Breast Reduction

Am I the right candidate for breast reduction?

Candidates for breast reduction surgery wish to have firmer, more manageable breasts. The ideal candidates for breast reduction can relate to the following issues that arise from having large breasts:

• Neck and backaches
• Poor posture
• Difficulty breathing
• Deep grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
• Skin irritation under the breasts

What kind of anesthesia is used during breast reduction surgery?

Most breast reduction procedures are performed using general anesthesia to ensure patient safety and comfort.

What kind of scarring should I expect after breast reduction?

While there is always a risk of developing visible scarring after surgery, Dr. Thompson is careful to place all breast reduction incisions in inconspicuous locations. He also provides patients with thorough aftercare directions and offers BioCorneum® to help minimize the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from a breast reduction?

Breast reduction results are typically permanent, but the breasts are still subject to the natural effects of aging, pregnancy, and weight gain. The reduction will be apparent immediately after surgery, but due to swelling and healing, the final results will take some time to show. The swelling can take up to a couple of months to diminish. Patients can preserve their results by adopting a healthy, active lifestyle and avoiding significant weight gain after surgery.

What other procedures can be combined with a breast reduction?

A breast reduction can be combined with the following:

• Breast lift procedure
• Mommy Makeover series
• Liposuction treatment

Dr. Thomson recommends combining procedures when practical as a means of reducing the overall cost. By combining a series of procedures under the fees of a single operation, his patients save both money and time recovering.

Will breast reduction surgery eliminate my back pain?

Many women with large breasts suffer from chronic back pain linked to their breasts’ disproportionate size. If your breasts are responsible for your back pain, breast reduction with Dr. Thompson will likely help eliminate at least some of this pain. It is important to remember that there are several causes for back, neck, and shoulder pain; therefore, there is no guarantee that this procedure will rectify every source of discomfort.

Do I have to combine a breast lift with my breast reduction?

Breast lift surgery is almost always combined with breast reduction to eliminate excess skin following the removal of glandular tissue and fat. If excess, sagging skin was not eliminated, and the remaining tissues were not tightened, a woman would be left with significant breast ptosis (sagging). You can discuss all of your breast enhancement options with Dr. Thompson during your consultation.

Is my breast reduction permanent?

Breast reduction surgery is designed to provide long-lasting results. Even though the removed tissues and fat are gone for good, there is nothing preventing you from gaining additional weight. This is why it is essential to maintain a healthy weight following your breast reduction.

For women who undergo breast reduction before pregnancy, there is a possibility that their pregnancy will impact the quality of their breast reduction and lift.

What are the risks associated with breast reduction surgery?

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved with breast reduction surgery. These include:

• Reactions to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Changes in skin sensation
• Scarring
• Damage to deeper structures
• Asymmetry