What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to make the breasts smaller, more uplifted, and more proportionate to the body. At the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Las Vegas, this procedure goes beyond the cosmetic. Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Mary C. Herte, has found breast reduction surgery can be life-changing – relieving breast, back, and neck pain as well as uncomfortable feelings of self-consciousness from constantly trying to camouflage overly large breasts. Join our many breast reduction patients who agree that breast reduction provides not only cosmetic physical enhancement but also life enrichment.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
The benefits of breast reduction are well appreciated by patients who have undergone this surgery. Generally, these benefits include:
- Relief of back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Improved posture
- Improved mobility
- Reduced chance of rashes under the breast fold (intertrigo)
- Renewed self-confidence
- Better fit in clothing
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Candidates for breast reduction surgery can be women of any age, but it is typically best to wait until after the breasts have finished developing following puberty. Patients usually have breasts that are too large in proportion to the rest of the body. Often, these patients have tried to reduce the size of their breasts through weight loss regimens or otherwise, and find they need the help of a qualified surgeon, such as Dr. Herte, to achieve this goal.
In order to be considered for breast reduction, you must be in reasonably good health. Heart disease, diabetes, or other life-threatening conditions may cause doctors to recommend a less invasive option. Tobacco smoking can also interfere with surgery, so you are advised to refrain from smoking if you are interested in breast reduction.
What Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?
Dr. Herte’s surgical approach includes techniques that focus on achieving the best natural breast shape, with meticulous incision closure for faster healing and to minimize scars. Working from a woman’s viewpoint, she also makes sure to incorporate breast lift techniques to ensure a more youthful, uplifted shape in addition to a smaller, more proportionate size.
Depending on the patient’s unique needs, the breast reduction procedure can be conducted in a few different ways. The new position of the breasts is determined by the size, shape, and location of the incisions, which can be made in varying positions around the areola and breast crease. Also note that the nipples may need to be repositioned to suit the new shape of the breasts, though they should not be removed during this process. Dr. Herte will discuss the possible incision and nipple repositioning options with you while planning the surgery.
Furthermore, breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia and in a hospital setting. The surgery rarely exceeds two hours in length, but you may need to spend the night in the hospital depending on your medical needs.
What Can I Expect After Breast Reduction?
As breast reduction is a major surgery, Dr. Herte usually recommends you secure around one to two weeks off from work to ensure a healthy recovery. You are also advised to refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks. Some degree of discoloration, swelling, and soreness is to be expected immediately following surgery, the latter of which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
While Dr. Herte’s specialized surgical technique aims to create minimal scarring, some slight scarring is possible after this procedure. The exact amount of scarring will depend on the incisions you require.
Some women may put off breast reduction surgery because they are worried about reduced nipple sensation or the inability to breastfeed. Rest assured that Dr. Herte’s technique has been developed to help preserve both nipple sensation and breast function.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?
The precise cost of breast reduction varies upon the extent of work, the particularities of the surgery, and other factors. For your convenience, we offer several third-party financing options to make your payment more manageable.
To learn more about breast reduction from our knowledgeable and caring staff or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Herte, contact our plastic surgery center in Las Vegas.