A Woman's Guide to Breast Reduction and Lift: Everything You Need to Know

A woman’s breasts can be a source of great joy and anxiety. Some women’s breasts are simply too large and cause them physical pain. While for others, breastfeeding or aging can cause the breasts to sag. If you are considering breast reduction and lift surgery, you likely have many questions. This guide will answer all your questions and help you make the best decision for yourself.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation
How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction and lift surgery
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction With Lift?

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts. You may be contemplating breast reduction surgery if you have enormous breasts out of proportion to the rest of your body and are causing neck discomfort, back pain, or other symptoms.

Many plastic surgeons claim that most women who have their breasts reduced are quite pleased with the outcome. It’s also possible for men with gynecomastia (abnormally enlarged male breasts) to have it. Because this is a big procedure, you should know the advantages, risks, and recuperation requirements.

Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation

You’ll meet with your plastic surgeon before the procedure to discuss your medical history, including if you’ve had a lump removed from your breast or if you have any other medical disorders that affect your breasts.

Your surgeon will also inquire about the medical history of your family. Tell the surgeon everything about your medical history and why you desire to get your breasts reduced. Prepare to talk about any emotional troubles you’ve had with your breasts, how your breasts have felt physically, and any physical ailments you’ve had.

The surgeon may take photographs of your breasts, measure them, and discuss with you how much breast tissue will need to be removed to reach your desired result. You’ll also learn about how to prepare for surgery and how to plan for your recovery.

Before the operation, you may get a mammogram and a breast exam. During your appointment, your surgeon will inquire about your habits, such as whether you smoke and what medicines you take.

To promote appropriate recovery, you may need to stop smoking for some time before and after surgery. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory meds like Motrin or Aleve. Your surgeon will offer you specific advice on how to proceed.

How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

To ensure that you recuperate well following breast reduction surgery, you must be in good physical form. Follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations before and after the procedure. Prepare your house for recovery before the procedure.

Have the following items on hand:

a lot of ice
Clean washcloths and towels, as well as gauze
Shirts that are loose and comfy.
Use special ointments or lotions for the incision areas as directed by your surgeon.

If you’re not staying in the hospital, make arrangements for someone to transport you home and remain with you for at least the first night after the surgery.

Breast reduction and lift surgery

Many women want larger, fuller breasts; however, some women who have them are dismayed by their breasts’ look and feel. Large breasts develop due to genetics, hormones, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. And while feminine curves are desirable, some women’s breasts overwhelm their bodies.

A breast reduction surgery produces better body proportions by reducing glandular tissue, fat, and skin, while a breast lift surgery tightens and elevates the remaining tissues. This combination alleviates large breasts’ physical and emotional symptoms and restores balanced contours. Say goodbye to insecurity because of sagging breasts and downward-pointing nipples!

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and tissue to make your breast crease disappear as your breasts become smaller and then move the nipples up in the position to give them a lift.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction With Lift?

Physical Discomfort Is Lessened

Heavy breasts (combination of excess tissue, fat, and skin) put pressure on the back, neck, shoulders, and chest, resulting in physical discomfort. This shoulder pain and skin irritations beneath the breasts and divots in the shoulders caused by bra straps might be alleviated with a breast reduction.

Unwanted attention is less of a problem.

Breasts that are too big, especially those that develop throughout adolescence, can attract unwelcome attention, making teens and women self-conscious about their appearance. Breast reduction reduces the visibility of the breasts, which improves emotional comfort.

Nipples are repositioned.

Large and heavy breasts can cause sagging and nipples that point downward. Downward-facing nipples are elevated to protrude outward after a breast reduction with a breast lift. This and other breast lift treatments give the breasts a perky look.

Wider Variety of Clothing Options

Many women with larger busts find difficulty finding off-the-rack clothing that fits. This is because clothing sizes are designed to fit evenly proportioned body contours. A breast reduction provides women with balanced proportions that allow for a better clothing fit.

Is a breast reduction with a breast lift right for me?

Women who are uncomfortable with the appearance and feel of their too big, heavy breasts may benefit from a breast reduction with a lift.

You can undergo this plastic surgery combination if you:

Have breasts that are completely formed
Have physical aches and pains in your neck, back, chest, or shoulders
Want to have your areolas reduced or, in some cases, have their excess tissue sent off to be screened for breast cancer
have divots or indentations on your shoulders because of the weight of the bra straps
Are dissatisfied with the way your chest looks
Have a good physical condition
Are not smoking
Have reasonable expectations for their outcomes.

Breast reduction and lift procedure and recovery

A breast lift is combined with a breast reduction to tighten and raise the remaining breast tissue. When performed in combination, a breast lift uses the same incisions as a breast reduction—the anchor incision.

A breast reduction surgery will result in mild to significant bruising and swelling. Your breasts will be wrapped in a compression garment/support bra to protect the incisions and aid in the healing process.

Week 1: Bruising and swelling will reach their peak. Lifting, pushing, or pulling anything over 15 pounds is not allowed, and patients should spend the initial days resting comfortably. Most patients return to work after 4 to 7 days.
Week 2-3: The majority of the swelling will resolve; however, there will still be a significant amount of swelling present.
Week 4-5: Patients should still wear their compression garments. Incisions typically will start to close at this time, and patients can start applying scar creams.
Week 6: Patients can resume all activities, even high-impact exercises. It is recommended to start slow!

What are the risks associated with breast reduction with lift?

A breast reduction surgery is safe; however, rare complications can occur.

Potential physical complications include:

Adverse reactions to the anesthesia
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid collection
Nerve damage
Hematoma
Prolonged or poor wound healing

Potential aesthetic risks include:

Unfavorable scarring
Breast asymmetry
Skin discoloration

Breast Lift Procedures with Reduction: Pain and Scars

A breast reduction with a lift is performed under general anesthesia to enhance comfort during and immediately after the surgery. Any soreness or pain that develops in the hours and days following your breast reduction can be alleviated with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most women only require medication for a few days.

Scarring will develop at the incision sites, meaning that scars will show around the areola, down the lower pole of the breast, and across the inframammary fold. While these incisions may be noticeable initially, they will fade over time and be barely noticeable and covered by bras, bathing suits, and clothing. You can help reduce the visibility of these scars by applying scar cre+ams, avoiding sun exposure, and taking care of your healing incisions. Underwire bras should also be avoided for a full year!

A successful breast reduction surgery can relieve pain in your upper back, neck, and shoulders. It might also increase your ability to participate in physical activities and promote a more positive self-image. Although you’ll see results immediately, remember that it can take months for the swelling to go down completely and the surgical scars to fade. The final result is generally permanent — although breast size and shape can change due to factors such as aging and weight gain or loss.