Millions of women suffer from a condition called Breast Hypertrophy, where they develop overly large or pendulous breasts. This condition usually develops around puberty, and in addition to emotional or image issues, it can cause a number of physical problems, including chronic neck and back pain, skin irritation and rashing, difficulty exercising, and a host of other issues associated with bad posture.
Newvue Plastic Surgery & Skincare
Breast Reduction
Dr. Min’s Approach to
Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Min’s focus is on natural, comfortable results that give patients a balanced appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Min will work with you to understand your needs and help you create a treatment plan appropriate to your needs and your body.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast Reduction surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure that attempts to correct these conditions by removing excess breast tissue, reshaping and repositioning the breasts to create a more proportionate and comfortable bust line.
Women of all ages can benefit from this safe and proven procedure. Ideal candidates for a breast reduction are in good physical condition (at or near their target weight). Teenagers and younger women with overly large breasts are candidates for Breast Reduction surgery, however the surgery cannot be performed until the breasts stop developing.
For patients with especially pendulous or sagging breasts (generally older patients) Dr. Min may recommend a breast lift in conjunction with the breast reduction.
How Does Breast Reduction Surgery Work?
An incision is made in a keyhole or anchor pattern, beginning around the nipple and extending downward to where the breast meets the chest. A column of breast tissue with the nipple attached is preserved while the excessive breast tissue and skin that surrounds this column is removed, either surgically or through liposuction. The skin envelope around the incision is then brought together to reshape the breasts in a conical shape. Sutures are then layered deep to the breast tissue to keep the reconstructed shape. A support bra is then used for several weeks as the incisions heal.
The results of your Breast Reduction surgery are immediately visible, and the alleviation of the chronic neck and back pain is apparent from day one. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you fully recover.
Your Breast Reduction Options
While there are several different ways of performing breast reductions, the techniques will largely be determined by the size of a patient’s breasts and the magnitude of the reduction. Different incision patterns are used depending on the patient’s body and goals:
“Keyhole” or “Wise” pattern incision: An incision is made around the nipple and then extended down to where the breast meets the chest in a keyhole pattern.
“Anchor” Incision: For patients undergoing more substantial reductions, the keyhole pattern will be extended horizontally where the breast meets the chest to form and anchor shape.
Minimally Invasive Breast Reductions with Liposuction: in cases where the patient have good skin laxity and need only a small amount of tissue removed, breast reductions can be performed using liposuction only, reducing scarring and shortening recovery time.
Your Initial Breast Reduction Consultation
The role of the consultation is to ensure that you feel informed, confident and excited.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will ask you about the position, shape and size you are looking for, as well as any specific concerns you have about their feel or appearance. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the breast reduction procedure, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos and see examples of the different procedures you’ve discussed.
Dr. Min will then ask you questions about your health and lifestyle and assess your breasts for shape, size, symmetry, and areola position. He will share and explain his opinions with you about which surgical techniques are most appropriate based on your desired outcome and the results of your exam, and together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure. In some cases, he may recommend a breast augmentation or reduction in addition to the breast lift to achieve the results you desire.
Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, what you will experience while you recover, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.
Breast Reduction Results
The results of your Breast Reduction surgery are immediately visible, and the alleviation of the chronic neck and back pain is apparent from day one. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Dr. Min and the Newvue staff are always available to help you with any questions or concerns you may have, during your recovery and after. We want to ensure that you are completely thrilled with your new look, and we’ll consider you our patient for life.
Procedure Length
2-3 hours (generally outpatient)
Normal Recovery
Return to work in 1-2 weeks, resume light exercise after 4 weeks, swelling resolves completely after 4-8 weeks
Possible Side Effects
Swelling, bruising, pain or discomfort, loss of nipple sensation