What is Breast Reduction?

While many women long for fuller, more voluminous breasts, other women struggle with the physical and emotional discomfort of breasts that are too large for their body proportions. For these women, breast reduction, also known as mammoplasty, is a viable option. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast tissue and skin from the breasts, resulting in a more proportionate body contour and relief from uncomfortable and often painful symptoms.

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Benefits of Breast Reduction

San Diego women who are uncomfortable with the size of their breasts may be candidates for breast reduction surgery. This procedure is appropriate for women suffering from any or all of the following issues as a result of their natural breast size:

  • Recurrent neck and back pain;
  • Skin chafing and rashes in the breast crease;
  • Painful indentations from tight bra straps, often on the shoulders;
  • Breasts that are noticeably asymmetrical in size;
  • Emotional discomfort about breast appearance, or the unwanted attention they bring;
  • Avoidance of some activities due to breast size.

A breast reduction not only reduces the size of the breasts but lifts the breasts as well as alters the size and position of the nipple and areola for a more natural overall look.

Is Breast Reduction Right For You?

When patients first visit Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery for a breast reduction consultation, Dr. Kaweski performs a complete breast examination. She also listens to San Diego women’s complaints and concerns regarding their breast size, as well as their desired results and proportions. Based on these conversations, Dr. Kaweski is able to inform potential breast reduction candidates if their desired results are realistic and, if so, prepare a personalized treatment plan for them.

Breast reduction surgery is a major procedure that requires candidates to meet certain criteria, including:

  • Being in good general overall health.
  • Having realistic expectations for the procedure and its results.
  • Being a non-smoker, as smoking can complicate both the breast reduction surgery and recovery process.
  • Being in good psychological health.

About the Procedure

San Diego patients can have a breast reduction surgery performed at La Mesa Surgical Center. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by Dr. Kaweski, under general anesthesia so that patients are completely asleep during the surgery and unaware of the procedure. Incisions are commonly made around the areola, with an additional vertical incision down the lower middle of the breast and across the lower breast crease.

Breast reduction surgery may take 3-4 hours depending on the specific techniques used and the amount of tissue to be removed because all of Dr. Kaweski’s patients have unique bodies and individually desired results.

Preparing for a Breast Reduction Surgery

San Diego women who undergo breast reduction surgery are advised to prepare in advance for their recovery period, to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. Dr. Kaweski typically advises her patients to:

  • Pre-arrange transportation home after the procedure, as breast reduction patients are unable to drive themselves home due to the strong general anesthesia they receive during the surgery.
  • Meal prep prior to the procedure to make it easier to have healthy food on hand during recovery.
  • Pre-fill oral pain relievers so that patients do not have to wait at the pharmacy immediately after their surgery.

What Is the Recovery From Breast Reduction Like?

Discomfort after breast reduction surgery is generally minimal and can be managed with oral pain medication. Bruising and swelling is fairly common and will subside within a few days following the procedure. A special surgical bra is worn for a number of days to hold the breasts in their new position and promote their healing process. Breast reduction patients aren’t able to sleep on their stomachs post-op. Instead, Dr. Kaweski suggests her patients sleep on either their backs (with their backs propped up with pillows), or in a recliner. Most San Diego patients can return to regular activities in 7-10 days and more strenuous activities within one month.

What about Results?

Results of breast reduction surgery can be seen right away, and physical symptoms are often relieved immediately as well. However, full results will not be complete until swelling and bruising subsides. Breast reduction surgery is considered a permanent way to alter the size of the breasts and no further procedures should be necessary to maintain results.

San Diego women considering breast reduction should note that because the procedure removes breast tissue including milk ducts, patients may not be able to breastfeed after their breast reduction procedure. Therefore, Dr. Kaweski talks with her patients about their future family plans and thoughts regarding breastfeeding. Due to some women’s desires to breastfeed, they opt to wait until their families are complete before undergoing a breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is a highly personal decision that improves the quality of life for many women. If you are uncomfortable with the size of your breasts, contact Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery in the San Diego area by calling (619) 464-9876 to find out if a breast reduction is the right procedure for you.