Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure
that reduces the size and reshapes the contours of large breasts by removing
excess breast tissue. It may
include reducing the size of the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the
nipple), which frequently becomes overly enlarged as breasts develop. 
For many women, breast reduction offers a resolution of both the functional
and aesthetic problems associated with large breasts. It is often performed
to ease the physical discomfort which accompanies large breasts, such as backaches,
arm and shoulder pain, breast pain, breathing difficulty, and irritation of
the lower breast skin. In most cases, it is an operation with high patient acceptance
and satisfaction.
Women with disproportionately
large, sagging breasts are good candidates for breast reduction.
Although women of any age can greatly benefit from the procedure,
it usually is performed after breasts are fully developed.
THE PROCEDURE
Incisions are made horizontally and vertically, following the
natural contour of the breast. A keyhole shaped pattern is made
around the areola to allow the nipple to be repositioned.
Excess breast tissue,
fat and skin are removed from the sides of the breast and around
the areola. Then the nipple, areola and underlying tissue are
moved to a new, higher location. After the nipple is repositioned,
skin on both sides of the breast is moved down and around the
areola and brought together to reform the breast. The incision
is then closed with stitches under the breast and around the nipple.
Jodie, our teenage
patient, is 5 feet tall and slender in build. Her breasts developed
out of proportion to her normal body and chest size. This condition
can have a devastating impact on a young girl's body image and
self-confidence, especially since the teen years are fraught with
insecurity and self-consciousness. "My breasts got in the
way of my running. It actually hurt for me to jump up and down
while exercising, she said. I had to alter the way I dressed.
I had to buy large tops and smaller bottoms. Sometimes I picked
out smaller tops (wishful thinking) and I was disappointed because
I couldn't get into them. Consequently, I got very depressed and
self- conscious. Needless to say, it bothered me a great deal.
My mother was quite concerned with my anxieties and she decided
to talk to her gynecologist about the situation. He told her that
he admired Dr. Thompson's work and he respected him a great deal.
He suggested we make an appointment to meet with him. We did,
and when we arrived at A NEW LOOK for our initial consultation,
Dr. Thompson explained the surgical technique for breast reduction,
the expected results, the anesthesia, where the surgery would
be performed, and the possible risks (which didn't bother me because
I had confidence in the doctor and I wanted the reduction.)
Dr. Thompson finally
examined me and we discussed my breast size expectations. Dr.
Thompson said I'd be two sizes smaller, which I am (I went from
a D cup to a B). I then posed for a photograph which would be
used as a guide during surgery and to follow with my progress
later.
On the day of surgery,
I arrived at A NEW LOOK's outpatient surgical facility about one
hour before the scheduled procedure. Shortly thereafter, the IV
was administered and I went to sleep. Surgery took about 4 hours
and I didn't feel a thing. I rested in the recovery room for about
an hour, I felt great and my mother took me home. I didn't have
any pain, in fact, I was up talking on the phone most of the night.
During the first week after surgery I went out for dinner and
to the movies.
I wore tight bandages
around my breasts for the first three days and on the fourth day
Dr. Thompson gave me a surgical bra. I still wear the surgical
bra at night when I sleep,and during the day I wear a regular
bra. It was at this time that I realized that I do have sensitivity
in my nipples. I was told not to do any strenuous exercise for
six weeks and after that time period I was fine to continue life
as normal.
Would I do it again?
Of course I would! I wanted a breast reduction more than anything.
My clothes now fit me properly and I look taller and more slender.
And I like and respect Dr. Thompson very much. A NEW LOOK's staff
is kind, compassionate, and extremely patient. They want you to
have the results you're looking for," she concluded.
Before
and After Photos
Breast
Reduction Questions and Answers
