptom relief
- Preserve normal sensation and ability to lactate
- Create an aesthetically pleasing breast shape with minimal scarring
When to Consider Breast Reduction Surgery
Among the most common indications for breast reduction surgery are large, pendulous breasts, neck, shoulder, or back pain or discomfort, inframammary fold infections and shoulder grooving from bra straps, and self consciousness concerning breast size.
Before and After Breast Reduction near Tampa, FL
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Your Breast Reduction Procedure
As an outpatient surgery, breast reduction can last between 2-4 hours and is conducted using general anesthesia. During surgery, Dr. Albear removes excess skin, fat, and glandular tissues with liposuction or surgical excision. He then repositions the nipples higher up on the breast along with their nerves and blood vessels.
In some women who have very large breasts, the nipples may need to be moved and grafted to a completely new location, detaching them from their connective tissues, in which case the patient will lose sensation in the nipple and areola.
Finally, the flaps of skin that were opened for access to excess skin, fat, and glandular tissues, are arranged around, beneath, and in front of the breast and nipple, and sutured. You will have stitches around the areola and nipple area, and in a line that runs vertically beneath the nipple and horizontally under the fold of the breast.
What Happens After Breast Reduction?
You can expect to recover from breast reduction surgery after about 1-2 weeks. Common symptoms you can anticipate include aching, bruising, and swelling that may cause changes in skin sensation around the nipples and breasts. Dr. Albear will go over more detailed aftercare instructions with you. He may advise you to wear a special surgical bra for a length of time after surgery, and a prescription for pain medication. Recovery time varies from patient to patient, so be sure to discuss your concerns with Dr. Albear.
Please contact Dr. Albear at his Wesley Chapel office located in the New Tampa - Tampa Bay area to learn more about the benefits, costs or possible side effects of breast reduction surgery.
