Breast Reduction
Purpose of Procedure
This operation involves multiple concepts and goals. The drooping NAC (nipple areolar complex) is lifted to a higher position which is more cosmetically pleasing. The size of the breast is reduced and at the same time the breast is tightened and reshaped. If there are asymmetries between the two breasts these are corrected as well to produce breasts which are well balanced at the end of the operation. Short scar techniques are employed whenever possible to minimize the residual scars.
Brief Description of the Procedure
This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Payne performs this operation at the local hospitals and surgery centers as well as in his MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located in his office.
Incisions are hidden around the outer edge of the NAC, travel straight down from the bottom of the NAC towards the crease underneath the breast (IMC=inframammary crease), and in the crease itself. The resultant scars will fade and become less noticeable as time passes. Sometimes they can become close to invisible.The great majority of patients tolerate the scars from this operation and regard them as an acceptable trade in order to have breasts which are smaller, better shaped, and more comfortable than what they were born with. There are multiple variations of these techniques and Dr. Payne will share with each patient what he thinks would work best for them and their anatomy.
Likely Outcome and Longevity
Most breast reduction patients are well pleased with the results of this surgery. While this operation is considered to be reconstructive in nature the combination of symptom relief and cosmetic improvement usually is dramatic.
Large breasted women generally are quite physically uncomfortable due to breast size and dependency. Symptoms include discomfort in the breasts, shoulders, back, neck and frequent headaches. Bra straps may be cutting in to the skin over the tops of the shoulders producing noticeable painful indentations. Rashes under the breasts are common. Women have problems finding clothes to fit them properly due to their disproportionately large breasts. Physical exercise is often difficult or impossible because of the large breasts and associated disabling symptoms. Psychologically many women are uncomfortable with large breasts and may go to elaborate lengths to disguise and hide their breasts from friends, family, and the general public.
Many plastic surgeons feel that the breast reduction operation is one of the more satisfying surgical procedures that they perform due to the positive response they get from their patients. Most patients are very substantially improved in terms of their symptoms after they have recovered from the operation and the cosmetic correction is usually very satisfying as well. By improving symptoms this can increase the patient’s ability to exercise and be more active. Clothing options usually expand after breast reduction. Patients look and feel better hence self-esteem and general happiness are enhanced.
Most surgical procedures in plastic surgery are not permanent and neither is the breast reduction operation. Women who need breast reduction surgery often times have skin and soft tissue that is stretchy and prone to drooping. As time passes the breast may “relax” and begin to descend. There are many factors which influence this process including aging, gravity, genetics, lifestyle issues, and the use of bras. Dr. Payne recommends that patients wear a regular bra during the day and a sports bra at nite. This can slow the stretching process and help maintain breast shape over time. Regardless of what happens with the passage of time the breasts will never return to their original status prior to the breast reduction operation.
Dr. Payne likes to see all breast reduction patients at one year after their initial surgery. At that time the results from surgery are evaluated and any touchup or revision surgery that might be needed is discussed and can be performed. If any revision surgery is required this usually involves a simple correction performed under local anesthesia. The goal of any touchup surgery is to improve patient satisfaction with their overall result. Whether or not any touchup surgery is done is entirely up to the patient.
Recovery Issues
Breast reduction surgery is not particularly painful. A minimum of one week off work is usually recommended. This can vary between patients depending on job or lifestyle demands. The recovery process is generally quite rapid. Patients who like to exercise can usually resume some type of workout within a week of surgery and can be doing strenuous exercise within 3–4 weeks. Dr. Payne will provide each patient with a detailed set of postoperative instructions as well as several medications aimed at minimizing discomfort after the surgery. He will discuss each patient’s needs in detail so that they can make plans appropriate to their individual circumstances. Off work medical leave of absence notes are provided.
Cost
Please contact our office for information regarding cost. You can get a ballpark non-binding quote over the phone for this surgical procedure. The cost of the consultation is $100 and will be applied to any surgical procedure that you have. Once you have had your consultation with Dr. Payne the final details of the operative game plan will be made. At that point you will be given a final fee quote. There are multiple options for each patient hence cost may vary from person to person.
Consultation/Scheduling
Please contact our office if you wish to make an appointment to see Dr. Payne for a consultation. Our office staff will be happy to talk to you in detail about this procedure. Feel free to ask lots of questions.
Your initial consultation will be with Dr. Payne. This generally will take about 1 hour. You may visit the office prior to the consultation to have preoperative photographs taken or to simply come by and chat. If you would like you can stop by to see our Before and After album filled with multiple digital images of clients who have undergone breast reduction surgery. You will be given multiple brochures and other paperwork which will help to prepare you for your consultation. All your options will be discussed with you at the time you make your first appointment.
