| Breast reduction involves the removal of excess fat, glandular tissue and skin in order to create smaller, lighter, less-burdensome breasts that are more attractive and better shaped. Most candidates for this procedure are seeking relief from physical symptoms as well as cosmetic improvement. It’s generally advised that women of child-bearing age who intend to breastfeed postpone the surgery as the procedure removes many of the milk ducts. It’s also recommended that teens postpone the surgery until the breasts are fully developed, though exceptions may be made in cases where discomfort or embarrassment are intolerable.
Dr. Kapoor may perform the breast reduction surgery onsite at the Beverly Hills Wellness Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art AAAHC-certified facility. Surgical times will vary but generally average two to four hours, and general anesthesia is often used. The incision most often made is shaped like an anchor, circling around the areola and then extending downward in a vertical line before running horizontally along the crease beneath the breast.
Once the incision is made, Dr. Kapoor will lift the skin and then remove excess fat and glandular tissue. Excess skin will be trimmed, and the nipple and areola will be repositioned. The doctor will then shape the breast’s new contour by bringing the skin on the sides of the breast down and around the areola. Any excess fat located in the armpit may be removed with liposuction. In most cases, the nipples can remain attached to their nerves and blood vessels. However, if the breasts are extremely large or pendulous, it may be necessary to remove the nipples and areolas and graft them to a higher position, which will cause a loss of sensation in the tissue of the nipples and areolas. Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Kapoor will close the incisions with stitches. For patients who are looking for a reduction in breast size without reshaping, fat removal with liposuction may be performed instead.
After surgery, an elastic bandage may be applied to the breasts or a surgical bra may be applied over gauze dressings. While the bandages may be removed two days after surgery, the surgical bra should be worn around the clock for several weeks. After that time, it’s recommended that a good athletic support bra be worn. A small drainage tube may be inserted at each incision site after surgery and these will remain in place for one to two days.
Swelling and bruising are common but should fade within a few weeks. Patients should sleep on their backs during this time. Patients may experience some pain, particularly during the first few days after surgery, and this can be controlled with prescribed medication. The breasts may become particularly swollen and painful during the first post-surgical menstruation. Moisturizer may be applied to the breasts several times daily as the breast skin may be dry. Some loss of sensation may occur in the nipples and breast skin as a result of swelling. This typically subsides within about six weeks, but may last longer or may be permanent for some patients. The stitches will be removed after one to two weeks.
Most patients find that they can return to work within about two weeks after surgery provided that their job is not an overly active one. More strenuous activities including heavy lifting or pushing, bending or stretching will need to be avoided for at least three to four weeks.
Breast Reduction Questions
Q. What are the details of the procedure?
During the reduction procedure, the surgeon removes excess fat from the breasts, along with some of the glandular tissue and skin, while endeavoring to make both breasts the same size and shape. This procedure immediately makes them smaller, lighter and less burdensome. At the same time, the surgeon may reduce the size of each areola (the darker skin that surrounds the nipple). The goal: smaller, lighter, better-shaped, and more attractive breasts that are a source of pride, not embarrassment.
Q. What else should I know about breast reduction?
Most of the women who undergo this type of surgery have it done to reduce their constant physical burden, and not just for cosmetic purposes. Usually, surgeons recommend that teens with this problem wait until their breasts are fully developed, so that the surgery need not be repeated later on. However, if the discomfort or the embarrassment is intolerable, the procedure can be performed earlier. But it is not recommended for women of any child-bearing age, who intend to breast-feed, because the procedure removes many of the milk ducts.
Q. What's the first step?
Consult with Dr. Vishal Kapoor and his medical staff. After this consultation, Dr. Kapoor will examine, measure and (for reference purposes during and after surgery) photograph your breasts. Then, you and the doctor or a staff member will discuss your objectives and the variables (your age, current and desired breast size and shape, skin condition, general health, etc.) that may affect the surgery. You'll discuss the anesthesia that will be used, where the operation will take place (a hospital or Dr Kapoor's medical facility), and the cost of the procedure. Some insurance policies will cover part or all of the cost if the reduction is medically necessary; if so, they should be sent a "predetermination letter" by the surgeon. Also, you may need to have a mammogram done. And if a large amount of breast tissue is to be removed, you may be asked to donate a unit of blood ahead of time, so your own blood will be available should a transfusion be needed. As you leave Dr. Kapoor's offices, you'll be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery: guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, medications, dieting, and other factors that can affect the success of the procedure.
Read more breast reduction questions. |
Because they're often the first thing people notice, they can be a source of embarrassment and make a woman – or a teen-aged girl – very self-conscious, especially if she's exercising or wearing a swimsuit or shorts and a T-shirt at the beach or pool. They often provoke jokes from strangers or co-workers.
