Large breasts can cause pain, poor posture, rashes, back, neck and shoulder pain, and low self-esteem. Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) can be performed to improve these symptoms.  It can also be performed to create smaller, perkier and shapelier breasts.

Initial Consultation

Prior to surgery, Dr. Jejurikar will discuss your expectations for breast reduction surgery. He will discuss which form of breast reduction surgery is best for you, specifically discussing incisions and the typical recovery course. At that time, Dr. Jejurikar discuss the risks and possible complications of breast reduction surgery and the long-term effects of undergoing a breast reduction.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Women with large, heavy breasts may suffer physical pain from the weight of their breasts and may experience social discomfort due to unwanted attention to their breast size. Because of this, many women turn to breast reduction as a remedy.

Large, heavy breasts can also cause strain on a woman's body. The extra weight of heavy breasts can be harmful to posture and may lead to back and neck pain.  Breast reduction surgery can help a woman improve her posture and remove strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, reducing overall pain.

In addition to seeking relief from the pain caused by heavy breasts, many women seek breast reduction surgery because they simply want smaller, perkier breasts. Breast reduction surgery can help a woman regain her self-confidence and positive self-image.

Breast Reduction Incisions

Breast reduction surgery generally takes two to four hours, depending on the patient's breast size and the planned incisions. It is performed under general anesthesia. The size and shape of the breasts, as well as the desired amount of reduction, helps determine which type of incision is right for you. The different types of incisions for a breast reduction include:

    * Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery - The traditional approach to breast reduction surgery is an effective method for alleviating discomfort caused by large, heavy breasts. The traditional method, also called an anchor pattern or Wise pattern reduction, may be best choice for women requiring a very large amount of tissue removal.

      In the traditional breast reduction surgery technique, incisions are made horizontally in the crease at the base of the breast and extend vertically up to and around the areola, creating an anchor pattern. Because traditional breast reduction surgery allows for excess skin removal both vertically and horizontally, it is usually the best method for women with extremely large breasts. The anchor shaped incision allows surgeons to remove more tissue than other methods, maximizing breast reduction results.

      Although the anchor pattern method can be useful in reducing excessively large breasts, it leads to more scarring than other breast reduction surgery techniques.  For this reason, Dr. Jejurikar tends to perform limited incision breast reduction techniques more often than the traditional method.
 
    * Limited Incision Breast Reduction Surgery - The limited incision technique, also known as the short scar, circumvertical or vertical breast reduction, typically results in shapelier breasts and less scarring than traditional breast reduction surgery. Vertical incision breast reductions are a popular alternative to the traditional method, especially for women who do not require extensive tissue removal.  Dr. Jejurikar tends to perform this technique the greatest frequency in his patients.

      Incisions in this technique extend around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, making a lollipop pattern. Vertical incision breast reductions eliminate the need for the horizontal incision along the breast crease that is used in traditional breast reduction surgery, resulting in much less scarring.

      Women with moderately large breasts are the ideal candidates for limited incision breast reductions. Vertical incision breast reduction surgery may not be a good choice for women requiring the removal of excessive amounts of fat and breast tissue.


    * Scarless Breast Reduction Surgery - Scarless breast reduction uses liposuction without skin removal to reduce the size of the breasts with minimal or no visible scarring. The scar-less breast reduction technique also leaves the nipples intact so that the patient has a reduced risk of breastfeeding complications and losing sensation in the nipple area.

      Because liposuction can only reduce the amount of fatty tissue in the breast, ideal candidates for scar-less breast reduction are women whose breasts have more fatty tissue than glandular tissue. Men with gynecomastia (excess breast tissue) can also achieve desired results with male breast reduction through liposuction. Breast reduction using only liposuction is typically not the best option for more slender women with large breasts, women with extensive sagging, or women with excessively large breasts.  Insurance companies do generally not cover this technique.

Recovery

Initially after breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be sore, swollen, and bruised. You can expect to wear bandages for about two days after surgery. Activity should be kept to a minimum for one to two weeks. You should also avoid heavy lifting and refrain from exercise and other strenuous activities for at least four weeks following the procedure. For extra support, a special soft surgical bra or athletic bra may be recommended.

Most women will be able to return to work and other normal activities one to two weeks after undergoing a breast reduction. To ensure that the breasts are healing properly, breast reduction patients should attend follow-up appointments for several months after surgery.

Risk and Complications

Dr. Jejurikar performs breast reduction surgery with great care and precision, optimizing the chances for safe results. As with all surgeries, however, complications can occur. Potential risks that are specific to breast reduction surgery include bleeding, infection, asymmetrical breasts or an altered or lost nipple and areola sensation, and wound healing complications.  Risks are much greater in patients that use tobacco products, are obese, or have diabetes. Dr. Jejurikar will make sure to discuss these with you to help you decide if breast reduction is right for you.