Heavy, pendulous, overly-large breasts can pose a number of physical and emotional difficulties. If you struggle with breasts that are too large for your frame or if you experience physical discomforts from excessive breast tissue, breast reduction surgery may be the best solution for your needs.
With this procedure, unnecessary tissue and skin are removed from the breasts, restoring the bust to a more symmetrical and contoured appearance. In addition to producing ideal dimensions, breast reduction surgery can also restore comfort by greatly reducing the pressure and extra weight brought about by too much breast tissue.
If you live in the Los Altos area and are considering breast reduction surgery, please call Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery at 650-934-7020 to schedule your initial consultation today. Our board-certified plastic surgeons welcome patients from San Jose, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and all surrounding areas of California.
Good Breast Reduction Candidates
Issues related to heavy breasts include:
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Limited physical ability
- Pain from bra straps
- Rash or chafing underneath the breasts
- Limited clothing options
- Constant gawking
If you struggle with any of these discomforts due to overly large breasts, you may be a good candidate for reduction surgery.
In addition to experiencing physical or emotional distress caused by heavy breasts, to be a good candidate for this procedure you will need to be:
- A nonsmoker
- In generally good physical health
- Able to take time off to recover
- Willing to follow the pre and postoperative directions supplied by our plastic surgeons
Cares taken before and after your breast reduction surgery can have a profound impact on your recovery and results. During your time in our care, we will guide you through all steps to make sure you are set up for the most rewarding experience possible.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
The goal of breast reduction surgery isn’t just to reduce the size of your breasts, but to also make your breasts more attractive. Depending on the size of your breasts, this may require one of three incisions:
- Around the areola
- IN a keyhole pattern around the areola and vertically to the breast crease
- In an anchor pattern above and around the areola, vertically to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease
The incision that is best for your needs will be determined during your initial consultation.
During breast reduction surgery, liposuction and other surgical techniques are used to remove fat, tissue, and unneeded skin from the breasts before the underlying mound is reshaped to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking contour. Once reshaped, the incisions are closed, dressing is applied, and recovery begins.
Because the procedure can both enhance the way you look and also dramatically improve the way you feel physically and physiologically, it’s no surprise that breast reduction surgery boasts one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any plastic surgery procedure. It can help you improve your posture, explore new fashions and enjoy more recreational activities in addition to helping you feel more attractive, young and free.
Recovery from breast reduction can take up to six weeks, with some physical restrictions in place for eight or more. During your time in our care, we will monitor your recovery and provide detailed instruction to help ensure your recovery process is comfortable and your final results in-line with your expectations.
Breast Reduction Before and After
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Financing Breast Reduction Surgery
If the reason for seeking breast reduction is physical, it is possible that insurance will cover the procedure. This is something that will need to be cleared with your provider before your procedure. Please check with your plan administrator for details.
We accept cash and most major credit cards for breast reduction surgery, but also offer financing options through CareCredit®, a healthcare financing company that offers several promotional plans. If you are interested in this option, we can provide you information during your initial consultation.
Preparing for Breast Reduction
Preparing properly for breast reduction surgery ensures a smoother experience and recovery. Here's how to get ready:
- Consultation and Testing: Meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and required tests, like a mammogram. Share details about medications or supplements you take.
- Healthy Habits: Stop smoking at least a month before surgery to improve healing. Adjust medications, such as blood thinners, under your surgeon's guidance.
- Stabilize Weight: Keep your weight consistent, as fluctuations can affect results.
- Plan for Recovery: Arrange time off work and ensure you have help with daily tasks. Set up a recovery space with essentials like comfortable pillows, entertainment, and medications.
- Pre-Op Instructions: Follow specific directions from your surgeon, including fasting, avoiding certain skincare products, and wearing loose, comfortable clothing on surgery day.
Post-Surgical Care: Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Proper aftercare is crucial to healing and achieving the best results. Focus on these key areas:
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's guidance for medications, wound care, and follow-up appointments.
- Support Garments: Wear your prescribed surgical bra to minimize swelling and provide support until cleared for regular bras.
- Manage Discomfort: Use pain medications as directed and apply cold compresses (if approved) to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Protect Incisions: Keep incisions clean and dry. Avoid baths, swimming, and excessive moisture until your surgeon approves.
- Activity Limits: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous movements for several weeks. Engage in light walking to improve circulation.
- Sleep Position: Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to ease swelling and protect your chest.
- Monitor for Issues: Contact your surgeon if you notice severe pain, redness, unusual swelling, or discharge.
Recovery takes time, so be patient as your body heals and results take shape. Proper care will ensure the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maintain my results long-term?
Keep a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging can impact the shape and size of your breasts over time. Wear supportive bras and maintain good posture.
How long will it take to see the final results?
While initial results are noticeable immediately, swelling and bruising will take several weeks to subside. Final results typically become visible three to six months after surgery once the tissues have healed completely.
Will I lose breast or nipple sensation?
Some loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples is common immediately after surgery. In most cases, sensation gradually returns within a few months, but in rare instances, it may be permanent.
How soon can I return to work or normal activities?
Most patients can return to a desk job or light work within one to two weeks, depending on how they feel. Avoid strenuous activity, like heavy lifting and exercise, for four to six weeks.
Can I combine breast reduction with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck?
Breast reduction can be combined with tummy tuck surgery as part of a mommy makeover. Discuss your goals with your surgeon to develop a safe and effective plan for multiple procedures.
Why Choose Us
All of our surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only certifying medical board for plastic surgeons. This means that each of our breast reduction surgeons has and continues to meet the rigorous and uncompromising standards of this medical board.
In addition to being board-certified, experienced, and skilled, our plastic surgeons are attentive, caring, and dedicated. We afford each person who walks through our door the respect and thoughtfulness they deserve, and we provide honest and useful information that is relevant to the individual to help ensure all of our patients have the best experience possible.
We maintain a private, AAAHC-accredited surgical suite in which all breast reductions are performed. This is just one more way we work to protect your comfort and your safety while working towards the most rewarding results.
Call Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery For Breast Reduction!
If you are ready to schedule your breast reduction consultation, please call 650-934-7020 today. You can also fill out the form in our contact page, and our office will help you set up your appointment. Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery serves the communities of Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and San Jose from our Los Altos location.