Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size and weight of the breasts in women who are experiencing physical or emotional discomfort due to their large breast size. This elective procedure is typically performed on women who feel that their breasts are disproportionately large for their body frame, causing them pain, discomfort, or self-esteem issues.
During a breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to achieve a more proportionate breast size and shape. The surgery is often performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete, depending on the individual’s anatomy and desired outcome. The surgeon will make incisions on the breasts to access the underlying tissue and sculpt the breasts to the desired size. The nipples may also be repositioned to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Women who opt for breast reduction surgery may experience a variety of benefits, including:
– Relief from physical symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain
– Improved posture and overall body proportion
– Enhanced ability to participate in physical activities and exercise
– Boost in self-confidence and body image
It is important for individuals considering breast reduction surgery to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and potential risks of the procedure. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
After the surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care. It is essential for patients to follow the surgeon’s instructions for recovery, including wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
In conclusion, breast reduction surgery is a viable option for women who are struggling with the physical and emotional challenges of having disproportionately large breasts. By undergoing this procedure, women can achieve a more balanced and comfortable body shape, leading to improved confidence and quality of life.
In this post, we’ll also examine breast reduction surgery cost without insurance and breast reduction surgery cost with insurance.
Breast Reduction Surgery In Georgia
Breast Reduction
Atlanta, Georgia
Some women develop breasts that are larger than they would like. The consequences may be aesthetic – a matronly look with a disproportion between the chest and the rest of the figure. There are also commonly functional problems – back and neck pain, bra strap grooves on the top of the shoulders, a stooped posture, skin changes from chronic moisture under the breasts, and occasionally breast pain resulting from the weight of the breasts pulling away from the chest wall. To address this problem, reduction of the weight of the breast is a welcome relief.
Breast reduction, however, must address more than just excess weight. Almost always, the nipple and areola are sitting lower on the chest wall than is proper. The breast shape may be flattened, and there is a surplus of skin, especially when the volume of breast tissue is reduced. This excess skin makes the breast look droopy – called “ptosis.” Reduction of the breasts is one of the most appreciated operations performed by plastic surgeons.
Look and Feel your Best with Breast Reduction in Atlanta
Breast reductions are fantastic procedures for women who have breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of their bodies, and they are some of the happiest patients Dr. Amy Alderman cares for. Women with large breasts often suffer from back and shoulder pain, posture issues, as well as difficulty participating in sports. However, breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) can make breasts smaller and create a more proportionate figure, while increasing comfort.
For more information about breast reduction surgery in the Buckhead Atlanta area, contact Dr. Alderman today for a consultation!
What Breast Reduction can do for your Health and Happiness
Dr. Alderman’s patients are so happy because of the cosmetic and functional benefits of the surgery: 1.) the breasts are lifted and reshaped, while the nipple is reduced and raised; 2.) patients experience less neck/upper back discomfort, have fewer rashes under their breasts, and have less shoulder grooving from their bra straps. Dr. Alderman loves seeing the smiles on patients’ face when they tell her that they can now buy a regular bra off the shelf and not the million-dollar, heavily engineered bra contraption of the past.
Patients in all stages of life come to Dr. Alderman for this procedure. For younger patients, she makes sure their breasts have stopped growing before recommending a reduction. A great transition time to perform the reduction for younger patients is before college or before entering the workforce. Professional women, especially those who work in a male-dominated field, often desire a smaller breast size so that their breasts look in proportion to the rest of their body and do not draw attention – and older women are just over them! They tell Dr. Alderman that they were fun when they were younger, but now they are tired of the discomfort with exercise, tired of not finding normal bras to fit, and tired of looking matronly due to there large breast size. Dr. Alderman has never had a patient regret having the scars of the reduction, and the procedure is associated with minimal postoperative pain.
Bottom line, breast reduction patients are always happy, happy, happy!
The Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction can:
- Reshape the breasts so that they are symmetrical, round, and with nipples and areolas in central placement
- Relieve pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts
- Make it possible for you to comfortably participate in physical activities again such as sports or dancing
- Help your clothes fit better
- Improve posture
- Alleviate breathing issues
- Stop chafing and bra strap indentations
- Relieve self-consciousness
Why Should I Choose Dr. Alderman for Breast Reduction?
Dr. Alderman has a special interest in breast surgery and always strives to deliver the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art techniques. She is nationally known for her efforts in breast surgery, is a frequent lecturer at plastic surgery meetings, and well published in this area. Patient safety and optimizing outcomes are her goals. As an added benefit, you will love her bedside manner. She will quickly put you at ease and give you the reassurance that your concerns are valid and successful options are available.
Breast reduction surgery is one particular area where Dr. Alderman worked hard early in her career to learn the most advanced techniques possible. In her training, everyone did breast reductions using a wise or anchor pattern for the skin resection, which involves an incision running along the fold of the breast. Dr. Betsy Hall-Findlay in Canada had developed a technique for breast reductions that involved much less scarring and prettier breast shape. In her first year of practice, Dr. Alderman visited her surgical center to learn her technique, and it was one of the best decisions she’s ever made in her surgical practice.
The shaping of the breast and the minimal scarring (like a lollipop without the scar in the breast fold) makes this technique Dr. Alderman’s preferred option for breast reductions. As she believes you can never stop learning, she revisited Dr. Hall-Findlay’s practice 10 years later so she could further refine the technique. Dr. Alderman never stops learning and never stops trying to do better for her patients.
How does Breast Reduction Impact Breast Cancer Prevention?
Patients that are 40 years of age and older are encouraged to have an up-to-date mammogram.
The tissue that is removed at the time of surgery is sent to a pathologist for examination to make sure that there are no abnormal cells. After six months, the patient is cleared to resume normal mammogram screening. Current research suggests that breast reduction surgery does lower a woman’s risk for breast cancer, which makes sense as some of the potentially cancerous tissue is removed.
Meet Dr. Alderman
Dr. Amy Alderman is a nationally known, board-certified plastic surgeon located in Buckhead near Atlanta. As a female surgeon and mother of two children, she provides a unique perspective to patient care. Each surgical plan is individually tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyles and is aimed at enhancing her patient’s natural beauty and restoring confidence. She is known for her personal approach to patient care and has unparalleled commitment to patient safety, which can be attributed to years of education, professional experience and involvement in national patient safety initiatives.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Comfortable?
It may seem hard to believe, but breast reductions actually create very little post-operative pain. Although the breasts are a sensitive part of a woman’s body, muscle and bone are not involved with the procedure, which is a factor in patients’ overall comfort. Most patients can return to work within the week, and exercise can be resumed three weeks postoperatively.
What Happens During a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction usually requires general anesthesia, and the surgery takes 2-3 hours. Hospitalization is not necessary, however. Incisions are made around the areolas, vertically from the bottom of the areolas to the bottom of the breast, and (rarely) horizontally along the crease under the breast.
Most commonly, Dr. Alderman uses the lollipop incision in order to maximize desired breast shape and minimize scarring. Dr. Alderman removes excess skin, fat, and tissue and then reshapes your breasts. They are usually lifted, and the nipple-areolar complex is also moved to a central position. She then sutures and dresses the incisions.
After a period of time in recovery, you can go home the same day. Someone must drive you home, however, as you will feel groggy for a while from the anesthesia.
Post Reduction Mammoplasty: The Recovery Process
For a few weeks, you will wear a support bra that will aid in the healing process. As long as your work is not strenuous, you should be able to return to your job within 7-10 days, and you can resume exercise and lifting in 3-6 weeks. It is important to refrain from all physical activity for a few days, so it will be helpful if someone can assist you at home.
Your breasts will be smaller right away, but the swelling will take as long as 6 months to resolve fully. You will then be able to see your final results. To support post-operative care and comfort, Dr. Alderman provides advice about bra selection. Underwire bras, for example, are not recommended, as they might hinder the healing process.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost Without Insurance
The average cost of breast reduction (aesthetic patients only) is $5,913, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average surgeon’s fee is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost With Insurance
The average plastic surgeon’s fee for breast reduction was $5,717 as of 2020, according to the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank.