The lollipop technique and donut technique of breast reduction both involve making an incision around the nipple area of your breast, then removing excess skin through that incision before closing it up again. This leaves only one small scar at each nipple as opposed to two larger ones above each breast.
In this guide, we review the aspects of New Breast Reduction Techniques, common problems after breast reduction surgery, breast reduction without surgery, and Do breasts grow back after reduction?
New Breast Reduction Techniques
Breast reductions are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. This is due to the fact that it improves women’s daily comfort by alleviating the pain that large breasts can cause over time. It also saves them money in the long run as they do not have to attend as many chiro and physio appointments.
Many women are looking for smaller, more natural-looking breasts in search of comfort, relief and aesthetics. Attractiveness and beauty do NOT always mean having bigger breasts.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes not only excess breast fat but also tissue and skin from the breast to create a smaller more proportionate size.
This operation also involves a breast lift. This is done by repositioning and sometimes reducing the size of the nipples as well as reshaping the remaining breast tissue.
Understanding Breast Anatomy
The breasts consist of fat, tissue, glands, ducts, and skin. Each breast consists of mammary glands and connective tissues that surround it. The anatomy of the breast changes as you age. In addition to age, your menstrual cycle and reproductive status can also alter their feel and shape.
You may also have noticed that your breasts are not an exact match. This occurrence is quite common. Breasts are rarely symmetrical. Like your eyebrows, your breast are sisters, not twins. However, these breast imperfections can be magnified for some women and a procedure like a breast reduction can help even things out.
Dr Craig Rubinstein explains his Nine Top Breast Reduction trends which include
Watch the Top Breast Reduction Trends Video with Dr Craig Rubinstein
Top Breast Reduction Trends by Dr Craig
Below are some of the top breast reduction trends used in surgery
1 – Using a Vertical or Lollipop Incision to Minimise Scars
While the 3 images above are all common types of incisions, the middle image is the type of incision most commonly used for women who need a moderate breast reduction as well as those with noticeable sagging.
With the Lollipop incision technique, one incision is made around the edge of the areola while the second part of the incision is made vertically down from the base of the areola to the breast crease (also known as the inframammary fold or the IMF).
Dr Craig then removes the excess breast skin, fat, and tissue and begins reshaping the breast. This technique helps restore and lift the now smaller breast to a more youthful position. Furthermore, this procedure also minimising scarring as it is limited only to the area below the nipple as the scar around the nipple heals into the natural nipple lines. For most patients, this scar too will fade and become almost unnoticable.
The above technique is only one of many, surgeons may use one or a combination of several surgical techniques in performing your breast reduction procedure. The techniques used will depend on your existing breast anatomy as well as your desired outcome.
2 – A shift from the Anchor Technique to the Le Jour or Lollipop Technique
One of the oldest techniques surgeons use in breast reductions is the anchor technique also knowns as the inverted t incision. The anchor incision gets its name from the anchor shape of the incision pattern. This procedure involves three incision sites: around the edge of the areola, down to the breast crease and a longer horizontal incision along the crease underneath the breast (IMF – inframammary fold).
This approach is commonly used on much larger breasts where a larger amount of fat, tissue and skin needs to be removed or if the patient has had significant weight loss. This technique can also be used when there is considerable sagging or asymmetry that needs to be corrected. Similar to the lollipop technique, the scarring goes around the nipple and down the breast however, there is an additional scar along the breast crease which causes the scar to look like a nautical anchor.
3 – Minimising Use of Surgical Drains
Some surgeons use drains to keep fluid buildup from occurring however, they can be uncomfortable and cause pain when removed. Dr Craig prefers not to use drains unless absolutely necessary.
4 – Use Internal Bra technique
The Internal Bra technique is a new variation in breast surgery. The procedure aims to add longevity to both breast lift and breast reduction procedures.
Your surgeon uses internal permanent or semi-permanent sutures to “lift” from the inside providing extra support.
The internal bra technique can work in a variety of ways depending on the patient’s needs. Not only does the internal bra help control breast position and provide internal structural support but it can also assist with Symmastia (when the skin and muscle between the breasts over the sternum detaches).
However, this technique is not meant to replace the use of bras. Wearing a supportive bra is still recommended to properly care for your breasts and make the most of your surgical results.
5 – Use of Liposuction for Breast Reduction
Some surgeons will perform “liposuction only” breast reductions. However, we do not recommend this as a solution. This is due to the fact that while liposuction only breast reductions do remove volume it can result in saggy, deflated looking breasts as a lift is not incorporated into the procedure.
Granted, liposuction can effectively remove fat and your breast will feel lighter but the reduction in weight and volume can result in lower hanging or saggy looking breasts which can, unfortunately, make your breasts look worse.
A proper breast reduction surgery will include;
Furthermore, any breast reduction surgery should not only be performed under general anaesthesia, in an accredited hospital but with a qualified plastic surgeon as well.
6 – Maintaining Nipple Sensitivity and Breastfeeding Functions
Unfortunately, Breast surgery can affect future milk supply, some of the ways it can be disturbed include;
It is essential to choose a plastic surgeon, like Dr Rubinstein, that will use surgical techniques that aid in the prevention of lost nipple sensations and preserve breastfeeding functions.
Dr Craig does NOT remove the nipple completely and then reattach it, as some other surgeons do. Instead he “unplugs” it, in other words, it remains attached to the blood supply and nerves. This prevents nerve damage, necrosis (dying tissue), and potential nipple loss. By performing the surgery this way there is a higher chance of keeping nipple sensation and milk supply as they were before surgery or very close to it.
7 – Achieving proportionate breasts
Aside from making you more comfortable by removing weight from your breast achieving an aesthetically pleasing breast shape is also important.
The best outcome is to have your breasts be in proportion with the rest of your body. Your height, weight and measurements are all taken into account when your surgeon is assessing what a ‘proportionate’ breast size would be for you.
8 – Postoperative Care and Scar Minimization
After your surgery, you will need to stay home, rest and recover for a while, the amount of time depends on your surgery, as well as how you heal. Your breasts will have a surgical dressing on them to protect the incisions (in some cases a drain tube may also be inserted).
You will also have antibiotics and other medications to manage your pain and potential infections. Your surgeon will guide you on what you can and can’t do during your recovery, your recovery is normally discussed in detail before you have your surgery so you can adequately prepare yourself.
Furthermore, it is important that you attend your post-operative appointments, not only to remove any stitches and redress wounds but to also give your surgeon the opportunity to check in with you, see how you are going and to answer any questions you may have. We will also supply you with post-surgical garments to assist in the compression and protection of the breasts. Read more about Recovering After Breast Reduction.
common problems after breast reduction surgery
The team here at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD. has achieved excellent results through the latest body contouring and sculpting techniques. This includes breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), which helps address issues with large, heavy, pendulous breasts, reducing pain and other symptoms associated with the breasts and improving overall breast appearance and body contour in the process.
We’d like to look at some of the things that patients experience following breast reduction surgery so you have a good understanding of the surgical process.
Discomfort and Soreness
Varying degrees of soreness and discomfort are common issues after surgery of any kind. Many breast reduction patients remark that (although they had some discomfort after surgery) it was “less than I expected!” That being said, discomfort / pain is a highly subjective and individual response, but after this operation it is usually quite tolerable, especially after the first several days. Some soreness is normal, and you will notice that discomfort abates as healing progresses. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory prescriptions (do not use Advil–ibuprofen–or other NSAIDS; can increase risk of bleeding) can be taken to address this soreness. Most women are up and doing everyday activities within a day or two after surgery–nothing strenuous, mind you, but going about the house and taking care of one’s self.
Bruising Around the Breasts
Bruising is another common side effect of many surgeries, and patients should not be surprised if they experience bruising to a certain degree after a procedure. Resting well and refraining from strenuous activities are good ways to reduce the duration and severity of bruising.
Swelling of the Bustline
Swelling is most often experienced in the early part of the healing process and is a result of your body’s normal response to surgery or injury. Resting well and wearing your surgical dressings and/or a surgical bra as instructed help keep swelling manageable. The most prominent amounts of swelling will fade within two weeks, though mild swelling may persists for several weeks afterward. Swelling reaches its peak at about day 3-5 after surgery; after that it diminishes over time. You will also note that swelling will “move” to the ribcage, abdomen, hips, and even legs–this is normal (gravity). “Final” healing and lymphatic swelling resolution takes 6-12 months. Sudden or asymmetric enlargement can be a sign of bleeding; if you have markedly increasing swelling and increase of breast size (1 1/2 to 2X larger), contact your surgeon.
Redness Around Incision Sites
As with the other side effects noted, patients can expect some redness or discoloration around the incisions sites. This is the body’s response to healing–vascular dilation causing redness where active healing is going on. Unfortunately, infection (very rare, but possible with any surgery) can also cause an increase in redness around an incision. Localized progressive increase in redness, discomfort, and swelling outside what is seen (normally) in other areas should be brought to the attention of your surgeon. Bright pink incision discoloration tends to only last for a few weeks, but final scar fading takes 6-12 months. Use of Scar Recovery Gel (after 1 week) and Vitamin E massage (after 3 weeks) will help scars soften and fade. Ultraviolet avoidance (sun AND tanning beds) is critical as long as scars are pink; otherwise, dark (permanent) pigmentation results. Rest, hydration, and refraining from strenuous activities help improve the healing process. Silicone scar sheets can be used to help flatten and fade scars that are red, thick, or raised (hypertrophic).
Changes In Breast and Nipple Sensitivity
As patients heal from surgery, they may notice numbness or sensitivity of their breasts, particularly their nipples. This is common in the early weeks after surgery and tends to be less of an issue as healing continues and sensory nerves regrow and repair. That said, numbness and tingling may diminish over the course of a few months before reaching their “new normal.” About 15% of breast lift or reduction patients will experience permanent nipple numbness depending on their specific anatomy and the course of their sensory nerves.
Post-Surgical Scarring
Scarring is a reality with any surgery. With breast reduction surgery, there will be scars, though they will fade with time so long as patients are fully committed to the healing and recovery process. The extent of the breast reduction/breast lift scars depend on the exact amount of tissue removed, as well as the design chosen for each woman’s optimal result. This depends, in turn, on pre-operative breast anatomy and post-op goals. Rest assured that most bathing suits and undergarments will conceal the scars from view. In addition to careful and precise surgical technique, dissolving sutures under the skin (no “railroad tracks” or crosshatch marks), and meticulous hemostasis (control of bleeding vessels at the time of surgery) we will instruct you in the use scar reduction techniques and products, such as Scar Recovery Gel, Vitamin E massage, and silicone scar sheeting. Over-the-counter products such as Mederma may also be helpful.
Remember: Follow Post-Operative Instructions Carefully
Post-operative instructions are in place in order to ensure that you heal fully and most efficiently, avoiding major complications and reducing the duration and severity of side effects. Make sure to follow these instructions to the letter and to contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns as you are recovering.
Schedule a Consultation at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD.
For more information about breast reduction surgery and how it can help you have a more youthful and rejuvenated figure, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic skin care and plastic surgery center today. The American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD. will be more than happy to answer questions and address any concerns that you may have about the surgical process. In a no-charge, no-obligation consultation, we can also determine whether you may qualify for insurance coverage, and if not, can offer a nationally accredited (AAAASF) on-site surgical facility dedicated to aesthetic plastic surgery with lower costs and more specialized care than a hospital or hospital-run surgicenter (and no sick patients or nasty bacteria).
breast reduction without surgery
This unique technique of liposuction offers several advantages compared to traditional methods. These include less trauma to the breast, faster recovery, few visible scars, and fewer postoperative complications, improvement in shoulder and neck pain, and more natural appearing and immediate results.
Liposuction breast reduction will produce a smaller version of the breasts that a woman had before the procedure. The breasts overall shape will be very similar to their shape prior to the procedure, only smaller in size.
The best candidates for the Scarless Breast Reduction are in women who:
During your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin, will determine if you are an excellent candidate for the scarless breast reduction procedure.
About the Procedure
Dr. Hoefflin performs his Scarless Breast Reductions as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation or under general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The procedure usually takes between one to two hours. All operations are performed within fully credentialed and state-of-the-art surgical facilities.
About your Recovery
Patients are discharged home with light dressings and a comfortable, form-fitted bra. Soft bra support (without underwires) is encouraged for 4 to 6 weeks. Slight to moderate bruising and swelling are common for several weeks. There is a gradual decrease in postoperative swelling over several years. A self-massaging protocol is initiated after several weeks to maintain breast softness. Patients are allowed to shower several days after their procedure.
Our patients are surprisingly free of discomfort due to the long-acting local anesthetic injections and nerve blocks. Pain after this procedure is unusual. Patients tell us they feel much better than expected following their surgery and are able to return to work and social activities within several days.
Light exercise can be resumed after several weeks and an unrestricted return to all activities within six weeks.
Risks of Surgery
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the risk of serious problems after the Scarless breast reduction are rare. Specific risks and the suitability of a breast reduction procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.
Do breasts grow back after reduction?
Although breast augmentation is usually the first thing that comes to mind when people think of cosmetic breast surgery, there are actually several beneficial procedures available to address a wide variety of concerns, including breast size, shape, position, asymmetry, and more. Breast reduction, for example, is designed to reduce the overall weight and volume of a woman’s breast to give her a more natural look and relieve common symptoms associated with large breasts. The caring and experienced team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, are proud to offer Long Island, NY breast reduction surgery to help women finally look and feel more confident and comfortable than ever before.
To find out if breast reduction may be right for you, it is helpful to first have a basic understanding of the procedure itself, including what it is used for, what results are possible, and how long they may last. One of the most common questions when it comes to breast reduction surgery is whether or not the breasts can grow back later in life. Find out the answer here.
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that involves removing glandular breast tissue and fat to reduce the size, weight, and volume of the breasts. In most cases, excess skin is also removed during breast reduction surgery in order to lift the remaining breast tissue to a more youthful, perky, and appealing position.
Do I need breast reduction?
There are a number of reasons that women may pursue breast reduction in Long Island, NY. In some cases, patients simply desire a smaller breast size. For the most part, though, breast reduction is performed to relieve painful symptoms and improve the patient’s overall quality of life, allowing them to wear their preferred styles of clothing and participate in physical activity and exercise more comfortably. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that may indicate breast reduction could benefit you include:
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms associated with your overly large and heavy breasts, then breast reduction may be a fantastic option for you. During your initial consultation at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will thoroughly discuss your concerns and tailor a custom surgical plan to help you achieve your ultimate goals.
Can your breast grow back after reduction?
While it is exceedingly rare, breast growth after reduction surgery is possible in some cases. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove a portion of your glandular breast tissue. If the remaining tissue becomes enlarged at some point in the future, the breasts can increase in size. Breast regrowth after breast reduction surgery can be due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain, menopause, hormonal changes, medications, aging, and other factors. Typically, patients who have breast reduction performed at a younger age – before their breasts have fully developed – are more likely to experience future breast enlargement. In general, though, breast reduction can provide permanent or long-lasting results.
If you do experience breast regrowth after breast reduction, try not to worry. Most women in this situation are able to undergo breast revision surgery to restore their ideal look.
Does insurance cover breast reduction?
For many women who are experiencing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with their large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance. The knowledgeable team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery has extensive experience in helping patients obtain insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery and will work with you to determine your eligibility and submit the necessary paperwork.
Am I a good candidate for Long Island, NY breast reduction surgery?
Most women who are in good health, do not smoke, are at a healthy and stable weight, and are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant can be considered for breast reduction surgery. Because the procedure is highly individualized, it is essential to be evaluated by a qualified, experienced, and skilled plastic surgeon to determine which procedure(s) is most appropriate for you.
Call the friendly team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY to schedule your in-office or online consultation with board-certified Long Island plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev today, and take the first step toward getting relief from your painful symptoms, feeling more confident, and looking more beautiful than ever before!